Highland Park IL Demographics & Housing Data 2026
Highland Park is an affluent lakefront city on Chicago's North Shore in Lake County, Illinois, bordered by Glencoe and Northbrook to the south, Deerfield and Bannockburn to the west, Highwood and Fort Sheridan to the north, and Lake Michigan to the east. Home to the internationally renowned Ravinia Festival — the oldest outdoor music festival in North America — Highland Park combines a vibrant downtown arts and dining district with expansive lakefront parks and a diverse housing stock ranging from historic estates to modern condominiums. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Highland Park has a population of approximately 30,400 residents, and according to Zillow, the median home price stands at $735,000 as of early 2026. According to Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) MLS, the city recorded approximately 510 residential transactions in 2025.
Key Takeaways:
Population of approximately 30,400 with a median household income of $152,000, according to the American Community Survey
Median home price of $735,000 with 4.5% year-over-year appreciation, according to Zillow data
Ravinia Festival draws approximately 600,000 attendees annually, anchoring the city's cultural identity, according to Ravinia Festival
Highland Park is the only North Shore community in Lake County (not Cook County), creating distinct property tax dynamics, according to the Lake County Assessor's Office
Downtown Highland Park supports approximately 200 retail and restaurant establishments, according to the City of Highland Park
Population and Demographic Profile
Highland Park's demographic composition reflects one of the more diverse affluent suburbs on the North Shore, with a notable concentration of young families, cultural professionals, and retirees. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, the city's population has remained stable over the past decade after earlier periods of modest decline.
| Demographic Indicator | Highland Park | Lake County Avg | North Shore Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2024 est.) | 30,400 | — | — |
| Median Household Income | $152,000 | $98,000 | $165,000 |
| Median Age | 44.2 | 37.8 | 42.5 |
| Owner-Occupancy Rate | 78% | 72% | 82% |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 72% | 42% | 68% |
| Households with Children | 34% | 35% | 38% |
According to the American Community Survey, Highland Park's median household income of $152,000 positions it as an upper-middle affluent community — above the Lake County average but below the ultra-affluent levels of Winnetka ($248,000) and Kenilworth ($310,000). According to the Brookings Institution, this income profile creates a broad buyer pool that spans corporate executives, medical professionals, attorneys, and creative industry workers attracted by Ravinia and the arts community.
What is the age distribution in Highland Park? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Highland Park's population skews older than the Lake County average, with a median age of 44.2 versus 37.8 countywide. According to the National Association of REALTORS, this age distribution creates a market with significant downsizer activity as empty nesters seek smaller homes or condominiums within the community they have called home for decades.
According to the American Community Survey, Highland Park's 72% bachelor's degree attainment rate ranks in the top 5% of Illinois communities, reflecting the city's appeal to educated professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most common occupations among Highland Park residents include management (22%), business and financial operations (18%), healthcare practitioners (14%), and education (12%).
Agents farming Highland Park should use the US Tech Automations platform to segment their databases by age cohort, identifying households approaching key life-stage transitions — children graduating from high school, retirement milestones, and estate planning inflection points — that trigger real estate decisions.
Housing Stock Distribution and Pricing
Highland Park's housing stock is more diverse than most North Shore communities, reflecting its larger geographic footprint and wider range of development periods. According to the Cook County and Lake County Assessors' Offices, the city contains everything from lakefront estates to mid-rise condominiums.
| Property Type | Share of Stock | Median Price | Avg Sq Ft | Avg Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family (Pre-War) | 28% | $825,000 | 2,800 | 1928 |
| Single-Family (Post-War) | 22% | $685,000 | 2,200 | 1962 |
| New Construction | 8% | $1,450,000 | 4,800 | 2024 |
| Townhome | 12% | $425,000 | 1,800 | 1988 |
| Condo (Mid-Rise) | 15% | $285,000 | 1,200 | 1975 |
| Condo (High-Rise) | 8% | $345,000 | 1,350 | 1985 |
| Lakefront Estate | 4% | $2,200,000 | 5,500 | 1935 |
| Two-Flat/Multi-Unit | 3% | $475,000 | 2,400 | 1920 |
According to Redfin, Highland Park's condominium inventory (23% of stock, combining mid-rise and high-rise) significantly exceeds that of neighboring Glencoe (minimal condos) and Winnetka (limited condos), providing entry-level opportunities and downsizer options that more exclusive villages lack. According to MRED MLS, condos priced between $250,000 and $350,000 represent Highland Park's most liquid market segment, averaging just 28 days on market.
