Highland, including East Highlands, is a city in San Bernardino County, California, located about 65 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles and 50 miles west of Palm Springs. As of the 2020 census, the combined population was 56,999, with a population density of 3,069.2 people per square mile. The community is diverse, with 34.1% White, 9.3% African American, 8.3% Asian, 1.8% Native American, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 30.2% from other races, and 16.0% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up 55.5% of the population. The city has a suburban character, attracting families, professionals, and retirees who often commute eastward to avoid high real estate costs in nearby counties. Most residents live in households, with an average household size of 3.4 and 52.6% being married couples.

Highland has 17,109 housing units, of which 97.4% are occupied, with 63.3% owned and 36.7% rented. The city has a relatively young population, with a median age of 33.6 years and 27.4% under 18. Households commonly include children, and many families are headed by single parents. In 2023, the median household income was $77,979, and the per capita income was $34,323, though 12.7% of families and 16.7% of the population were below the poverty line. Historically, the area developed in part due to the Santa Fe Railway supporting the local orange farming industry, and today it remains a diverse and growing suburban community.