Cost of Living in Highland Lakes, AL
Population 5,673 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Highland Lakes sits 84% above the national median — $563,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $169,833 (128% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. An unemployment rate of 2.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Highland Lakes sits roughly 12 miles southeast of Birmingham. Median home values run roughly 306% higher than Birmingham's $139,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Highland Lakes
The median home value in Highland Lakes is $562,600 — 84% above the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $169,833/year is 128% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Alabama's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 9.2%. Overall, Highland Lakes has a cost of living index of 184 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 84% more expensive.
Highland Lakes has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Highland Lakes, AL?
Highland Lakes has a cost index of 184 (100 = national average). It is 84% above the national average.
What is the average home price in Highland Lakes?
The median home value in Highland Lakes is $562,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Highland Lakes?
The median household income in Highland Lakes is $169,833 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Highland Lakes, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Highland Lakes is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Highland Lakes, AL affordable?
Highland Lakes is above average in cost of living, with an index of 184 — about 84% higher than the national average.
Highland Lakes at a Glance
- Population
- 5,673
- Median Income
- $169,833
- Home Value
- $562,600
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Alabama Rankings
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