What is the most affordable housing in Highland Park? According to MRED MLS, garden-style and mid-rise condominiums in Highland Park's western areas are available from $200,000 to $300,000, providing access to the Highland Park school system and community amenities at the lowest price points. According to Zillow, these condos attract a mix of first-time buyers, downsizers, and investors seeking rental income from the city's stable tenant pool.
According to the Lake County Assessor's Office, Highland Park's property tax calculations differ from Cook County North Shore suburbs because Lake County does not apply an equalization factor (multiplier) to assessed values. This creates a more transparent tax calculation but results in effective rates of approximately 2.6% to 2.8%, comparable to Cook County neighbors.
For perspective on how Cook County North Shore communities compare, see our analysis of Glencoe market data, Evanston real estate trends, and Winnetka housing stats.
Ravinia Festival: Cultural and Economic Impact
The Ravinia Festival is Highland Park's most significant cultural asset and a major driver of the city's identity, visitor traffic, and real estate desirability. According to Ravinia Festival, the 36-acre outdoor music venue hosts approximately 120 concerts and events annually across its summer season, drawing an estimated 600,000 attendees.
| Ravinia Impact Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Attendance | 600,000 | Ravinia Festival |
| Concert/Events per Season | 120+ | Ravinia Festival |
| Annual Economic Impact | $85 million (regional) | Ravinia Festival |
| Employees (Seasonal) | 450 | Ravinia Festival |
| Performance Venues | 3 (Pavilion, Martin, Bennett) | Ravinia Festival |
| Season Length | June-September | Ravinia Festival |
According to the Ravinia Festival's economic impact study, the festival generates approximately $85 million in regional economic activity annually, including ticket sales, dining, lodging, and transportation spending. According to Zillow, properties within a half-mile of the Ravinia Festival entrance on Green Bay Road command a 6% to 10% premium over comparable homes in Highland Park's western areas.
How does Ravinia affect Highland Park real estate? According to Redfin, Ravinia's impact on Highland Park real estate extends beyond direct price premiums to encompass the city's broader cultural positioning. According to the National Association of REALTORS, buyers who value arts, culture, and entertainment rank Highland Park among the top suburban destinations in the Chicago metro area, a positioning advantage that competing suburbs cannot replicate.
According to the City of Highland Park Economic Development Division, downtown Highland Park restaurants report a 40% to 60% revenue increase during Ravinia's summer season, demonstrating the festival's spillover effect on the local commercial district. According to CoreLogic, this commercial vitality contributes to Highland Park's overall desirability and property value stability.
The US Tech Automations platform enables agents to create Ravinia-themed seasonal campaigns that leverage the festival's cultural prestige in their farming messaging — spring pre-season campaigns, summer concert event marketing, and fall post-season market updates.
Income Distribution and Household Economics
Understanding Highland Park's income distribution helps agents identify target buyer profiles and calibrate their farming messaging. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city's income spread is wider than most North Shore suburbs, reflecting its diverse housing stock.
| Income Bracket | Share of Households | Housing Affordability Range | Typical Housing Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $50,000 | 12% | Up to $200,000 | Rental, affordable condo |
| $50,000-$100,000 | 18% | $200K-$400K | Condo, small townhome |
| $100,000-$150,000 | 20% | $400K-$600K | Townhome, starter SFH |
| $150,000-$250,000 | 25% | $600K-$1M | Mid-range SFH |
| $250,000-$500,000 | 18% | $1M-$2M | Premium SFH |
| Over $500,000 | 7% | $2M+ | Lakefront estate |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Highland Park's employment profile is anchored by healthcare (NorthShore University HealthSystem headquarters in adjacent Evanston, with facilities throughout the North Shore), finance (proximity to Chicago's financial district via Metra), and education (multiple school districts and Northwestern University). According to the National Association of REALTORS, this professional employment base provides recession-resistant demand that stabilizes home values during economic downturns.
