Michigan City, IN
Population 31,894 · Indiana
About Michigan City, IN
Michigan City is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 31,894 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,979 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Michigan City features a median home value of $129,000, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Michigan City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $915, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,061 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (7,510 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (5,391 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Michigan City shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Michigan City have an average one-way commute time of 22 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Michigan City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.8% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Michigan City Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in Michigan City, IN
Compared to national averages, Michigan City has a median household income of $52,979 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $129,000, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $915 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Michigan City's income is 24% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 21% below the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Michigan City, IN?
Michigan City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $129,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $915/month, and short commute times averaging just 22 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,979) that falls below the national average. However, Michigan City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Michigan City has a population of 31,894 with a median age of 37.8 years. Compare Michigan City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Michigan City
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zionsville | 31,442 | $159,126 | $543,800 | Compare |
| Brownsburg | 30,310 | $105,435 | $282,800 | Compare |
| Granger | 30,279 | $117,348 | $302,500 | Compare |
| Crown Point | 34,042 | $95,757 | $272,800 | Compare |
| Hobart | 29,646 | $71,680 | $203,400 | Compare |
| Schererville | 29,627 | $86,020 | $294,600 | Compare |
| Goshen | 34,374 | $55,436 | $175,200 | Compare |
| Valparaiso | 34,377 | $67,664 | $250,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Michigan City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Michigan City
What is the population of Michigan City, IN?
The population of Michigan City, IN is 31,894 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Michigan City?
The median household income in Michigan City, IN is $52,979 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Michigan City?
The median home value in Michigan City, IN is $129,000, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Michigan City?
The median monthly rent in Michigan City, IN is $915, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Michigan City?
The unemployment rate in Michigan City, IN is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Michigan City, IN a good place to live?
Michigan City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 31,894 and a median age of 37.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Michigan City, IN?
18.8% of residents in Michigan City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Michigan City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Michigan City, IN: median home value is $129,000 (47% below national), median rent is $915/month, and median household income is $52,979. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Michigan City?
The poverty rate in Michigan City, IN is 19.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Michigan City, IN?
Michigan City's population is 5.8% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 24.6% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.