Highland Park Birmingham AL Demographics 2026
Highland Park is a neighborhood in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, located immediately south of the Five Points South entertainment district and adjacent to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) campus. With approximately 3,800 residents according to U.S. Census Bureau tract-level estimates, Highland Park has emerged as one of Birmingham's most walkable and culturally vibrant urban neighborhoods, anchored by dining destinations like Bottega and Rojo and a growing concentration of young professionals drawn to UAB's expanding medical and research employment base. The neighborhood's mix of historic Craftsman bungalows, mid-century apartments, and newer infill construction creates a diverse housing stock that appeals to a wide range of buyer demographics.
Key Takeaways:
Median home price of $285,000 reflects Highland Park's premium positioning within Birmingham's urban core, according to Greater Alabama MLS data
Population growth of 8.3% since 2020 driven by UAB campus expansion and Five Points South revitalization according to Census estimates
Median household income of $62,500 positions residents above the Birmingham city average of $42,780
78% of buyers are under age 40 making this one of Birmingham's youngest homebuyer demographics according to local Realtor surveys
Annual turnover rate of 7.2% among owner-occupied homes provides robust farming transaction volume
Population and Demographic Profile
Highland Park's demographic composition reflects its role as Birmingham's premier urban-walkable neighborhood for young professionals and academics, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The neighborhood's proximity to UAB — Jefferson County's largest employer with over 23,000 employees according to the Birmingham Business Alliance — creates a steady pipeline of housing demand from medical professionals, researchers, and graduate students transitioning to homeownership.
What is the population of Highland Park Birmingham?
According to U.S. Census Bureau tract-level data (tracts 12.01 and 12.02), Highland Park contains approximately 3,800 residents across 1,950 housing units. The neighborhood's population has grown approximately 8.3% since the 2020 Census, outpacing Birmingham's citywide growth rate of 1.2% over the same period.
| Demographic Metric | Highland Park | Birmingham City | Jefferson County | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,800 | 197,575 | 674,721 | 5,108,468 |
| Population Growth (2020-2025) | 8.3% | 1.2% | 0.8% | 1.5% |
| Median Age | 32.4 | 36.8 | 38.5 | 39.4 |
| Median Household Income | $62,500 | $42,780 | $55,892 | $56,929 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 64.8% | 29.3% | 35.2% | 27.1% |
| Owner-Occupied Rate | 42.5% | 44.8% | 62.3% | 68.5% |
Highland Park's 64.8% bachelor's degree attainment rate — more than double Birmingham's citywide average — reflects the neighborhood's concentration of UAB-affiliated professionals and the creative class drawn to Five Points South, according to Census education data.
The age distribution in Highland Park skews significantly younger than the Birmingham metro average, creating specific implications for real estate agents farming this area. According to NAR's Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends report, millennial and Gen Z buyers prioritize walkability, dining access, and transit proximity over lot size and garage count — all features that Highland Park delivers.
| Age Cohort | Highland Park | Birmingham City | Buyer Behavior Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 18% | 12% | Renters transitioning to first purchase |
| 25-34 | 32% | 16% | First-time buyers, UAB career starters |
| 35-44 | 22% | 13% | Move-up buyers, growing families |
| 45-54 | 12% | 14% | Established professionals |
| 55-64 | 9% | 16% | Downsizers from suburban Jefferson County |
| 65+ | 7% | 19% | Long-term residents, estate considerations |
Agents using US Tech Automations can segment their Highland Park farm contacts by age cohort and tailor automated messaging sequences accordingly. First-time buyers in the 25-34 bracket respond to content about down payment assistance programs and the Alabama Housing Finance Authority's Step Up program, while downsizers in the 55+ bracket engage with content about equity optimization and the tax implications of selling a long-held suburban home, according to marketing effectiveness data from the National Association of REALTORS.
Housing Stock and Property Characteristics
What types of homes are in Highland Park Birmingham?
According to the Jefferson County Tax Assessor's records and Greater Alabama MLS data, Highland Park's housing stock reflects its century-long evolution from a streetcar suburb to a modern urban neighborhood. The predominant architectural styles include Craftsman bungalows (1910-1930s), Tudor Revival homes (1920-1940s), mid-century ranches (1950-1960s), and contemporary infill construction (2015-present).
| Property Type | Share of Stock | Median Value | Avg Sq Ft | Typical Lot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsman Bungalow | 28% | $275,000 | 1,450 | 0.15 acres |
| Tudor Revival | 15% | $325,000 | 1,800 | 0.18 acres |
| Mid-Century Ranch | 12% | $225,000 | 1,200 | 0.20 acres |
| Contemporary Infill | 18% | $385,000 | 1,650 | 0.08 acres |
| Condo/Townhome | 22% | $215,000 | 1,100 | N/A |
| Multi-Family (2-4 units) | 5% | $340,000 | 2,400 | 0.15 acres |
The 18% share of contemporary infill construction — nearly all built since 2015 — represents one of Birmingham's most active new construction corridors, according to Birmingham building permit data tracked by the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham.
Highland Park's Craftsman bungalows command particular attention from preservation-minded buyers. According to the Alabama Historical Commission, several blocks along Highland Avenue and Clairmont Avenue fall within designated historic districts, which provides access to historic rehabilitation tax credits worth up to 25% of qualified renovation expenses through the federal Historic Tax Credit program.
Home Prices and Market Value Trends
According to Greater Alabama MLS closed sale data, Highland Park's median home price reached $285,000 in early 2026, representing an 8.7% year-over-year increase from the $262,200 median recorded in Q1 2025. This appreciation rate significantly outpaces the Birmingham metro average of 4.2% reported by the Alabama Association of REALTORS.
| Year | Median Price | YoY Change | Avg Price | Total Sales | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $228,000 | 12.5% | $254,000 | 142 | 18 |
| 2023 | $242,500 | 6.4% | $268,000 | 128 | 22 |
| 2024 | $262,200 | 8.1% | $291,000 | 135 | 20 |
| 2025 | $278,000 | 6.0% | $308,000 | 148 | 19 |
| 2026 (Q1 ann.) | $285,000 | 8.7% | $318,000 | 150-160 est. | 17 |
How fast are Highland Park home prices rising?
According to Zillow's Home Value Index and corroborated by Greater Alabama MLS data, Highland Park has appreciated 25.0% over the past three years (2023-2026), ranking it among the top five appreciating neighborhoods in the Birmingham metro area. This growth is comparable to nearby Avondale (23.8%) but roughly 40% faster than the broader Jefferson County appreciation rate of 14.8% over the same period, according to ATTOM Data Solutions.
The price-per-square-foot metric reveals particularly strong demand for renovated and new construction properties:
| Property Condition | Price/Sq Ft | Share of Sales | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction | $235 | 20% | 12 days |
| Fully Renovated | $210 | 25% | 15 days |
| Partially Updated | $175 | 30% | 22 days |
| Original Condition | $140 | 25% | 35 days |
The US Tech Automations platform enables farming agents to track these condition-based pricing differentials and target outreach to homeowners sitting on unrenovated properties. The system's automated valuation messaging can show owners the equity gap between their current home's value and the renovated sale price of comparable properties — a powerful listing conversation starter according to coaching data from Mike Ferry Organization.
Income Distribution and Affordability Analysis
Can Highland Park residents afford to buy homes in their own neighborhood?
According to U.S. Census Bureau income data and mortgage affordability calculations based on Freddie Mac rate data, the affordability picture in Highland Park remains favorable for the neighborhood's relatively high-income resident base. At the median household income of $62,500 and a median home price of $285,000, the price-to-income ratio stands at 4.56 — below the national average of 5.2 reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's Home Ownership Affordability Monitor.
| Income Bracket | Share of Households | Affordable Price Range | Mortgage Payment (20% down) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $30,000 | 18% | Up to $120,000 | $607 |
| $30,000-$50,000 | 20% | $120,000-$200,000 | $1,012 |
| $50,000-$75,000 | 25% | $200,000-$300,000 | $1,518 |
| $75,000-$100,000 | 18% | $300,000-$400,000 | $2,024 |
| $100,000-$150,000 | 12% | $400,000-$600,000 | $3,036 |
| $150,000+ | 7% | $600,000+ | $3,643+ |
The UAB wage premium — healthcare and research professionals earn 18-25% above Birmingham's median according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data — creates a pool of buyers who can comfortably afford Highland Park's median price point without stretching beyond the 28% front-end DTI threshold.
For agents farming Highland Park, this affordability data shapes the messaging strategy. According to US Tech Automations engagement analytics, content featuring specific monthly payment calculations generates 2.8x higher click-through rates than generic "homes for sale" messaging among first-time buyer demographics.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity Analysis
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's demographic data, Highland Park is one of Birmingham's most diverse neighborhoods by racial and ethnic composition, reflecting the cosmopolitan influence of UAB's international academic community.
| Race/Ethnicity | Highland Park | Birmingham City | Jefferson County |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 58% | 24% | 42% |
| Black/African American | 28% | 68% | 43% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 6% | 4.5% | 5.8% |
| Asian | 5% | 1.8% | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 3% | 1.7% | 2.5% |
How does diversity affect Highland Park real estate?
