Highland, IL Business Directory & City Guide

What is Highland, IL known for? Highland is a Madison County city with Swiss-rooted heritage, a classic town square, and Silver Lake Park on its edge. St Louis Near Me Directory’s Highland guide is where to find its local businesses, food, and services — plus the events, attractions, and neighborhoods that make it worth knowing.

• Browse top local businesses and services in Highland
• Food, events, shopping, and home services
• In the Illinois Metro East, just minutes from St. Louis

Scroll down to explore the full Highland guide.

By Lane Forman, Founder of St Louis Near Me Directory
Local St. Louis-area city guides, researched and maintained

Looking for a small Illinois city with a historic downtown, strong median incomes, and easy access to both St. Louis and rural recreation? Highland, IL combines Swiss-influenced heritage, a walkable core, and solid local employers with a family-friendly pace of life in eastern Madison County. With Silver Lake Park on the edge of town, a classic main street, and regionally known eateries, Highland offers an appealing “just-far-enough” option for commuters and long-time residents alike.

Highland, IL recorded a 2020 Census population of 10,079, with recent estimates showing about 10,215 residents in 2022 and 10,268 in 2023, and 2026 projections around 10,002—indicating essentially stable population with very slight decline. Median household income is strong at roughly 82,551 dollars (2020–2024 in 2024 dollars), with other sources reporting a 2023 median around 77,886–77,886 dollars and average household income near 90,936 dollars. Per-capita income is about 52,043–52,551 dollars, and the poverty rate is low at roughly 5.9–6.03 percent. The median age runs in the upper 30s to low 40s, reflecting a mix of working-age adults, families, and older residents. Highland is majority White, with smaller Black, Hispanic/Latino, and multiracial communities, and has educational attainment levels around or slightly above state averages, supporting a workforce suited for manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and services.

Many newcomers are drawn to Highland, IL for its “small town with big amenities” feel—think local hospital, active park district, quality schools, and a steady base of employers, all about 30–40 minutes from downtown St. Louis via I-70. The community invests in incremental economic development and infrastructure improvements, emphasizing resident quality of life and a strong sense of place. Whether you’re walking around Plaza Square, catching a movie at The Lory Theater, boating on Silver Lake, or grabbing comfort food at 9th Street Cafe, Highland delivers a well-rounded hometown experience.

City Snapshot: Demographics, Geography, and Regional Access

Below you’ll find key facts and figures about Highland, IL organized for easy reference.

Quick Facts

Neighborhoods & Community Layout

• Downtown & Plaza Square: Highland’s downtown centers on Plaza Square and surrounding blocks, with local shops, restaurants, professional offices, and civic buildings in a compact, walkable setting. Historic structures and small businesses give the heart of the city a traditional main-street feel.
• Residential Neighborhoods: Residential areas around downtown feature a mix of older homes, mid-century properties, and newer subdivisions, providing options for first-time buyers, established families, and retirees. Tree-lined streets and neighborhood parks support a classic small-town environment.
• Silver Lake & Outskirts: The Silver Lake area north of town adds a more rural and recreational character, with water access, trails, and open space just a short drive from the city center.
• Industrial & Business Corridors: Industrial and commercial employers cluster along key routes and business parks, including facilities for Basler Electric, Highland Supply, and other manufacturers and service firms.
• Regional Position: Situated along or near I-70 and state highways, Highland sits within commuting distance of larger job centers in Madison County and the St. Louis metro while maintaining a distinct small-city identity.

Business Scene: Major Employers, Industry, and Visibility

Highland, IL punches above its weight economically, with a diverse roster of employers in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and services. Local major employers include Basler Electric (electrical components, ~440 employees), Highland Supply (floral and holiday supplies, ~323 employees), HSHS St. Joseph Hospital (general hospital, ~300 employees), Walmart Supercenter (~269 employees), Trouw Nutrition (animal nutrition, ~130 employees), The Korte Company (construction services, ~100 employees), Aramark (uniform services, ~85 employees), and Highland Machine & Screw Products (electrical components, ~82 employees). These companies provide stable jobs and help anchor Highland as a small but significant industrial and service center within Madison County.

Alongside large employers, Highland supports a network of small businesses—restaurants, cafés, retailers, contractors, auto shops, health providers, and professional service firms—that serve residents and nearby rural communities. With the St Louis Near Me Directory, Highland businesses can increase their online visibility and attract customers who search for food near me in Highland, IL, local hospitals and clinics, construction services, or day-trip destinations from around the bi-state region.

