Is Highland Safe, Pros and cons of living in Highland

Highland offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and natural beauty, making it an attractive place for many to call home. This city provides a balanced lifestyle with access to amenities and a community feel. Understanding the various facets of life in Highland, from its economic landscape to its safety and climate, is essential for anyone considering a move to this area.

The cost of living and average salaries can vary significantly depending on the specific Highland location, whether it’s in California, Indiana, or Illinois. Each Highland presents its own economic profile, influencing the daily lives of its residents. This overview aims to provide a comprehensive look at what life in Highland entails, covering key aspects that contribute to its overall appeal and livability.

Is it Safe to Live in Highland?

Safety in Highland, California, presents a mixed picture with a crime rate that is 12% lower than the national average overall, but with violent crimes being 49% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). In Highland, California, your chance of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 54, and it is considered safer than only 17% of U.S. cities (as reported by AreaVibes). However, crime statistics can vary by neighborhood, with some areas being safer than others (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

In Highland, Indiana, the crime rate is 28.72 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly higher than the average U.S. city, earning it a C- grade for safety. Residents generally consider the northeast part of Highland, Indiana, to be the safest. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Highland, Indiana, ranges from 1 in 27 in the south neighborhoods to 1 in 51 in the northeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

For Highland, Illinois, detailed crime rate statistics are not readily available in the provided search results. However, it is important to research local crime data for any specific area within Highland to make an informed decision about safety.

Housing Costs and Availability

In Highland, California, the median listing price for a home is $555,000, with a median rent of $2,100 per month. The housing market in Highland, California, is currently considered a seller’s market as of March 2026. There are approximately 210 homes for sale, and the price per square foot is $331 (as reported by realtor.com®).

For Highland, Indiana, the median home price is $219,500. The average rent price in Highland, Indiana, was $1,459 last month, showing a slight increase month-over-month. Houses for rent in Highland, Indiana, have an average monthly cost of $1,800, while apartments range in price with a 1-bedroom averaging $1,620 and a 2-bedroom averaging $1,850 (as reported by Redfin and Zumper).

Information regarding median home prices and average rent for Highland, Illinois, was not found in the provided search results. It is advisable to consult local real estate listings for the most current data on housing costs in this specific Highland.

Job Market and Salaries

The average annual salary in Highland, California, is approximately $45,300, with hourly rates around $21.78. Top-paying jobs in Highland, California, include Otolaryngologist, Surgical NP, and Software Architect. The city’s job market sees popular roles like Intelligence Analyst and Field Support Analyst offering competitive salaries (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

In Highland, Indiana, the average annual salary is around $42,453, with an hourly rate of approximately $20.41. High-paying positions in Highland, Indiana, often include Nurse Practitioner, FNP, and Bank-related roles. Popular jobs in this area, such as Nurse Practitioner and Elementary Teacher, also offer competitive compensation (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

For Highland, Illinois, the average annual salary is reported as $48,410, or about $23.27 per hour. Top-earning jobs in Highland, Illinois, can include positions at Scheels, Nurse Practitioner, and RN in ICU roles. Popular employment opportunities like Police Officer and Teacher also contribute to the local job market (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Highland, California, experiences hot, arid, and clear summers, with winters that are long, cold, and partly cloudy. Temperatures typically range from 41°F to 96°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 34°F or exceeding 103°F. The hottest month is August, with average highs of 96°F and lows of 64°F (as reported by NOAA).

Highland, Indiana, has short, hot, dry summers and very cold, snowy, and partly cloudy winters. The temperature generally varies between 26°F and 91°F annually, with rare extremes below 12°F or above 100°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows of 27°F and highs of 38°F (as reported by NOAA).

The climate characteristics for Highland, Illinois, were not specifically detailed in the provided search results. Generally, highland climates are influenced by altitude, leading to cooler temperatures and unique weather patterns compared to surrounding lowlands (as described by Britannica).

Education and School Systems

In Highland, Indiana, the public schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% and a reading proficiency score of 43%, which is slightly above the state averages. The School Town of Highland has an overall Niche grade of B+, with a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1. Top-ranked public schools in Highland, Indiana, include Southridge Elementary School and Judith Morton Johnston Elementary School (as reported by Niche and Indiana School Report Cards).

For Highland, California, school ratings are available, with schools like Arroyo Verde Elementary and Cram Elementary receiving high rankings and percentiles. Arroyo Verde Elementary is ranked 8th with a percentile of 78.9, while Cram Elementary is ranked 9th with a percentile of 88.8. Other well-regarded schools include Highland Grove Elementary and Beattie Middle School (as reported by California School Ratings).

Specific school ratings for Highland, Illinois, were not found in the provided search results. It is recommended to consult local educational resources for detailed information on the school system in Highland, Illinois.

Demographics and Community

Highland, California, has a population of approximately 56,261 residents as of 2026, with a median age of 33.5 years. The city’s racial composition is diverse, with “Other (Hispanic)” being the most common ethnic group, followed by White (Non-Hispanic) residents. The median household income in Highland, California, was $77,120 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes).

Highland, Indiana, has an estimated population of 23,700, with a predominantly White (Non-Hispanic) population, followed by Black or African American and Hispanic residents. The median household income in Highland, Indiana, is reported around $76,219, with a lower cost of living compared to the national average (as reported by Data USA and ERI Economic Research Institute).

Highland, Illinois, has a population of 10,262, with White residents making up the largest demographic group at 91.1%. The median household income in Highland, Illinois, was $82,551 in 2024, though a small percentage of families live in poverty (as reported by US Census Bureau via Data USA).

Major Employers and Economic Landscape

In Highland, California, major employers are not explicitly listed in the provided search results. However, the city’s economy supports a range of industries, and the cost of living is noted as being 17% higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com).

Highland, Indiana, features a diverse range of companies, though a specific list of major employers by revenue was not detailed in the provided results. The cost of living in Highland, Indiana, is generally lower than the national average, with housing and transportation being significant cost factors (as reported by Salary.com and Livingcost.org).

For Highland, Illinois, major employers include Cooper B-Line, Highland Supply, HSHS St. Joseph Hospital, and Wal-Mart Supercenter. These companies contribute significantly to the local economy, with manufacturing, retail, and healthcare being key sectors (as reported by Indeed.com and Highland, IL Major Employers).