The Highland Township population is largely homogenous, with 97 percent of the population reporting its racial origin as white in the 2000 census, which is consistent with its neighboring townships. Oakland County reports 83 percent white and 17 percent minority population. The population is aging, with 44% of residents in the 35 to 64 year age group in 2000, compared with 36% of its residents in that age group in 1990. Approximately 7% of its population is in the age 65 and over group, despite the fact that there are very few senior housing units to service the population (approximately 17 units for 1395 persons).

The population is fairly well educated, with 89 percent of the population age 25 or older having graduated from high school, and 20 percent of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher, according to the 2000 census. As a comparison, county-wide, 89 percent of the population age 25 or older have graduated from high school, but 38 percent hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Townships residents are served primarily by the Huron Valley School Systems, which consistently report above average MEAP scores in every subject compared to state averages.

The population is largely "white-collar", with nearly two-thirds of the Township population is employed in service industries, according to estimates by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), the regional planning agency. Only 2 percent are employed in agriculture, mining and natural resources and 6 percent in manufacturing. 4 percent are employed in finance, insurance and real estate, and 20 percent in retail trade. On a county-wide basis, nearly 15 percent are employed in "blue collar jobs" in agriculture, mining and natural resources and manufacturing. The average commute for a Highland Township resident is 35 minutes one way, whereas the county-wide average commute is 27 minutes.

The median household income in Highland Township for 2000 is $62,805 (expressed in 1999 dollars), up from $56,495 in 1990. Six percent of all persons live in poverty (up one percent from 1990). Twenty percent of households earn in excess of $100,000 annually. This is similar to the County-wide median household income of $61,907, with five percent of all persons living in poverty. Twenty-six percent of all households in Oakland County earn in excess of $100,000 annually. Oakland County is considered one of the wealthiest counties in Michigan, and in the United States. Eighty-eight percent of all housing units are owner-occupied, with a median sales price exceeding $160,000 (Source: RealComp, 1996-2000 sales).