Is Highlands Safe, Pros and cons of living in Highlands
Highlands, North Carolina, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. This picturesque town is a popular destination for those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, drawing visitors and residents alike with its cooler climate and scenic vistas. Its elevated position contributes to a distinct atmosphere, making it a sought-after location for a serene lifestyle.
The community is known for its upscale appeal and a strong sense of local identity. Residents and visitors often praise the town’s natural surroundings, including waterfalls and hiking trails, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The town’s infrastructure supports a comfortable living experience, with various amenities catering to its residents’ needs and preferences.
Is it Safe to Live in Highlands?
Crime Rates
Highlands presents a generally safe environment with crime rates that are significantly lower than national averages. The town reports a total crime rate that is 20% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes are virtually non-existent, with rates 100% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
While property crime rates are also lower than the national average, they represent the majority of reported incidents. Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Highlands is approximately 1 in 59 (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents often consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest area, with a much lower chance of victimization compared to central neighborhoods (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Crime
The cost of crime per resident in Highlands is approximately $679 per year, which is higher than both the national and North Carolina state averages (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This figure includes criminal justice system costs, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions from offenders. These tangible costs represent about 1.2% of the median household income in Highlands (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Highlands
Overall Expenses
The cost of living in Highlands is higher than both the North Carolina average and the national average. The overall cost of living index is 47% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $2,348, and for a family of four, it’s approximately $5,170 (as reported by Salary.com).
These figures reflect a slight increase from the previous year and are driven by several factors. Housing costs are a significant contributor, alongside elevated transportation and food expenses (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing Costs
Housing in Highlands is notably more expensive than the national average. The median home value is around $1,028,377 (as reported by Zillow), with a median listing price of $1.35 million (as reported by Home.com). This elevated price point is attributed to the town’s desirability and limited inventory, creating a seller-friendly market.
The median property value in Highlands was $700,900 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This represents a 5.19% increase from the previous year, indicating steady appreciation in the real estate market. The homeownership rate stands at 67.2% (as reported by Data USA).
Rental Market
The rental market in Highlands presents a more balanced situation compared to homeownership. The average rent for a home is approximately $5,000 per month (as reported by Zillow). However, rental prices can vary significantly, with a range from $1,600 to $30,000 per month for properties with different numbers of bedrooms (as reported by Zillow).
For renters, the average monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,600, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $8,000 per month (as reported by Zillow). Despite the high median home prices, the rental market offers more accessible options for those not ready to purchase.
Income and Affordability
The median household income in Highlands was reported as $71,509 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), with an average per capita income of $66,250 (as reported by World Population Review). However, the cost of living, particularly housing, can strain affordability for some residents. Some analyses suggest that a comfortable lifestyle might require a median household income of around $55,769 (as reported by Spencer Kirkpatrick).
The cost of living is 53% higher than the North Carolina average (as reported by AreaVibes). This means that while incomes may seem competitive, the overall expenses, especially for housing, can be substantial. For instance, housing costs are 155% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Highlands and its surrounding Macon County area have several key employers contributing to the local economy. Highlands Cashiers Hospital Inc. is a significant employer in the healthcare sector (as reported by Western Carolina University). Other notable employers in Macon County include Ingles Markets Inc. and Wal-Mart Associates Inc. (as reported by Western Carolina University).
The town’s economy also benefits from a robust tourism sector, with many businesses catering to visitors. Professional services, real estate, and construction are also prominent industries, reflecting the town’s appeal and development (as reported by Highlands Chamber of Commerce).
Unemployment Rate
Unemployment figures in North Carolina show a statewide rate of 3.7% as of March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). While specific data for Highlands is not readily available, county-level data can provide context. In January 2026, unemployment rates increased across all 100 North Carolina counties (as reported by NC Commerce).
This statewide trend suggests that local unemployment rates may also be subject to these fluctuations. It is advisable to consult the latest county-level reports from the N.C. Department of Commerce for the most current unemployment data applicable to the Highlands area.
Average Salary
The average annual salary in Highlands is approximately $55,668 as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This figure translates to about $26.76 per hour. Salaries in Highlands typically range between $38,750 and $71,500 annually, depending on the occupation and experience level (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Some of the highest-paying professions in the area include specialized medical roles such as OMFS Surgeon and Cardiologist Sonographer (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Other well-compensated positions can be found in fields like cybersecurity and aviation.
Climate and Weather
Temperatures and Seasons
Highlands experiences a subtropical highland climate, characterized by cool winters and warm summers. Due to its high elevation, the town enjoys cooler weather than much of the American South, with average July high temperatures around 78°F (as reported by Wikipedia). Winter nights can be chilly, with January lows averaging 24°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The town experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and can be humid, though breezy conditions offer some relief. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant with mild temperatures and comfortable humidity levels. Layering clothing is recommended year-round, and a light jacket is often useful even in summer due to cooler evenings (as reported by NCMountainLife.com).
Precipitation and Snowfall
Highlands receives abundant rainfall, with an average of 87.57 inches per year (as reported by Wikipedia). December typically sees the most precipitation, averaging around 9 inches for the month (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Total annual precipitation is high, generally around 88 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Annual snowfall is relatively light, averaging about 10 to 15 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather, NCMountainLife.com). Most of the snowfall occurs during the winter months, primarily in December and March.
Demographics and Community
Population and Age
Highlands is home to a small population, with approximately 1,140 residents as of recent estimates (as reported by Kurby AI). The population has seen slight growth, increasing by about 6.24% since the 2020 census (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Highlands is notably high, around 62.7 years (as reported by World Population Review, Data Commons).
A significant portion of the population is aged 65 or older, making up approximately 46.9% of residents (as reported by Point2Homes). This demographic trend suggests a community that appeals to retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Race and Ethnicity
The racial composition of Highlands is predominantly White, accounting for about 86.8% of the population (as reported by Census Dots). Black or African American residents make up approximately 5.2% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 5.9% (as reported by Census Dots).
Other racial groups, including Asian and Multiracial populations, represent smaller percentages. Overall, Highlands is less racially diverse than North Carolina as a whole (as reported by Census Dots).
Household and Citizenship
Highlands has around 643 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). A notable aspect of the community is its high rate of U.S. citizenship, with 97.4% of residents being citizens (as reported by Data USA). This high percentage of citizenship is above the national average.
The majority of households are not families, with 53.2% consisting of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). This composition, combined with the older median age, points to a community with a significant number of independent, long-term residents.
Education
School Ratings and Performance
Highlands School serves students from Kindergarten through 12th grade and is a public institution (as reported by Niche). It receives an overall Niche grade of B+ and is rated 3.78 out of 5 stars (as reported by Niche). The school has a student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
State test scores indicate that 62% of students are proficient in math and 66% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). Highlands School is ranked among the top public K-12 schools in North Carolina, placing in the top 30% statewide (as reported by Public School Review).
District Performance
Highlands School is part of the Macon County Schools system. While Highlands School itself has a solid rating, other nearby schools like Macon Early College and Jackson County Early College also receive high marks, with ratings of A- (as reported by Niche, Public School Review).
When considering elementary schools, Highlands School is ranked as the top public elementary school in the area, with average math and reading proficiency scores of 62% (as reported by Public School Review). The school’s performance places it in the top 20% of North Carolina public elementary schools.