RANK #855 / 996 · POP 102,339 · FL
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.1%
Highlands County, Florida, offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty and small-town character, with Lake Placid, known as the "Town of Murals," being a notable highlight. This central Florida county is situated roughly two hours south of Orlando, providing a quieter alternative to the state's more bustling areas. Commuting within the county is generally short, averaging around 20 minutes. The community feel is often described as friendly and welcoming, with a relaxed pace. Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with Highlands Hammock State Park, one of Florida's oldest state parks, offering extensive hiking and biking trails through old-growth forests and cypress swamps where visitors can spot alligators and various bird species. The county also boasts over 100 lakes, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water sports.
Life in Highlands County appeals to those seeking a lower cost of living and a connection to nature. Many retirees are drawn to the area, though families also reside here, supported by public schools that are considered above average. The economy, historically rooted in agriculture, particularly citrus and cattle, has diversified to include tourism and healthcare. Recent economic developments show investment flowing into energy sectors, contributing to the county's evolving economic landscape. The county's central location allows for access to larger metropolitan areas without the daily crowds and traffic.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Prices declining
Housing is fairly valued at 5.3x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Highland Solar South
Placid Solar, LLC
|
$75M | Planned |
|
Lake Placid Solar Power Plant (45 MW Solar + 18 MW Battery Storage)
Duke Energy Florida, LLC
|
$63M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Highlands County has a Boom Town Index score of 14/100, ranking #855 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.6% and a median household income of $53,679, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Highlands County is $155,900 with median rent at $919/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3443, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.6%. Home values changed -2.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.42% of Highlands County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.