[3] The county is named for the topography which is hilly and divides the watersheds of the Little Miami and Scioto Rivers.

The median household income is $39,641 and 17.6% of people live below the poverty line.

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 43,589 people, 16,693 households, and 11,819 families residing in the county.

The last time it voted for the Democratic presidential candidate was for Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.

The main library is in Hillsboro, with four branches located in Greenfield, Leesburg, Lynchburg, and Rocky Fork.

There is Rocky Fork State Park[24] which is located 5 miles east of Hillsboro.

It provides opportunities to go camping, fishing, boating, swimming, hunting, putt-putt, and disc golf amongst other activities.

There is also Paint Creek State Park[25] located 13 miles east of Hillsboro.

Habitat for Humanity of Highland County[28] was established in 2000, and has since built three homes: one on Johnson St. in Hillsboro and two on 2nd St. in Greenfield.

Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing.