Living in Highlands Ranch, CO
Highlands Ranch is an unincorporated community in Douglas County, Colorado, with about 102,000 residents (Census Bureau, 2020-2024 average). It has no city government of its own; the county provides most services. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (105.8 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population
- 102,257ACS 2020-2024 average
- Median home value
- $712,7004.5 years of median income
- Median rent
- $2,531/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $159,307median, per year
- Price level
- 105.8US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 47° / 90°lows 18° / 59°
- Average commute
- 24 min33% work from home
- State income tax
- 4.4%top rate, flat
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County: Douglas County
Time zone: Mountain Time (UTC-7, UTC-6 in summer)
Elevation: about 5,682 ft
Metro area: Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Cost of living in Highlands Ranch
The median home in Highlands Ranch is worth $712,700 and the median household earns $159,307 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.5 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $2,531 a month, about 19% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area at 105.8, with housing at 146.9 and goods at 101.0 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $79,300 here. Colorado taxes wages at a top rate of 4.4% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Colorado is 7.89%.
What would my salary be worth in Highlands Ranch?
Highlands Ranch weather
Average highs run from 46°F in January to 90°F in July, and January nights average 18°F. It gets 15 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 49 inches of snow. Expect about 42 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 156 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to June and September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Highlands Ranch
People and work
The median resident is 41.5 years old, and 68% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 78% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 24 minutes; 33% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 41.5487th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 68%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 78%of households
- People per sq mile
- 4,21424.3 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%1% walk, 0.3% bike
- Unemployment
- 4%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 2.9%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1997median year
Who moves to Highlands Ranch, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Phoenix (Maricopa County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and Anaheim (Orange County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Phoenix (Maricopa County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and Houston (Harris County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Douglas County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, lightning, tornado, wildfire.
Home prices
-0.5% in a year
Up 21% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
29% good days
17 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Highlands Ranch
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Coors Field 15 miles
- University of Denver 9 miles
- Colorado Christian University 14 miles
- Colorado School of Mines 20 miles
- Community College of Denver 14 miles
- Community College of Aurora 15 miles
- Regis University 17 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Highlands Ranch
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Denver International Airport DEN | 27 mi | 40,012,895 |
| Colorado Springs Airport COS | 53 mi | 1,248,261 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Highlands Ranch
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | 14 mi | 15,002 | $13,803 | 31% |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | 16 mi | 10,519 | $10,217 | 49% |
| Colorado School of Mines | 20 mi | 6,155 | $32,901 | 82% |
| University of Denver | 9 mi | 6,025 | $31,961 | 74% |
| Colorado Christian University | 14 mi | 5,549 | $28,605 | 69% |
| Community College of Denver | 14 mi | 5,096 | $4,799 | n/a |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Highlands Ranch
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before May 4, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 1 and the first frost comes around October 8.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Denver-Stapleton, CO, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Highlands Ranch.
Wildfire smoke in Highlands Ranch
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Highlands Ranch on about 78 days a year, including about 17 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Highlands Ranch
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 38,550 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Highlands Ranch
Downtown Highlands Ranch is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas County School District RE-1 | Pre-K to 12 | 61,243 | 88 | 17.4 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Denver County School District 1 (90,471 students), Jefferson County School District R-1 (73,532 students), Cherry Creek School District 5 (51,980 students), Littleton School District 6 (13,109 students), Englewood School District 1 (2,406 students), Sheridan School District 2 (1,018 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Highlands Ranch's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Highlands Ranch's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Lehi, UT61% matchCompare
- South Jordan, UT59% matchCompare
- Bend, OR58% matchCompare
- Sandy, UT55% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Highlands Ranch
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Highlands Ranch
- Echo Mountain Park 31 miles
- Geneva Basin Ski Area 40 miles
- Eldora Mountain Resort 43 miles
- Arapahoe Basin 48 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Highlands Ranch
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data A highly educated city: 68% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Data Winters are snowy: about 49 inches a year.
Highlands Ranch report card from locals
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Highlands Ranch through locals' eyes
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Cities near Highlands Ranch
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial, CO | 7 mi | 108,658 | $658,100 | 105.8 | Compare |
| Castle Rock, CO | 13 mi | 83,815 | $652,900 | 105.8 | Compare |
| Lakewood, CO | 13 mi | 156,927 | $574,400 | 105.8 | Compare |
| Denver, CO | 14 mi | 740,613 | $616,000 | 105.8 | Compare |
| Aurora, CO | 16 mi | 410,053 | $469,100 | 105.8 | Compare |
| Arvada, CO | 20 mi | 122,901 | $632,600 | 105.8 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Highlands Ranch ranks 1st of 30 in our best suburbs of Denver ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Highlands Ranch with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Highlands Ranch a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no standout advantages on cost or climate; the trade-offs are heavy snow. Compare Highlands Ranch side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Highlands Ranch?
About 102,257, the Census Bureau's American Community Survey average for 2020 to 2024. As an unincorporated community, Highlands Ranch is not included in the yearly city population estimates.
How much do you need to earn to live in Highlands Ranch?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $79,300 in the Highlands Ranch area. The median household here earns $159,307.
When is the best time to visit Highlands Ranch?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to June and September are the most comfortable months. July averages 90°F and January 46°F for daytime highs.
What county is Highlands Ranch in?
Highlands Ranch is in Douglas County, Colorado. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Highlands Ranch in?
Highlands Ranch is on Mountain Time (UTC-7, or UTC-6 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Highlands Ranch?
About 5,682 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city. At over a mile high, the air is thinner and the sun is stronger.
Does Colorado have a state income tax?
Yes. Colorado has a flat income tax with a top rate of 4.4% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Highlands Ranch. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Denver-Stapleton, CO station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.