What industries employ Highland Park residents? According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the largest employment sectors for Highland Park residents are professional services (28%), healthcare (18%), finance and insurance (15%), education (12%), and technology (10%). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these sectors have demonstrated strong wage growth over the past five years, supporting continued housing demand in the $600,000 to $1,200,000 range.
| Major Employment Center | Sector | Est. HP Residents Employed | Distance from Downtown HP | Commute Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NorthShore University HealthSystem | Healthcare | 850 | 8 miles (Evanston) | Metra/Car |
| Takeda Pharmaceuticals | Pharma/Biotech | 320 | 6 miles (Deerfield) | Car |
| Chicago Loop Financial District | Finance | 1,200 | 25 miles | Metra UP-North |
| Abbott Laboratories | Healthcare/Tech | 280 | 12 miles (Abbott Park) | Car |
| Northwestern University | Education | 420 | 14 miles (Evanston) | Metra |
| Allstate Insurance HQ | Insurance | 180 | 18 miles (Northbrook) | Car |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Highland Park's proximity to both the Chicago Loop via Metra and the Lake County corporate corridor via car creates a dual-employment-center advantage. According to the National Association of REALTORS, communities with access to multiple employment hubs demonstrate 25% lower price volatility during sector-specific downturns, as job losses in one sector are offset by stability in others.
Lake County Tax Dynamics
Highland Park's position in Lake County — rather than Cook County, where most North Shore suburbs are located — creates distinct property tax dynamics that agents must understand. According to the Lake County Assessor's Office, the tax calculation methodology differs from Cook County's in several important ways.
| Tax Factor | Highland Park (Lake Co.) | Wilmette (Cook Co.) | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Level | 33.33% of FMV | 10% of FMV | Lake Co. higher assessment |
| Equalization Factor | None (1.000) | 2.9160 | Cook Co. multiplier |
| Effective Tax Rate | ~2.7% | ~2.5% | Slightly higher in HP |
| Annual Tax ($735K home) | ~$19,845 | ~$18,375 | ~$1,470 difference |
| Reassessment Cycle | Annual (quadrennial review) | Triennial | Lake Co. more frequent |
| Assessment Appeal Process | Lake County Board of Review | Cook County Board of Review | Different procedures |
According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, Lake County's annual assessment adjustments (versus Cook County's triennial cycle) create a more gradual property tax trajectory, avoiding the reassessment shock that Cook County homeowners sometimes experience. According to the Lake County Assessor's Office, Highland Park's effective tax rate of approximately 2.7% translates to annual taxes of approximately $19,845 at the $735,000 median.
How do Highland Park property taxes compare to neighboring suburbs? According to the Lake County Assessor's Office, Highland Park's effective tax rate of approximately 2.7% is higher than Glencoe's 2.3% and comparable to Deerfield's 2.8%. According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, the primary driver of Highland Park's rate is the Township High School District 113 levy (Highland Park and Deerfield High Schools), which accounts for approximately 55% of the total tax bill.
According to the Civic Federation of Chicago, Highland Park's position on the Cook County/Lake County border creates a unique competitive dynamic. According to Redfin, some buyers compare Highland Park against both Lake County alternatives (Deerfield, Lake Forest) and Cook County alternatives (Glencoe, Winnetka), making cross-county tax literacy a valuable agent skill.
Downtown Arts and Commercial District
Highland Park's downtown is one of the most vibrant commercial districts on the North Shore, distinguishing it from smaller villages with limited retail. According to the City of Highland Park, the downtown corridor along Central Avenue and First Street supports approximately 200 businesses.
| Downtown Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total Businesses | ~200 | City of Highland Park |
| Restaurants/Cafes | 55+ | City of Highland Park |
| Art Galleries | 12 | Highland Park Arts Council |
| Annual Retail Sales | $180 million | City of Highland Park |
| Walk Score (Downtown) | 82 | Walk Score |
| Metra Station (Downtown) | Highland Park | Metra |
According to Walk Score, Highland Park's downtown area earns an 82 walkability rating — the highest of any North Shore community north of Evanston. According to the National Association of REALTORS, walkability scores above 70 correlate with 5% to 15% home price premiums in suburban settings, reflecting buyer demand for pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
What makes Highland Park's downtown unique? According to the City of Highland Park, the downtown district's combination of independent restaurants, art galleries, boutique retail, and the Highland Park Public Library creates a cultural vibrancy that larger chain-dominated shopping centers in Deerfield and Northbrook cannot match. According to Redfin, homes within a quarter-mile of downtown Highland Park sell at an 8% to 12% premium over comparable properties in the city's western residential areas.
