Highlands County, Florida

-15% vs. Florida average
$55,581
Median Household Income
$32,982
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$55,581
-15% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$32,982
-16% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
31.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Florida
#47 / 67
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Highlands County Compares

Highlands County$55,581
Florida Average$65,468
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$55,581
Median Household Income
$32,982
Per Capita Income
$177,900
Median Home Value
31.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Highlands County

Income Verdict

Highlands County has a median household income of $55,581 and per capita income of $32,982 — a gap of $22,599, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $980/month and a median household income of $55,581, rent consumes approximately 21.2% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $55,581, residents of Highlands County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $32,982 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Highlands County earns approximately 15.1% below the Florida state median household income of $65,468.

Data Story

About Household Income in Highlands County, Florida

Highlands income trails US benchmark

Highlands County's median household income of $55,581 sits $19,174 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The county reflects income patterns typical of agricultural and rural regions across America.

Below Florida's earnings standard

At $55,581, Highlands County's median household income falls approximately $9,887 short of Florida's state average of $65,468. The county ranks in the lower half of Florida's income distribution.

Highlands echoes rural economic peers

Highlands County's $55,581 sits between Hendry County ($53,044) and Hernando County ($63,193), reflecting similar rural and agricultural employment bases. All three counties significantly underperform more urbanized Florida regions like Hillsborough.

Housing costs stay within reach

Highlands County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% keeps housing costs comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $177,900, residents have reasonable housing options relative to local incomes.

Invest in your financial foundation

Highlands County households at $55,600 income can build wealth through consistent retirement savings and low-cost index investments. Even on modest incomes, compound growth over decades creates meaningful financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Highlands County, Florida?
The median household income in Highlands County, Florida is $55,581, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Highlands County?
The per capita income in Highlands County is $32,982, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $55,581.
How does Highlands County compare to the Florida average?
Highlands County's median household income of $55,581 is lower than the Florida state average of $65,468. The per capita income is $32,982, compared to the state average of $35,698.
What is the per capita income in Highlands County, Florida?
The per capita income in Highlands County, Florida is $32,982, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Highlands County a low-income area in Florida?
Highlands County's median household income of $55,581 is below the Florida average of $65,468. The per capita income of $32,982 is also lower than the state average of $35,698. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Highlands County rank for income in Florida?
Highlands County ranks #47 out of 67 counties in Florida by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $55,581 and per capita income of $32,982, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Highlands County

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Your income is above the Highlands County median

County median: $55,581 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-15%

vs. National Median

-26%

vs. Highlands County MedianAbout equal
vs. Florida Average15% below
vs. National Median26% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent4.7x

Your monthly income ($4,632) vs. median rent ($980/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.