Cost of Living in Highlands, TX
Population 7,339 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Highlands is a smaller Texas community of around 7000 residents, where median household incomes of $54,524 and housing costs ($191,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Highlands sits roughly 12 miles northeast of Pasadena — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Pasadena's $194,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Highlands
The median home value in Highlands is $191,400 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,364/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,524/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 79.8°F and lows of 62.5°F. Overall, Highlands has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% less expensive.
Highlands 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
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 64 | 68 | 73 | 79 | 86 | 91 | 93 | 94 | 89 | 82 | 73 | 66 |
| Low °F | 46 | 50 | 56 | 62 | 69 | 75 | 77 | 77 | 73 | 64 | 54 | 48 |
| Precip" | 4.09 | 2.85 | 3.28 | 4.08 | 5.42 | 6.09 | 4.59 | 5.44 | 5.76 | 5.78 | 3.90 | 4.34 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Highlands, TX?
Highlands has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.
What is average rent in Highlands, TX?
The median gross rent in Highlands is $1,364 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Highlands?
The median home value in Highlands is $191,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Highlands?
The median household income in Highlands is $54,524 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Highlands, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Highlands is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Highlands, TX affordable?
Yes, Highlands is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Highlands?
Highlands has average high temperatures of 79.8°F and average lows of 62.5°F. Annual precipitation is 55.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Highlands at a Glance
- Population
- 7,339
- Median Income
- $54,524
- Home Value
- $191,400
- Median Rent
- $1,364/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 79.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
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Texas Rankings
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