Highland Park MN Demographics & Housing Data 2026
Highland Park is a neighborhood in southwest Saint Paul, located in Ramsey County, Minnesota, bounded by the Mississippi River bluffs to the south and west, Randolph Avenue to the north, and Snelling Avenue to the east. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Highland Park encompasses approximately 17,200 residents and stands as one of Saint Paul's most established and desirable residential areas. The neighborhood is anchored by Highland Village shopping district, the transformative Highland Bridge development on the former Ford Motor Company assembly plant site, Highland Park High School, and stunning Mississippi River bluff views. With a median home price of $400,000, Highland Park attracts families, professionals, and empty nesters seeking Saint Paul's blend of suburban amenities within an urban framework according to Minneapolis Area Realtors data.
Key Takeaways:
Median home price of $400,000 sits 29% above the Saint Paul citywide median of $310,000 according to Minneapolis Area Realtors
Highland Bridge (former Ford site) adding 3,800 housing units transforms the neighborhood's demographic and housing landscape according to City of Saint Paul planning data
Approximately 380 annual residential transactions generate an estimated $4.6 million commission pool according to Ramsey County Assessor records
Median household income of $92,000 places Highland Park among Saint Paul's most affluent neighborhoods according to U.S. Census Bureau data
Automated farming campaigns must segment established homeowners from Highland Bridge new construction buyers — two fundamentally different demographics requiring distinct messaging strategies
Highland Park Demographic Profile
Highland Park's demographics reflect an established, affluent urban neighborhood with strong family orientation, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data.
| Demographic Metric | Highland Park | Saint Paul | Minneapolis | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,200 | 310,000 | 430,000 | 5,750,000 |
| Median Age | 42 | 33 | 33 | 38 |
| Median Household Income | $92,000 | $64,000 | $72,000 | $82,000 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 68% | 42% | 52% | 37% |
| Graduate Degree+ | 32% | 16% | 20% | 14% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72% | 48% | 48% | 72% |
| Married Households | 58% | 38% | 34% | 51% |
| Households with Children | 32% | 28% | 22% | 30% |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Highland Park's median household income of $92,000 is 44% above the Saint Paul median and 12% above the statewide median. The neighborhood's 68% bachelor's degree attainment rate is among the highest in the Twin Cities according to the Minnesota State Demographic Center, reflecting the professional-class character of the community.
What is the demographic profile of Highland Park residents? According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Highland Park skews older (median age 42 vs. Saint Paul's 33), wealthier (median income $92,000 vs. $64,000), and more educated (68% bachelor's degree vs. 42%) than the city overall. The 72% owner-occupancy rate — matching the statewide average — reflects a settled, invested community where homeowners tend to stay long-term according to Ramsey County Assessor ownership records.
According to the Minnesota State Demographic Center, Highland Park has experienced minimal population change over the past decade — the community was essentially at capacity with established single-family housing. The Highland Bridge development is projected to add 6,000-8,000 new residents over the next 5-7 years, fundamentally shifting the neighborhood's demographic composition toward younger households according to City of Saint Paul projections.
Housing Stock Analysis
Highland Park's housing stock spans from 1920s-era single-family homes to cutting-edge Highland Bridge construction, according to Ramsey County Assessor records.
| Housing Type | Median Price | Units | % of Stock | Avg Age | Annual Sales | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional SFH (Pre-1950) | $380,000 | 3,200 | 45% | 85+ years | 165 | Cape Cod, Tudor, Colonial |
| Mid-Century SFH (1950-1980) | $420,000 | 1,400 | 20% | 55 years | 75 | Rambler, split-level |
| Condo (Existing) | $280,000 | 850 | 12% | 30 years | 48 | Highland Village area |
| Highland Bridge (New) | $450,000 | 800+ | 11% | New | 60 | Mixed-use, modern |
| Townhome | $360,000 | 480 | 7% | 20 years | 22 | Low maintenance |
| Duplex/Multi-Family | $440,000 | 370 | 5% | 70+ years | 10 | Investment, house-hack |
According to the Ramsey County Assessor, pre-1950 single-family homes constitute 45% of Highland Park's housing stock, reflecting the neighborhood's early 20th century development. These homes — primarily Cape Cod, Tudor, and Colonial styles — average 1,600 square feet and sit on lots of 7,000-10,000 square feet according to assessor lot records.
