Cost of Living in Highland Heights, KY

Population 6,531 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023

63
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Highland Heights a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $149,000. An unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Highland Heights sits roughly 8 miles southeast of Cincinnati — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 31% lower than Cincinnati's $215,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 49
Rent 84

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Highland Heights

The median home value in Highland Heights is $148,600 — 51% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,101/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,437/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Kentucky's top state income tax rate is 4.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 65.4°F and lows of 44.2°F. Overall, Highland Heights has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$148,600
51% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$123,946
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,101/mo
16% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,500/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$636
1 BR
$721
2 BR
$872
3 BR
$1,187
4 BR
$1,336
Owner-occupied 63.7%
Renter-occupied 36.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,101
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,715/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
19.6 min
27% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
69.2%
Carpooled
9.7%
Walked
7.1%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
12.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$52,437
30% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,641
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
46% below avg
Poverty Rate
18.5%
Labor Force Participation
63.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.4%
Graduate degree 12.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 29.7
Male median age 25.9
Female median age 30.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
65.4°F
Avg Low
44.2°F
Annual Precip
43.4"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 414555677583878680685545
Low °F 242633435361656456443428
Precip" 2.862.793.944.374.704.614.393.393.073.052.913.32

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
65%
Good air days/yr
187
Max AQI recorded
248
PM2.5 days
112
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Highland Heights, KY?

Highland Heights has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.

What is average rent in Highland Heights, KY?

The median gross rent in Highland Heights is $1,101 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Highland Heights?

The median home value in Highland Heights is $148,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Highland Heights?

The median household income in Highland Heights is $52,437 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Highland Heights, KY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Highland Heights is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.

Is Highland Heights, KY affordable?

Yes, Highland Heights is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Highland Heights?

Highland Heights has average high temperatures of 65.4°F and average lows of 44.2°F. Annual precipitation is 43.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Highland Heights at a Glance

Population
6,531
Median Income
$52,437
Home Value
$148,600
Median Rent
$1,101/mo
Unemployment
2.6%
Avg High Temp
65.4°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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