Bad Axe, MI
Population 3,010 · Michigan
About Bad Axe, MI
Bad Axe is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 3,010 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,535 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bad Axe features a median home value of $106,700, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bad Axe one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $731, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,514 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (771 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (594 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bad Axe shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bad Axe have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.0% of Bad Axe 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 8.3% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bad Axe, MI
Compared to national averages, Bad Axe has a median household income of $47,535 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $106,700, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $731 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Bad Axe's income is 28% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 42% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Bad Axe, MI?
Bad Axe offers affordable housing with a median home value of $106,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $731/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,535) that falls below the national average. However, Bad Axe’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bad Axe has a population of 3,010 with a median age of 49 years. Compare Bad Axe with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Bad Axe
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron River | 3,009 | $48,750 | $75,000 | Compare |
| Whitehall | 2,974 | $58,750 | $205,800 | Compare |
| Corunna | 3,054 | $47,420 | $142,000 | Compare |
| Potterville | 3,065 | $62,054 | $125,400 | Compare |
| Fowlerville | 2,950 | $43,155 | $189,000 | Compare |
| Ferrysburg | 2,949 | $62,096 | $225,400 | Compare |
| Harvey | 3,080 | $75,188 | $235,600 | Compare |
| Gladwin | 3,081 | $43,638 | $111,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bad Axe With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bad Axe
What is the population of Bad Axe, MI?
The population of Bad Axe, MI is 3,010 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Bad Axe?
The median household income in Bad Axe, MI is $47,535 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bad Axe?
The median home value in Bad Axe, MI is $106,700, which is 56% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bad Axe?
The median monthly rent in Bad Axe, MI is $731, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bad Axe?
The unemployment rate in Bad Axe, MI is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bad Axe, MI a good place to live?
Bad Axe offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,010 and a median age of 49, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bad Axe, MI?
20.0% of residents in Bad Axe 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 Bad Axe?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bad Axe, MI: median home value is $106,700 (56% below national), median rent is $731/month, and median household income is $47,535. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bad Axe?
The poverty rate in Bad Axe, MI is 16.3%, 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 Bad Axe, MI?
Bad Axe's population is 8.3% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.