What types of homes are available in Highland Park? According to Ramsey County Assessor data and NorthstarMLS listings, Highland Park offers remarkable housing diversity spanning nearly a century of construction. The most significant current addition is Highland Bridge, the transformative redevelopment of the 122-acre Ford assembly plant site that will ultimately deliver 3,800 housing units across condos, townhomes, and apartments according to the City of Saint Paul planning office.
Highland Bridge Development Impact
The Highland Bridge development on the former Ford Motor Company plant site represents the largest urban infill project in Saint Paul's history, according to City of Saint Paul and Ryan Companies data.
| Highland Bridge Metric | Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total Site Acreage | 122 acres | City of Saint Paul |
| Planned Housing Units | 3,800 | Ryan Companies |
| Affordable Units (20%) | 760 | Saint Paul Housing Authority |
| Commercial Space | 265,000 sq ft | Ryan Companies |
| Park/Green Space | 40 acres | Saint Paul Parks |
| Estimated New Residents | 6,000-8,000 | City of Saint Paul |
| Units Completed (2025) | 800+ | Ryan Companies |
| Price Range (Condos) | $350,000-$650,000 | NorthstarMLS |
According to the City of Saint Paul planning department, Highland Bridge is designed as a walkable, transit-connected community featuring a 40-acre park system, neighborhood-scale retail, and a mix of market-rate and affordable housing. The development's first phases have delivered over 800 housing units with prices ranging from $350,000 for starter condos to $650,000 for premium units according to NorthstarMLS listing data.
How is Highland Bridge changing Highland Park's demographics? According to City of Saint Paul demographic projections, Highland Bridge is attracting a younger, more diverse buyer profile than traditional Highland Park. Early buyer data shows median buyer age of 34 (vs. Highland Park's 42 neighborhood median), 45% first-time buyers, and greater racial diversity than the established neighborhood according to Ryan Companies sales data. This demographic shift creates two distinct farming populations requiring separate campaign strategies.
According to Ryan Companies and the City of Saint Paul, Highland Bridge will increase Highland Park's total housing stock by approximately 55% when fully built out. Agents who establish farming operations in Highland Bridge now — while the development is still in early phases — position themselves to capture a stream of resale transactions as initial buyers trade up or relocate within 5-7 years according to NAR new construction resale analysis.
US Tech Automations enables agents to maintain separate automated campaign tracks for established Highland Park homeowners and Highland Bridge new construction residents. The platform's workflow automation tools allow agents to deliver traditional neighborhood market updates to long-term residents while sending new construction warranty information, HOA guidance, and community development updates to Highland Bridge buyers.
Income and Wealth Analysis
Highland Park's affluent demographics create premium farming economics, according to U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
| Income Metric | Highland Park | Saint Paul | Twin Cities Metro | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $92,000 | $64,000 | $85,000 | $82,000 |
| Mean Household Income | $128,000 | $84,000 | $108,000 | $102,000 |
| Households Earning $100K+ | 42% | 22% | 32% | 28% |
| Households Earning $150K+ | 22% | 10% | 16% | 13% |
| Poverty Rate | 4.2% | 18% | 8% | 10% |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.8% | 4.5% | 3.2% | 3.0% |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau, Highland Park's 42% of households earning above $100,000 reflects a professional-class community with strong purchasing power. The 4.2% poverty rate — less than one-quarter of the Saint Paul citywide rate — indicates economic stability that supports long-term homeownership and higher property values according to economic analysis.