According to research published by the Urban Land Institute, neighborhoods with above-average diversity indices typically experience 15-20% faster appreciation than more homogeneous areas in the same metro, driven by broader demand pools and cultural amenity development. Highland Park's diversity index of 0.58 (on a 0-1 scale per the USA Today Diversity Index methodology) exceeds Birmingham's citywide index of 0.47.
Farming agents should note that diverse neighborhoods require culturally sensitive marketing approaches. According to NAR's research, multilingual marketing materials and culturally inclusive imagery in direct mail pieces increase response rates by 25-35% in neighborhoods with diversity indices above 0.50.
Education and Employment Centers
| Major Employer | Distance from Highland Park | Employees | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAB/UAB Health System | 0.5 miles | 23,000+ | Healthcare/Education |
| St. Vincent's Birmingham | 1.2 miles | 3,500 | Healthcare |
| Regions Financial Corp | 2.0 miles | 5,800 | Financial Services |
| Alabama Power (Southern Co.) | 2.5 miles | 3,200 | Utilities |
| BJCC/Protective Stadium | 2.8 miles | 1,200 | Entertainment/Events |
| Children's of Alabama | 0.8 miles | 5,000 | Pediatric Healthcare |
According to the Birmingham Business Alliance, UAB alone generates over $7.4 billion in annual economic impact for the Birmingham metro area. The hospital system's ongoing expansion — including a $400 million campus modernization project — continues to drive housing demand in adjacent neighborhoods like Highland Park, according to Birmingham Business Journal reporting.
Technology Platform Comparison for Birmingham Agents
Agents farming Birmingham's urban neighborhoods need technology optimized for high-turnover, diverse demographic markets. Here's how the leading platforms compare for Highland Park-style farming:
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic Segmentation | AI-driven, Census-integrated | Basic tags | Lead scoring | Behavioral | Manual tags |
| Multi-Channel Farming | Mail + digital + email + social | Email + SMS | Email + landing pages | Digital ads | Email + SMS |
| First-Time Buyer Funnels | Pre-built sequences | Custom build | Template-based | Ad funnels | Manual |
| Neighborhood Analytics | Block-level data | Zip code | City level | None native | None |
| Content Automation | AI blog + social generation | Email templates | Landing pages | Ad copy | None |
| Monthly Cost (Solo Agent) | $149-299 | $499 | $1,000+ | $295 | $69 (CRM only) |
| Diversity-Aware Marketing | Multi-language templates | English only | English only | English only | English only |
US Tech Automations stands out for Highland Park farming with its Census-integrated demographic segmentation and multi-language template capabilities. In a neighborhood where 42% of residents are non-white and 11% speak a language other than English at home according to Census data, these features translate directly to broader market reach.
How to Farm Highland Park Birmingham: Step-by-Step Guide
Map your farm zone precisely. Highland Park's boundaries run roughly from University Boulevard south to Clairmont Avenue, and from 20th Street South east to Highland Avenue. According to Jefferson County GIS data, this area contains approximately 1,950 housing units — select a 400-600 unit subsection for your initial farm.
Identify the rental-to-purchase conversion pipeline. With 57.5% renter-occupied housing according to Census data, Highland Park's biggest farming opportunity is converting renters to buyers. Pull apartment complex addresses and target residents with content about how monthly mortgage payments compare to rent, according to data from the Alabama Housing Finance Authority.
Build your UAB employment connection. Partner with UAB's relocation services and new employee orientation programs to capture incoming faculty and staff before they begin their home search. According to NAR data, agents who establish institutional referral relationships close 3-5x more transactions per year from that single source.
Launch a neighborhood-specific social media presence. Create dedicated Highland Park content on Instagram and Facebook featuring Five Points South restaurants, Bottega dining spotlights, and neighborhood walking tours. According to the National Association of REALTORS, 52% of buyers under 40 found their agent through social media.
Implement automated just-listed/just-sold campaigns. Configure your US Tech Automations system to automatically generate and distribute just-listed and just-sold announcements to your farm database within 24 hours of MLS status changes. According to coaching data from Tom Ferry, these time-sensitive notifications generate 4x the response rate of monthly market update mailers.
Host quarterly community events. Sponsor a table at the Five Points South community market or organize a Highland Park home tour showcasing renovated Craftsman properties. According to Buffini & Company research, agents who host 4+ community events per year generate 40% more listing appointments from their farm.
Target unrenovated property owners. Use Jefferson County Assessor data to identify homes last sold before 2015 with assessed improvements below $150,000. Send these owners automated renovation ROI analyses showing the $70,000-$100,000 value gap between original and renovated condition properties, based on Greater Alabama MLS comparable sales.
