Highland City, FL Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Highland City, FL Utility & Living Guide

Highland City is a census-designated place (CDP) in Polk County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, Highland City had a population of 12,355.

Last updated: July 8, 2026
Total Utilities$255/mo
1BR Rent$3052/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$696,300
📷 Live Cameras — Highland City
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Highland City
Loading weather...
Living in Highland City, summers are hot, with Jul highs around 89.4°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 52.7°F. At just 113 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 58.4 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Within 5 miles: 11 parks, 3 groceries, 19 dining spots and 2 schools. For hospital care, the nearest facility is in a neighboring city. Median household income: $140,045. With a 4.3% poverty rate and 94.7% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Lakeland (7mi NW), Mulberry (7mi SW), Auburndale (9mi NE). Air quality is Good — avg AQI 42 over the past week.
📍 City Briefing
Living in Highland City, summers are hot, with Jul highs around 89.4°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 52.7°F. At just 113 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 58.4 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Within 5 miles: 11 parks, 3 groceries, 19 dining spots and 2 schools. For hospital care, the nearest facility is in a neighboring city. Median household income: $140,045. With a 4.3% poverty rate and 94.7% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Lakeland (7mi NW), Mulberry (7mi SW), Auburndale (9mi NE). Air quality is Good — avg AQI 42 over the past week.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Highland City
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Highland City?

Moving to Highland City? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Duke Energy Florida
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Polk County Utilities
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Polk County Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$3052/mo
2 Bedrooms$3392/mo
3 Bedrooms$4240/mo
Median Home Price$696,300
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Highland City is competitive, with prices rising due to its proximity to major cities. New developments are increasing inventory but demand remains high.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

Florida has no state income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple (mixed Republican and Democrat leanings)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in agriculture and logistics
Top Local Concerns
Traffic congestion, school funding, water quality
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit options; car-dependent but sidewalks are improving in newer neighborhoods.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Explorations V Children's Museum
  • 🎯
    Circle B Bar Reserve
  • 🎯
    Safari Wilderness

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Highland City's best areas for families include the newer developments near the Polk Parkway, offering good schools and parks. The historic downtown area is also popular for its charm and community events.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Highland City based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Highland City — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$140,045
👤 Median Age
40.5
🏠 Homeownership Rate
94.7%
🔑 Renter Rate
5.3%
📉 Poverty Rate
4.3%
💼 Unemployment Rate
4.8%
📡 Internet Access
87.3%
🎓 College Educated
25.9%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in summer due to high AC usage. Winter months see lower bills as heating needs are minimal in Florida.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by Polk County district, no local surtaxes specific to Highland City.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6/10: Sidewalks are present but uneven in older areas, park access is good, and family infrastructure is improving with new developments.

📍 Highland City City Stories

Highland City, Florida — City Overview

Living in Highland City, summers are hot, with Jul highs around 89.4°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan...

Read more →
📰 Latest FL Stories
Florida Living Report — July 27, 2026

Florida Living Report — July 27, 2026

With a population now exceeding 21.6 million, Florida has become more than just a retirement destination; it is...

Read more →
Florida Living Report — July 26, 2026

Florida Living Report — July 26, 2026

For anyone weighing a move to Florida, the numbers paint a picture of a state that is both...

Read more →
Florida Living Report — July 25, 2026

Florida Living Report — July 25, 2026

When considering a move to Florida, you are stepping into the nation’s third most populous state, with over...

Read more →
Florida Living Report — July 24, 2026

Florida Living Report — July 24, 2026

Florida, with a population surpassing 21.6 million, has long been a magnetic destination for Americans seeking a change...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.