What is the income profile of Highland Park residents? According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the mean household income of $128,000 (significantly above the $92,000 median) indicates a distribution skewed toward higher earners, with many households in professional, healthcare, legal, and corporate management positions. Major employers drawing Highland Park residents include 3M (Maplewood), Ecolab (Saint Paul), Xcel Energy (Minneapolis), and the University of Minnesota according to Bureau of Labor Statistics employer data.
Age and Lifecycle Demographics
Understanding Highland Park's age distribution helps agents target lifecycle transitions, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
| Age Cohort | % of Population | Housing Need | Farming Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 22% | Family housing | School-focused content |
| 18-29 | 12% | Starter homes, rentals | Highland Bridge condos |
| 30-44 | 24% | Move-up family homes | School districts, space |
| 45-59 | 20% | Established, renovating | Home improvement, equity |
| 60-74 | 14% | Downsizing consideration | Highland Bridge condos, ease |
| 75+ | 8% | Assisted/senior transitions | Estate sales, downsizing |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Highland Park's age distribution reveals significant farming opportunities at lifecycle transition points. The 30-44 cohort (24%) represents active family formation — these households are purchasing move-up homes near Highland Park High School and Highland Park Middle School according to NAR lifecycle buyer research. The 60-74 cohort (14%) represents downsizing potential — established homeowners considering a move to Highland Bridge condos or suburban alternatives according to NAR senior buyer data.
What age groups live in Highland Park? According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Highland Park has a higher proportion of residents over 45 (42%) compared to Saint Paul overall (35%), reflecting the neighborhood's established, settled character. The 22% under-18 population confirms Highland Park's family orientation, with Highland Park High School serving as a community anchor according to Saint Paul Public Schools data.
According to NAR's 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, homeowners aged 60-74 who downsize typically sell homes valued 35-50% above the neighborhood median, having accumulated equity through long-term ownership and improvements. In Highland Park, this translates to $540,000-$600,000 downsizer listings that generate $16,200-$18,000 per-side commissions according to Ramsey County Assessor ownership data.
School District and Education Impact
Highland Park's school quality significantly influences property values and buyer decisions, according to Saint Paul Public Schools and GreatSchools data.
| School | Grades | GreatSchools Rating | Enrollment | Impact on Values |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Park Elementary | Pre-K-5 | 7/10 | 420 | Moderate premium |
| Highland Park Middle | 6-8 | 6/10 | 580 | Moderate premium |
| Highland Park Senior High | 9-12 | 7/10 | 1,650 | Significant premium |
| St. Paul Academy | Pre-K-12 | 9/10 (Private) | 880 | Attracts affluent families |
| Cretin-Derham Hall | 9-12 | 8/10 (Private) | 1,100 | Catholic school draw |
According to GreatSchools and Saint Paul Public Schools data, Highland Park Senior High School carries a 7/10 rating and serves as a significant community anchor. Properties within the Highland Park school attendance zone command a 5-8% premium over comparable Saint Paul properties in lower-rated school zones according to Ramsey County Assessor and NorthstarMLS analysis.
How do Highland Park schools affect property values? According to NAR research and NorthstarMLS data, school quality is the second-most-important factor (after location) for family buyers in Highland Park. The concentration of quality public and private school options — including St. Paul Academy and Cretin-Derham Hall — attracts families willing to pay the Highland Park premium over more affordable Saint Paul neighborhoods according to Minneapolis Area Realtors buyer surveys.
Property Tax Comparison
Understanding Highland Park's property tax landscape helps agents advise homeowners on total cost of ownership, according to the Minnesota Department of Revenue and Ramsey County Assessor data.
| Tax Category | Highland Park | Ramsey County Avg | Hennepin County Avg | Minnesota Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.40% | 1.38% | 1.22% | 1.08% |
| Tax on $400K Home | $5,600 | $5,520 | $4,880 | $4,320 |
| Tax on $500K Home | $7,000 | $6,900 | $6,100 | $5,400 |
| 5-Year Avg Increase | 3.4% | 3.6% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Market Value Homestead Credit | $350-$500 | $300-$450 | $300-$450 | Varies |
According to the Ramsey County Assessor, Highland Park homeowners at the $400,000 median pay approximately $5,600 annually in property taxes — $720 more than equivalent homes in Hennepin County due to Ramsey County's higher levy rate. Highland Bridge new construction units may carry additional special assessments during the development's infrastructure buildout phase according to City of Saint Paul assessment records.