Attractions, Dining, Parks, and Recreation

Highland, IL offers a blend of outdoor recreation, local entertainment, and hometown dining that appeals to residents and day-trippers. From boating and fishing at Silver Lake Park to catching a movie at The Lory Theater or working out at the Korte Recreation Center, there are plenty of ways to stay active and engaged close to home.

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

• Silver Lake Park: A key local attraction, Silver Lake Park offers boating, fishing, trails, and picnic areas around a scenic reservoir just outside Highland. It’s a go-to spot for outdoor recreation, nature walks, and family outings.
• Spindler Park & Neighborhood Parks: Within the city, parks like Spindler Park provide playgrounds, sports fields, and green space for everyday recreation and youth sports.
• Korte Recreation Center: This community facility features fitness equipment, gym space, and programs for residents looking to stay active indoors year-round.
• Regional Outdoor Access: Highland’s location in Madison County gives residents short drives to other parks, trails, and rural destinations across the county and beyond.

Dining & Restaurants (Food Near Me Highlights)

• 9th Street Cafe: Frequently highlighted as a local favorite, 9th Street Cafe serves breakfast, burgers, and American comfort food in a casual, community-oriented setting.
• Blue Springs Cafe & Diamond Mineral Springs: Nearby regional institutions like Blue Springs Cafe and Diamond Mineral Springs are known for hearty fare and country-style meals, drawing diners from Highland and surrounding towns.
• Urban Farmhouse Eatery & Pie Company: This spot offers farm-inspired dishes and house-made pies, adding a modern comfort-food option to the local dining scene.
• Railshake & Local Bars: Railshake and other bars provide casual dining, drinks, and live-music or event nights, giving residents laid-back evening options.
• Everyday Coffee & Quick Bites: Cafés, bakeries, and fast-casual spots support daily routines for commuters and families, rounding out Highland’s food choices.

Arts, Culture & Local Attractions

• The Lory Theater: A historic theater turned local cinema and event venue, The Lory offers movies and occasionally special events in a classic small-town setting.
• Plaza Square & Community Events: Plaza Square functions as a civic and social hub, hosting markets, festivals, and community gatherings that bring residents together.
• Local Festivals & Traditions: Highland features community festivals and seasonal events that reflect its heritage and strong civic involvement, reinforcing its “great place to call home” reputation.
• Regional Culture Access: From Highland, residents can reach St. Louis–area museums, sports, and arts venues within a reasonable drive, blending small-city living with big-city culture.

Transportation and Connectivity

Highland, IL benefits from proximity to Interstate 70 and key state routes that connect it to Edwardsville, Collinsville, and the broader St. Louis metro, as well as to more rural parts of Illinois. This location makes it feasible for residents to commute to larger employment centers while returning to a smaller, quieter community.

Local streets and collector roads link neighborhoods, industrial areas, and the downtown core, supporting easy internal circulation. Regional logistics infrastructure in Madison County—including major employers, ports, rail, and highways—also benefits Highland’s industrial and distribution businesses.

For businesses, this combination of small-city stability and regional access means customers and suppliers can move efficiently between Highland and the rest of the metro—and a listing on the St Louis Near Me Directory helps ensure those customers find Highland businesses online when they’re ready to buy.

Discover Highland, IL Today

With its strong median household income, low poverty rate, steady population, and mix of manufacturers, healthcare providers, and small businesses, Highland, IL presents a solid foundation for both families and employers. From Silver Lake Park, the Korte Recreation Center, and classic local eateries to Plaza Square events and nearby regional attractions, the city offers a quality of life that balances tradition and gradual growth. Continued attention to resident-focused economic development projects suggests Highland will keep investing in its people and places.

Whether you’re searching for Highland, IL events, looking for the best food near me in Highland, IL, comparing neighborhoods and schools, or ready to join a business community that values stability, craftsmanship, and hometown pride, Highland welcomes you. Connect with customers, showcase your expertise, and grow your brand through the St Louis Near Me Directory. Our platform makes it easy for residents and visitors to discover everything Highland has to offer—and we’re ready to put your business front and center.

Visit Highland. Explore Highland. Grow your business in Highland. The opportunities are waiting, and the community is ready to support your success. Join the many businesses already benefiting from enhanced local visibility and start building your Highland presence today.

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FAQ – Highland, IL City Guide