2023 Highlands County, Florida Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Highlands County, Florida, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Highlands County, Florida Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Highlands County, Florida Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for Highlands County, Florida
The following statistics highlight Highlands County, Florida population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 103,808
- Median Age (Total)
- 54.2 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 52.7 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 55.7 years
Highlands County, Florida Age Distribution Comparison with Florida 2023
Compare Highlands County, Florida age demographics with Florida to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Highlands County, Florida | Florida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 54.2 yrs | 42.7 yrs | +11.5 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 4.12% | 4.91% | -0.8pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 12.71% | 14.31% | -1.6pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 5.62% | 8.16% | -2.5pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 19.27% | 25.24% | -6.0pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 35.93% | 21.80% | +14.1pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 111.72 | 69.54 | +42.2 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 111.72
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 35.64 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 76.07 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Highlands County, Florida Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of Highlands County, Florida
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Highlands County, Florida are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 53.20
- Diversity Tier
- moderate
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Florida
Compare Highlands County, Florida racial and ethnic demographics with Florida to understand regional diversity patterns.
Highlands County, Florida Diversity
53.20
moderateFlorida Diversity
65.38
highRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Highlands County, Florida | Florida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 64.21% | 49.07% | +15.1pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 21.49% | 28.69% | -7.2pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 9.16% | 14.29% | -5.1pp |
| Two or More Races | 2.91% | 4.05% | -1.1pp |
| Asian Alone | 1.50% | 3.02% | -1.5pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.55% | 0.69% | -0.1pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.14% | 0.11% | +0.0pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.03% | 0.08% | -0.1pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 53.20 | 65.38 | -12.18 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Highlands County, Florida Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for Highlands County, Florida
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Highlands County, Florida, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $55,581 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 45,943
Income Comparison with Florida
Compare Highlands County, Florida household income with Florida to understand regional economic patterns.
Highlands County, Florida
$55,581
Florida
$77,735
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Highlands County, Florida | Florida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 16.57% | 11.07% | +5.5pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 14.90% | 10.00% | +4.9pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 14.44% | 10.58% | +3.9pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 20.10% | 16.67% | +3.4pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 25.06% | 30.91% | -5.9pp |
| $150,000 or more | 8.93% | 20.77% | -11.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Florida.
Highlands County, Florida Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for Highlands County, Florida
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Highlands County, Florida, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $177,900
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 36,257 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Florida
Compare Highlands County, Florida property values with Florida to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Highlands County, Florida
$177,900
Florida
$396,900
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Highlands County, Florida | Florida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 7.22% | 2.24% | +5.0pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 7.88% | 2.09% | +5.8pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 11.68% | 3.41% | +8.3pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 30.05% | 8.27% | +21.8pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 37.96% | 50.21% | -12.2pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 5.01% | 30.01% | -25.0pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.19% | 3.77% | -3.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Florida.
Highlands County, Florida Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for Highlands County, Florida
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Highlands County, Florida, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 86.36%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 19.73%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 80,495
Education Level Comparison with Florida
Compare Highlands County, Florida educational attainment with Florida to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Highlands County, Florida
19.73%
Bachelor's+ in Florida
35.84%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Highlands County, Florida | Florida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 13.64% | 9.64% | +4.0pp |
| HS Graduate | 34.45% | 26.45% | +8.0pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 32.18% | 28.08% | +4.1pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 12.44% | 22.14% | -9.7pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 7.28% | 13.69% | -6.4pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 86.36% | 90.36% | -4.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Florida.
Highlands County, Florida Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Highlands County, Florida
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Highlands County, Florida, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 12.7%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 13,038
- Total Civilian Population
- 102,449
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Florida
Compare Highlands County, Florida health insurance coverage with Florida to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Highlands County, Florida
12.7%
Uninsured in Florida
10.9%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Highlands County, Florida | Florida | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 8.2% | 10.6% | 8.5% | 8.4% |
| 18-34 years | 33.6% | 23.7% | 22.6% | 16.6% |
| 35-64 years | 23.6% | 18.3% | 14.9% | 12.0% |
| 65+ years | 1.0% | 0.7% | 1.0% | 1.0% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Highlands County, Florida Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for Highlands County, Florida
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Highlands County, Florida, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 95.3% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 6,269 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 4,922
Citizenship Comparison with Florida
Compare Highlands County, Florida citizenship and nativity with Florida to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Highlands County, Florida
95.3%
Citizenship in Florida
89.6%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Highlands County, Florida | Florida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 85.1% | 72.9% | +12.2pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 3.4% | 2.5% | +0.9pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.8% | 1.5% | -0.7pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 6.0% | 12.7% | -6.7pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 4.7% | 10.4% | -5.7pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 95.3% | 89.6% | +5.7pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Florida.