How to Farm Highland Park Using Demographic Data
Segment your farm by lifecycle stage. Divide contacts into family formation (30-44), established (45-59), and downsizing (60-74) cohorts using Ramsey County Assessor ownership duration data. According to NAR, lifecycle-targeted messaging generates 2.8x higher engagement than age-agnostic campaigns.
Create Highland Bridge-specific campaigns. Build a separate contact list and campaign track for Highland Bridge residents who purchased new construction. According to Ryan Companies data, these buyers have different communication needs — warranty information, HOA updates, community amenity timelines — than established neighborhood residents.
Develop school-focused content. Create annual school quality reports and enrollment guides for Highland Park schools. According to NAR, school-focused content is the #1 most-shared real estate content type among families with children, generating organic referral opportunities.
Target downsizer transitions. Identify homeowners aged 60+ who have owned for 15+ years using Ramsey County Assessor records. According to NAR lifecycle research, these homeowners are considering downsizing within 3-5 years — automated nurture campaigns with downsizing guides and Highland Bridge condo information convert at 4.2x higher rates than generic market updates.
Highlight income-appropriate opportunities. Tailor property recommendations to Highland Park's high-income demographic. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 42% of households earn $100,000+, enabling agents to feature renovation potential, investment properties, and premium upgrades in their campaigns.
Monitor Highland Bridge absorption. Track new unit delivery and sales velocity at Highland Bridge. According to City of Saint Paul planning data, absorption rates affect both new construction and existing neighborhood pricing — fast absorption supports existing home values while slow absorption may create temporary competition.
Leverage employer relocation data. Monitor hiring and relocation activity at major employers (3M, Ecolab, Xcel Energy, UnitedHealth Group). According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, corporate relocation buyers represent 15% of Highland Park transactions and typically purchase above the median price.
Build community authority. Attend Highland District Council meetings, sponsor Highland Fest, and contribute to neighborhood publications. According to NAR, agents who participate in community organizations generate 35% more referrals than agents who rely solely on marketing campaigns.
Create seasonal demographic reports. Develop quarterly reports analyzing buyer demographics, price trends, and inventory changes specific to Highland Park. According to Minneapolis Area Realtors, agents who publish consistent market intelligence reports build authority that generates inbound inquiry.
Automate lifecycle transition triggers. Use US Tech Automations to set automated alerts when ownership duration crosses key thresholds (5, 10, 15, 20 years). According to NAR, long-term owners are more likely to list within 2 years of these milestones, and proactive outreach at these points converts at 3.5x the rate of random contact.
Competitor Platform Comparison
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic Segmentation | Census-integrated | Basic filters | Basic | None | Manual tags |
| Lifecycle Campaign Tracks | Pre-built workflows | Limited | None | None | Manual |
| New Construction Tracking | Development monitoring | None | IDX only | None | None |
| School District Data | Integrated reports | None | None | None | None |
| Ownership Duration Alerts | Automated triggers | None | None | None | None |
| Monthly Cost | $199 | $499 | $750+ | $395 | $69 |
| Downsizer Campaigns | Pre-built sequences | None | None | None | None |
| Highland Bridge Integration | Custom zone tracking | None | None | None | None |
According to NAR technology surveys, demographic-driven farming requires tools that integrate public data sources with marketing automation. US Tech Automations provides census-integrated segmentation, ownership duration alerts, and lifecycle campaign tracks that enable Highland Park agents to deliver precisely targeted content — capabilities that general-purpose CRMs like Follow Up Boss and lead-generation platforms like BoomTown were not designed to provide.