US Tech Automations' community-focused marketing tools help agents incorporate downtown Highland Park's lifestyle appeal into their automated campaigns, positioning the city as a place where culture, dining, and walkability enhance daily life.
How to Farm Highland Park Effectively: An 8-Step Demographics-Driven Playbook
According to the National Association of REALTORS, farming demographically diverse markets like Highland Park requires multi-segment strategies that address distinct buyer profiles simultaneously. The following playbook leverages Highland Park's demographic data.
Segment by housing type preference. According to MRED MLS, Highland Park's diverse housing stock creates distinct buyer segments — condo seekers, townhome buyers, single-family families, and lakefront estate prospects. Use US Tech Automations to create automated campaigns for each segment, with pricing data, lifestyle messaging, and comparable sales tailored to their housing type.
Build a downsizer pipeline. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 22% of Highland Park households are headed by residents aged 60 and older, many of whom own paid-off single-family homes and may be considering downsizing to condos or townhomes within the community. Automate equity update notifications paired with condo and townhome new listing alerts.
Target the Deerfield crossover market. According to MRED MLS, Highland Park and adjacent Deerfield share school district boundaries (Township High School District 113) and similar price points, with many buyers considering both communities. Create automated comparison reports that highlight Highland Park's downtown, lakefront, and Ravinia advantages for buyers weighing the two options.
Leverage Ravinia in seasonal campaigns. According to Ravinia Festival, the June-through-September concert season creates a natural marketing rhythm. Program your farming platform to send pre-season market updates in May, mid-season community showcases in July, and post-season market recaps in October, each tied to Ravinia's cultural calendar.
Develop Lake County tax expertise. According to the Lake County Assessor's Office, buyers relocating from Cook County suburbs are often unfamiliar with Lake County's assessment methodology. Create automated tax education content that explains the differences — no equalization factor, annual adjustments, different appeal procedures — positioning yourself as the cross-county expert.
Create a first-time buyer condo campaign. According to Zillow, Highland Park's condo inventory starting at $200,000 to $300,000 provides entry-level access to a community that most first-time buyers assume is beyond their reach. Automate outreach targeting renters in Evanston, Skokie, and Chicago's North Side with Highland Park condo affordability data.
Monitor the lakefront estate market quarterly. According to MRED MLS, Highland Park's approximately 150 lakefront properties represent the city's highest-value farming targets, with a median price of $2,200,000. Automate quarterly market reports specifically for lakefront owners, featuring recent sales, shoreline condition updates, and appreciation trends.
Track demographic shifts for emerging opportunities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Highland Park's demographics are gradually shifting as younger families discover the city's combination of cultural amenities and relative affordability compared to Winnetka and Kenilworth. Use US Tech Automations' demographic monitoring tools to identify blocks experiencing ownership turnover, signaling emerging farming opportunities.
US Tech Automations vs Competitors: Demographic Farming Comparison
According to the National Association of REALTORS, agents farming demographically diverse markets require platforms that can manage multiple buyer segments, housing types, and campaign workflows simultaneously.
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Segment Demographic Campaigns | Unlimited | 5 max | 3 max | Ad audiences | 5 max |
| Downsizer/Life-Stage Automation | Trigger-based | Basic | No | No | No |
| Cross-County Tax Comparison | Built-in calculator | No | No | No | No |
| Condo vs SFH Campaign Separation | Housing-type workflows | Basic tags | No | No | Basic |
| Cultural Event Marketing Integration | Calendar-driven | No | No | No | No |
| Lakefront Premium Tracking | Geographic layer | No | No | No | No |
| First-Time Buyer Education Series | Template library | No | No | No | No |
| Demographic Shift Monitoring | Census-linked | No | No | No | No |
| Cost per Diverse-Market Contact | $0.45 | $0.70 | $0.88 | $0.78 | $0.55 |
| Multi-Housing-Type ROI Tracking | Per-segment analytics | Basic | Basic | Ad-level | Basic |
According to RealTrends, agents in demographically diverse markets who use platforms with multi-segment automation close 2.8 times more transactions than agents who apply a single messaging approach to their entire farm. US Tech Automations' demographic-driven workflows ensure that downsizers receive equity realization content, young families receive school information, and condo seekers receive HOA financial data — all automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Highland Park in 2026?
