Understanding past, present, and future county demographic trends provides an essential framework for community planning. Specific trends have measurable impact on our land use requirements, transportation network, public services, zoning, and schools.

Historical Trends — With a peak population of 5,647 people in 1900, Highland County experienced the majority of its growth before the start of the 20^th century. According to annual estimates, the county population decreased by 3.8 percent between 1990 and 2000.

In 2000, 99.3% of residents were white, almost evenly divided between males and females. This gender distribution mirrors statewide figures, while statewide the population is 72.3% white.

Population Projections — The population was 2,536 in the year 2000. The projection for 2010 is 2,500 residents, and for 2020, 2,400 residents.

The county population is decreasing as a result of natural change. As such, the county is unique among counties in our comparison. Generally, when population changes are the result of inward migration, one or more "push-pull" factors are at work. These may include family changes, housing affordability, educational opportunities, cultural and recreational outlets or job availability. However, in Highland County, the trend is for residents to leave the County in search of employment or to continue their education.

According to Census 2000, the population density per square mile for the three primary areas in the county were: Blue Grass (5.1), Stonewall (3.9), and Monterey/Town of Monterey (22).

Households — Highland’s total population decreased by 13.7 percent from 1980 to 2000, but the number of households increased by 2.0 percent.

Age — Age is an essential tool of community analysis because many resident needs and behaviors are life-cycle related. Highland’s median age increased significantly from 34.3 in 1980 to 40.7 in 1990 and to 46.0 in 2000.

A significant trend in the county’s age distribution through 2030 is the projected decrease in various age groups up through middle age, with a projected increase in the number of late middle age and retirement age residents.

These trends have a substantial impact on Highland’s workforce and economic status, as well as affecting county services such as the school system. Since Highland’s proportion of child-bearing aged adults is shrinking, the total number of young children can be anticipated to decrease over the next few years. Our school enrollment and class size will reflect this trend.

An increasingly older population also presents additional challenges. One important example is the availability and accessibility of medical care in support of this growing population segment.

Planning reflects the needs and desires of the county population. A stable population that gets increasingly older will have a different impact on the nature of county planning compared to a growing county with upward trends in all age categories.