For broader Saint Paul market context, see our guide to Saint Paul MN Real Estate Agent Guide 2026 and Twin Cities trends at Minneapolis MN Real Estate Trends & Data 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median household income in Highland Park?
According to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data, the median household income in Highland Park is $92,000 — 44% above the Saint Paul citywide median of $64,000. The mean income of $128,000 indicates a significant high-earner population, with 42% of households earning above $100,000 and 22% above $150,000 annually according to Census income distribution data.
How is Highland Bridge affecting the Highland Park market?
According to City of Saint Paul planning data and Ryan Companies, Highland Bridge is adding 3,800 housing units to a neighborhood that previously had approximately 7,000 units. Early phases have delivered 800+ units with condos priced from $350,000-$650,000. The development is attracting younger, more diverse buyers than traditional Highland Park according to sales demographic data.
What is the owner-occupancy rate in Highland Park?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Highland Park's owner-occupancy rate is 72% — matching the Minnesota statewide average and significantly above the Saint Paul citywide rate of 48%. This high ownership rate reflects the neighborhood's established residential character and long-term homeowner stability according to Ramsey County Assessor records.
How do Highland Park property taxes compare?
According to the Ramsey County Assessor, Highland Park property taxes average $5,600 annually at the $400,000 median with the effective Ramsey County rate of approximately 1.4%. This is higher than Hennepin County's 1.2% rate but competitive with other established Saint Paul neighborhoods according to Minnesota Department of Revenue comparative tax data.
What education level do Highland Park residents have?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 68% of Highland Park adults hold bachelor's degrees and 32% hold graduate or professional degrees. These rates are among the highest in the Twin Cities metro area and significantly exceed the Minnesota statewide average of 37% bachelor's degree attainment according to the Minnesota State Demographic Center.
What age group is most common in Highland Park?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the 30-44 age cohort is the largest in Highland Park at 24% of the population, followed by 45-59 at 20%. The median age of 42 is significantly higher than the Saint Paul median of 33, reflecting Highland Park's established family and professional character. The 22% under-18 population confirms the neighborhood's family orientation according to Census family data.
How does Highland Park compare to Macalester-Groveland?
According to NorthstarMLS and Minneapolis Area Realtors data, Highland Park ($400,000 median) is slightly below Macalester-Groveland ($430,000) in pricing. Highland Park offers more housing diversity including the Highland Bridge development, while Macalester-Groveland features Macalester College proximity and Grand Avenue retail. Both neighborhoods attract similar demographic profiles according to U.S. Census Bureau comparative data.
What employers drive housing demand in Highland Park?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Highland Park residents work at major Twin Cities employers including 3M (Maplewood), Ecolab (Saint Paul downtown), Xcel Energy (Minneapolis), the University of Minnesota, and the State of Minnesota government complex. Corporate relocations and healthcare sector growth at Regions Hospital and Gillette Children's drive consistent housing demand according to Minneapolis Area Realtors employer analysis.
Is Highland Park walkable?
According to Walk Score data, Highland Park scores 68 for walkability — above the Saint Paul average of 58 — with the Highland Village shopping district providing grocery, dining, and retail within walking distance. Highland Bridge is designed with walkability scores projected above 80 according to Ryan Companies planning data. Bike Score reaches 75 with connections to the Mississippi River bike trail according to city transportation data.
Build Your Highland Park Demographic Farm
Highland Park offers a premium Saint Paul farming territory where affluent demographics, strong schools, and the transformative Highland Bridge development create sustained transaction volume. The $400,000 median generates $12,000 per-side commissions while the neighborhood's lifecycle diversity — from young Highland Bridge buyers to long-term downsizers — provides multiple conversion pathways for farming agents.
Capitalizing on Highland Park's demographic complexity requires automated segmentation that delivers lifecycle-appropriate content to each homeowner. US Tech Automations provides the demographic-driven campaign tools, ownership duration alerts, and new construction tracking that Highland Park farming demands — enabling agents to serve this sophisticated market with the data-driven precision its residents expect.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
