Is Highland Heights Safe, Pros and cons of living in Highland Heights
Highland Heights, Kentucky, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and accessibility to urban amenities. Nestled in Campbell County, it provides residents with a dense suburban feel, characterized by numerous local bars, restaurants, and parks. This community is particularly appealing to young professionals and is known for its conservative leaning population.
The city’s demographics reveal a population of approximately 6,444 residents, with a median age of 30.8 years (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Reporter). The racial makeup is predominantly White, at about 87.9% (as reported by Point2Homes and Highland Heights, KY Demographics). Highland Heights is home to Northern Kentucky University, which contributes to a significant portion of its population being within the 15 to 24 age group (as reported by Point2Homes).
Is it Safe to Live in Highland Heights?
Highland Heights is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than national averages. The violent crime rate stands at approximately 2.114 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the average U.S. city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents often regard the central and northeast parts of the city as the safest areas (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and AreaVibes).
The overall crime rate in Highland Heights is notably lower than both the national and state averages. Property crime rates are also below average, making it a place where residents are less likely to be victims of theft or burglary (as reported by AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout). This safety profile contributes to its appeal for those seeking a secure environment.
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Highland Heights presents a mix of ownership and rental opportunities. The median home value is approximately $169,700 (as reported by Niche), with recent sales indicating a median sale price around $178,950 (as reported by Redfin). For those considering renting, the median rent for an apartment is around $1,282 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
The cost of living in Highland Heights is slightly higher than the Kentucky average, by about 1% (as reported by AreaVibes). This is influenced by various factors including housing, utilities, and transportation. However, rent in Highland Heights is approximately 22% lower than the national average, making it a more affordable option for renters compared to many other U.S. cities (as reported by Apartments.com).
Rental Market
The rental market in Highland Heights offers a range of options, with average rents varying by apartment size. A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for around $1,320 per month, while a two-bedroom unit averages about $1,517 (as reported by RentCafe). For a three-bedroom rental, costs can exceed $1,634 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Recent trends show a slight decrease in average rental prices. As of April 2026, the average rent was reported at $1,539, a marginal decrease from the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). The majority of rental properties fall within the $1,001-$1,500 per month range, indicating a stable rental market for various budgets (as reported by RentCafe).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Highland Heights is home to Northern Kentucky University, a significant educational institution and employer in the area. Another notable presence is General Cable, a company that was once a Fortune 500 entity, with its headquarters established in the city. These anchor institutions play a vital role in the local economy and employment landscape.
The city’s economy is further supported by a diverse range of industries. While specific major employers beyond education and manufacturing are not detailed, the presence of a university and established companies suggests a varied job market. The average annual household income in Highland Heights was reported at $89,510 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes).
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Highland Heights is approximately 3%, which is considered favorable and suggests strong job prospects (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income in Highland Heights was $53,275 as of 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Reporter).
Salaries in Highland Heights vary by profession. For instance, the average annual pay for a Police officer is around $57,726 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median wage across all professions is approximately $45,800 per year, with the 75th percentile reaching $58,500 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Seasons
Highland Heights experiences a climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The hot season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 77°F. July is the hottest month, with highs averaging 85°F and lows around 67°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The cold season extends from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 49°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 25°F and highs around 40°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The temperature throughout the year generally ranges from 24°F to 86°F, rarely dropping below 8°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Precipitation and Weather Patterns
Rainfall is present throughout the year in Highland Heights. May typically sees the most rainfall, averaging about 4.1 inches, while January receives the least, with an average of 2.1 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The period from March to August is generally wetter, with a greater than 31% chance of a wet day, while August to March is drier (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Snowfall is a winter phenomenon, with the snowy season lasting about four months, typically from December to March. January usually records the most snowfall, with an average of 5.8 inches. Annually, Highland Heights receives around 17 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education and Schools
School Ratings and Districts
The public schools serving Highland Heights generally receive above-average ratings. Campbell County High School has a rating of 3.76 out of 5, based on numerous reviews (as reported by Niche). Campbell County Middle School has a rating of 2.89 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).
The Campbell County Public Schools district is a primary provider of education for the area, with several elementary, middle, and high schools. Niche ranks the Campbell County Public Schools district with an overall grade of B+ (as reported by Niche).
Educational Attainment
Residents of Highland Heights demonstrate a strong commitment to education, with a significant portion pursuing higher learning. About 34.8% of the population has completed high school, while 25.5% have engaged in college studies (as reported by Point2Homes). Further, 8% hold an associate degree, 19.6% have earned a bachelor’s degree, and 10.7% have obtained master’s or doctorate degrees (as reported by Point2Homes).
Demographics and Community
Population and Age Distribution
Highland Heights has a population of approximately 6,444 residents, with a projected slight decline to around 6,109 by 2026 (as reported by Point2Homes and Highland Heights, KY Population 2026). The median age is 30.8 years, with a notable concentration of young adults and professionals (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Reporter).
The age distribution shows about 11.1% of the population under 15, 31.2% between 15 and 24, and 24.4% between 25 and 44 (as reported by Point2Homes). This youthful demographic contributes to a vibrant community atmosphere.
Household and Family Structure
There are approximately 2,528 households in Highland Heights, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). Of these, about 43.8% are families, while the remaining 56.2% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes).
Historically, the city has seen a mix of family and non-family households. In 2020, 50.9% of households were non-families, and 13.9% included individuals aged 65 or older living alone (as reported by Wikipedia). This suggests a community with diverse living arrangements.