Everything You Should Know Before Moving to The Highlands, WA
Considering a move to The Highlands, WA? This close-knit community of about 1,050 residents is known for its high median home value of $1,180,000, low crime rates, and outstanding schools with 67% of adults holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. The cost of living is well above the national average, but residents enjoy short commutes (about 26 minutes), excellent healthcare nearby, and a family-friendly atmosphere. With mild Pacific Northwest weather and quick access to Seattle’s amenities, The Highlands is a prime choice for those seeking an upscale, peaceful lifestyle.
Demographics - The Highlands, WA
Demographics - The Highlands, WA
The Highlands is a small, close-knit community of around 1,050 residents with a median age of 44.7, reflecting a mature and diverse population. The area is predominantly White (70.4%), but also includes a notable Asian presence (12.8%) and a significant proportion of non-English speakers (16.5%). Its moderate population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to a welcoming suburban environment for new residents.
Population:
1,050
Density:
2,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.7
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
70.4%
Black:
3.1%
Asian:
12.8%
Others:
13.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in The Highlands, WA?
Living in The Highlands comes with a high cost of living, as reflected by a median home value of $1,180,000 and a cost of living index of 180.1, well above the national average. Residents can expect higher housing and grocery expenses, although state income tax rates remain relatively moderate. The area is best suited for those prepared for upscale living expenses and premium amenities.
Median House Value:
$1,180,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$890
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
180.1
Grocery:
128.0
Housing:
248.5
Utilities:
91.7
Transportation:
130.2
Health Care:
121.3
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is The Highlands, WA a safe place to live?
The Highlands boasts low crime rates, offering peace of mind for families and individuals alike. With a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,080 per 100,000, the chance of experiencing a violent crime is just 1 in 667. This safe environment is a key draw for prospective homeowners.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
150
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,080
Crime Index:
1,230
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 667
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in The Highlands, WA year-round?
Residents enjoy classic Pacific Northwest weather, with mild, wet winters averaging lows in the mid-30s and pleasant summers peaking around 76°F. The area receives about 38.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny days 44% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate moderate temperatures and lush, green landscapes.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
76°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
The neighborhood features financially stable households, with a median income of $67,400 and a low poverty rate of 3.1%. Educational attainment is high, as nearly 67% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and unemployment is low at 2.8%. With most residents commuting about 26 minutes and 10.7% relying on public transportation, the area blends suburban comfort with convenient access to urban opportunities.
Median Income:
$67,400
Household Income:
$168,200
Family Income:
$185,500
Per Capita Income:
$72,800
Income Male:
$93,000
Income Female:
$71,000
Poverty Rate:
3.1%
Non English Speakers:
16.5%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
10.7%
Commute Time:
26.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.3%
Bachelors or More:
67.2%
Education
How are the schools in The Highlands, WA?
The Highlands is renowned for its excellent educational opportunities, featuring highly rated public and private schools and access to top colleges nearby. Local schools provide favorable student-teacher ratios, while higher education institutions like Lake Washington Institute of Technology and the University of Washington are within a short drive. This makes the area a strong choice for families prioritizing quality education.

Public Schools
Name:
Highlands Elementary School
Street:
16624 NE 36th St
Phone:
425-456-6400
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5

Private Schools
Name:
Kirkland Children's School
Street:
5311 108th Ave NE
Phone:
425-822-5981
Students:
180

Colleges
Name:
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
City:
Kirkland
State:
WA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
University of Washington - Seattle
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
48,000
Healthcare
The Highlands offers access to high-quality healthcare, with major hospitals like EvergreenHealth Kirkland and UW Medical Center - Northwest nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio and nearly 95% health insurance coverage. This ensures residents enjoy excellent medical services and peace of mind.

Major Hospitals
Name:
EvergreenHealth Kirkland
Address:
12040 NE 128th St, Kirkland, WA 98034
Phone:
(425) 899-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UW Medical Center - Northwest
Address:
1550 N 115th St, Seattle, WA 98133
Phone:
(206) 668-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
76.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in The Highlands, WA?
The housing market in The Highlands is robust, with a median home price of $1,180,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 87.2%. Rental options are limited due to a low vacancy rate of 2.5%, and home values have seen steady appreciation. The area is ideal for buyers seeking long-term investment in a stable, desirable neighborhood.
Median Home Price:
$1,180,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
87.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents of The Highlands are served by the Washington State Department of Licensing, located in Olympia, with comprehensive online and in-person services. The DMV provides essential vehicle registration and licensing support, making it convenient for newcomers to settle in. Accessible contact information and a user-friendly website ensure smooth transactions.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone:
1-360-902-3900
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.