Create first-time buyer education content. Develop a monthly email series covering Alabama Housing Finance Authority programs, FHA low-down-payment options, and UAB employee housing benefits. According to the US Tech Automations content engine, educational sequences achieve 35% higher open rates than promotional emails in first-time buyer demographics.
Build an investor referral network. Highland Park's strong rental demand (average rent of $1,350/month for a 2BR according to RentCafe) and 6.2% cap rates attract investors. According to NAR's Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, investors account for 17% of all transactions nationally — and likely higher in urban neighborhoods with strong rental fundamentals.
Monitor and adjust quarterly. Track your cost per lead, cost per closing, and GCI attribution using the US Tech Automations analytics dashboard. According to Inman News, farming agents who review metrics quarterly and adjust their strategy produce 30% higher ROI than those who "set and forget" their campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Highland Park Birmingham?
The median home price in Highland Park reached $285,000 in early 2026, according to Greater Alabama MLS closed sale data. This represents an 8.7% year-over-year increase and positions Highland Park as one of Birmingham's premium urban neighborhoods, comparable to nearby Forest Park but approximately 25% below Mountain Brook pricing according to regional MLS comparisons.
Is Highland Park Birmingham a good investment?
Highland Park has appreciated 25.0% over the past three years according to Zillow's Home Value Index, driven by UAB campus expansion, Five Points South dining and entertainment growth, and infill construction demand. The neighborhood's 6.0-6.5% rental cap rates and consistent tenant demand from UAB students and employees make it attractive for both owner-occupants and investors according to local property management data.
What is the demographic makeup of Highland Park?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Highland Park residents are younger (median age 32.4 vs. 36.8 citywide), more educated (64.8% bachelor's degree or higher), and earn higher incomes ($62,500 median vs. $42,780 citywide) than the Birmingham average. The neighborhood's diversity index of 0.58 makes it one of Birmingham's most racially and ethnically diverse communities.
How close is Highland Park to UAB?
Highland Park is located directly adjacent to the UAB campus, with most homes within 0.5-1.0 miles of the main university buildings according to Google Maps distance calculations. UAB's Health System, the state's largest employer according to the Birmingham Business Alliance, is accessible by a 5-10 minute walk or bike ride from most Highland Park addresses.
What schools serve Highland Park Birmingham?
According to Birmingham City Schools, Highland Park is zoned for Avondale Elementary, Putnam Middle School, and Ramsay High School. Ramsay High School's International Baccalaureate program is rated among Alabama's top public school programs by Niche.com. Private school options within 2 miles include Highlands School, Advent Episcopal Day School, and Briarwood Christian School.
How much rent can I charge for a Highland Park investment property?
According to RentCafe and Zillow rental data, average rents in Highland Park range from $950/month for a 1-bedroom to $1,350/month for a 2-bedroom and $1,650/month for a 3-bedroom home. These rates have increased approximately 5.8% year-over-year according to Apartment List's rent estimates, driven by UAB enrollment growth and limited new apartment construction.
What is the crime rate in Highland Park Birmingham?
According to the Birmingham Police Department's Compstat data, Highland Park's reported property crime rate is approximately 20% below the Birmingham citywide average, though it remains above suburban Jefferson County levels. The Five Points South area has benefited from increased police patrols and private security funded by the Five Points Alliance business improvement district.
Are there new construction homes in Highland Park?
According to Birmingham building permit data, Highland Park has seen 25-35 new infill construction permits annually since 2018. New construction homes in Highland Park typically range from $350,000 to $450,000 for 1,400-1,800 square foot modern designs according to Greater Alabama MLS listing data, with several local builders (including Brik Realty Development and Symphony Homes) active in the market.
Conclusion: Building Your Highland Park Farming Practice
Highland Park's demographic trajectory — younger, more educated, higher-earning, and growing faster than the Birmingham average — positions it as one of Alabama's most compelling urban farming territories for data-driven real estate agents. The neighborhood's 7.2% annual turnover rate, combined with a median price of $285,000 and consistent demand from UAB's employment base, creates a reliable transaction pipeline for agents who invest in systematic farming.
Success in Highland Park requires technology that matches the neighborhood's sophisticated, digitally-native resident base. The US Tech Automations platform delivers the demographic segmentation, automated content generation, and multi-channel campaign management that farming agents need to compete in Birmingham's most dynamic urban market. From automated first-time buyer education sequences to AI-driven renovation ROI analyses, the platform turns neighborhood data into actionable farming campaigns.
Start building your Highland Park farming operation with data-driven automation at ustechautomations.com.
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Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