Highlands County, Florida Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for Highlands County, Florida
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Highlands County, Florida, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 88.6%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.2%
- Work From Home Rate
- 7.6%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 35,159
Transportation Comparison with Florida
Compare Highlands County, Florida commuting patterns with Florida to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Highlands County, Florida
88.6%
Drove in Florida
79.0%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Highlands County, Florida | Florida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 88.6% | 79.0% | +9.6pp |
| Public transportation | 0.2% | 1.3% | -1.1pp |
| Bicycle | 0.3% | 0.5% | -0.2pp |
| Walked | 1.9% | 1.4% | +0.5pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.6% | 2.2% | -0.6pp |
| Worked from home | 7.6% | 15.5% | -7.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Florida.
Highlands County, Florida Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for Highlands County, Florida
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Highlands County, Florida by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 35,736
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Florida
Compare Highlands County, Florida employment patterns with Florida to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Highlands County, Florida
7.8% (M) / 9.6% (F)
Government Employment in Florida
5.3% (M) / 6.5% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Highlands County, Florida | Florida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 37.9% F: 30.0% | M: 40.5% F: 33.9% | M: -2.6pp F: -3.9pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 3.1% F: 5.6% | M: 2.5% F: 4.6% | M: +0.6pp F: +1.0pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 7.8% F: 9.6% | M: 5.3% F: 6.5% | M: +2.5pp F: +3.1pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 3.6% F: 2.1% | M: 3.7% F: 2.7% | M: -0.1pp F: -0.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Florida.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Highlands County, Florida Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for Highlands County, Florida
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Highlands County, Florida, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 9,508
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
4,075 veterans (42.9%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Florida
Compare Highlands County, Florida veteran demographics with Florida to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Highlands County, Florida
9,508
Total Veterans in Florida
1,347,330
- Highlands County, Florida: Vietnam Era Only (42.9%)
- Florida: Vietnam Era Only (31.4%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Highlands County, Florida | Florida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 42.9% (4,075) | 31.4% (423,694) | +11.5pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 14.5% (1,380) | 7.5% (101,158) | +7.0pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 13.0% (1,236) | 14.8% (199,351) | -1.8pp |
| Korean War Only | 10.2% (973) | 5.1% (68,151) | +5.1pp |
| Gulf War Only | 5.7% (541) | 13.7% (185,078) | -8.0pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 4.2% (399) | 13.8% (185,410) | -9.6pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 2.5% (236) | 8.5% (114,567) | -6.0pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 2.4% (230) | 2.2% (29,427) | +0.2pp |
| WWII Only | 2.0% (191) | 1.3% (18,004) | +0.7pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 1.3% (128) | 0.7% (9,197) | +0.6pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.7% (63) | 0.3% (4,392) | +0.4pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.6% (53) | 0.4% (5,835) | +0.2pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.0% (3) | 0.1% (1,875) | -0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Highlands County, Florida Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for Highlands County, Florida
The following data categorizes families in Highlands County, Florida by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 11.4% (3,273 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 37.6% (10,784 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 50.9% (14,594 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Florida
Compare Highlands County, Florida poverty levels with Florida to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Highlands County, Florida
11.4%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Florida
8.4%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Highlands County, Florida | Florida | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 11.4% (3,273) | 8.4% (500,062) | +3.0pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 37.6% (10,784) | 30.2% (1,785,721) | +7.4pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 50.9% (14,594) | 61.4% (3,636,877) | -10.5pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 5.2% | 3.9% | +1.3pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 3.2% | 2.0% | +1.2pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 3.0% | 2.6% | +0.4pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 3.2% | 2.9% | +0.3pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 6.2% | 3.4% | +2.8pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 4.2% | 3.8% | +0.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Florida.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Highlands County, Florida SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for Highlands County, Florida
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Highlands County, Florida, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 6,856 (14.92% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 2,358 (34.39% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 45,943
SNAP Participation Comparison with Florida
Compare Highlands County, Florida SNAP participation with Florida to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Highlands County, Florida
14.92%
6,856 householdsSNAP Participation in Florida
11.37%
1,039,823 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Highlands County, Florida | Florida | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 12.62% (865) | 11.90% (816) | 16.62% (172,821) | 12.47% (129,636) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 2.32% (159) | 4.80% (329) | 5.12% (53,251) | 4.19% (43,572) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 18.61% (1,276) | 10.85% (744) | 21.13% (219,699) | 10.68% (111,029) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.85% (58) | 38.05% (2,609) | 0.44% (4,529) | 29.36% (305,286) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 6,856 (14.92% of households) | 1,039,823 (11.37% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.