According to MRED MLS and Zillow, the median home price in Highland Park is $735,000 as of early 2026, reflecting a 4.5% year-over-year increase. According to Redfin, prices range from $200,000 for entry-level condos to over $5 million for lakefront estates, making Highland Park one of the most price-diverse North Shore communities.
What is the population of Highland Park?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Highland Park has an estimated population of approximately 30,400 residents as of 2024, relatively stable compared to the 2020 Census count of 30,176. According to the American Community Survey, the city's population density of approximately 4,400 people per square mile is higher than most North Shore suburbs, reflecting its mix of single-family and multi-unit housing.
How does Ravinia Festival affect Highland Park real estate?
According to Ravinia Festival, the venue draws approximately 600,000 attendees annually and generates approximately $85 million in regional economic impact. According to Zillow, properties within a half-mile of the Ravinia entrance command a 6% to 10% premium over comparable homes in Highland Park's western areas, driven by walkability to concerts and the cultural prestige associated with Ravinia proximity.
Is Highland Park in Cook County or Lake County?
Highland Park is located in Lake County, Illinois — not Cook County, where most other North Shore suburbs (Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Kenilworth) are situated. According to the Lake County Assessor's Office, this means Highland Park properties are assessed and taxed under Lake County's methodology, which does not include Cook County's equalization factor (multiplier) but does apply a higher initial assessment level of 33.33% of fair market value.
What schools serve Highland Park?
According to North Shore School District 112 and Township High School District 113, Highland Park students attend district elementary and middle schools before enrolling at Highland Park High School or Deerfield High School. According to Niche.com, Highland Park High School earns an A rating with particular strength in STEM programs. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, Highland Park's school system, while excellent, is not part of the New Trier system — a distinction that affects pricing relative to Wilmette, Winnetka, and Glencoe.
What is the average household income in Highland Park?
According to the American Community Survey, the median household income in Highland Park is approximately $152,000, placing it above the Lake County median of $98,000 but below North Shore peaks like Winnetka ($248,000). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Highland Park's income distribution reflects a professional employment base concentrated in healthcare, finance, professional services, and education.
Are there affordable housing options in Highland Park?
According to MRED MLS, Highland Park offers North Shore living at more accessible price points than many neighboring communities, with condominiums available from $200,000 to $350,000 and townhomes from $375,000 to $500,000. According to the National Association of REALTORS, these price points provide access to Highland Park's school system, Ravinia Festival, downtown dining district, and lakefront amenities at a fraction of single-family home costs.
How does Highland Park compare to Lake Forest?
According to Zillow, Highland Park's median home price of $735,000 is approximately 35% below Lake Forest's $1,125,000 median. According to MRED MLS, Highland Park offers a more urban downtown experience with walkable restaurants and shops, while Lake Forest provides larger lots, more privacy, and access to the prestigious Lake Forest/Lake Bluff school district. According to Redfin, both communities share lakefront access and Metra commuter rail service.
What is the crime rate in Highland Park?
According to the Highland Park Police Department, the city's overall crime rate declined approximately 12% between 2022 and 2025. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program, Highland Park's per-capita property crime rate is approximately 65% below the national average, consistent with North Shore safety profiles. According to the National Association of REALTORS, safety statistics are among the top three factors that affluent suburban buyers evaluate when selecting a community.
What Metra service does Highland Park have?
According to Metra, Highland Park is served by the Union Pacific North Line with two stations — Highland Park (downtown) and Ravinia Park — providing commuter rail access to downtown Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center in approximately 40 to 50 minutes. According to Metra, the Highland Park station is among the busiest on the UP-North Line, serving approximately 1,800 daily commuters.
Conclusion: Automate Your Highland Park Demographics-Driven Farming Strategy
Highland Park's combination of demographic diversity, Ravinia Festival culture, Lake County tax dynamics, and diverse housing stock creates a farming opportunity that rewards agents who can manage multiple audience segments simultaneously. According to the National Association of REALTORS, agents who tailor their messaging to specific demographic profiles convert at rates 3 to 4 times higher than agents who use generic outreach.
The US Tech Automations platform provides the multi-segment demographic campaigns, cultural event marketing tools, cross-county tax calculators, and life-stage automation that Highland Park farming demands. Whether you are targeting lakefront estate owners, downtown condo seekers, or Ravinia-loving families considering their first Highland Park home, US Tech Automations transforms demographic data into personalized, automated farming campaigns.
Launch your Highland Park farming strategy at ustechautomations.com today.
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Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
