Baraga, MI
Population 1,948 · Michigan
About Baraga, MI
Baraga is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 1,948 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,297 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Baraga features a median home value of $101,000, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Baraga one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $434, 63% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 624 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (264 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (273 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Baraga shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Baraga have an average one-way commute time of 9.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
7.2% of Baraga 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 2.0% White, 21.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Baraga Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Baraga, MI
Compared to national averages, Baraga has a median household income of $39,297 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,000, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $434 is 63% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Baraga's income is 40% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 45% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Baraga, MI?
Baraga offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $434/month, and short commute times averaging just 9.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,297) that falls below the national average. However, Baraga’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Baraga has a population of 1,948 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Baraga with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Baraga
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caledonia | 1,936 | $114,167 | $325,100 | Compare |
| Hart | 1,931 | $55,066 | $119,700 | Compare |
| Lake Isabella | 1,931 | $76,923 | $176,800 | Compare |
| Saranac | 1,973 | $64,157 | $183,300 | Compare |
| Sebewaing | 1,921 | $50,779 | $94,800 | Compare |
| Pinckney | 1,920 | $92,159 | $251,700 | Compare |
| L'Anse | 1,916 | $55,042 | $100,100 | Compare |
| Munising | 1,907 | $54,375 | $112,300 | 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 Baraga With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Baraga
What is the population of Baraga, MI?
The population of Baraga, MI is 1,948 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 Baraga?
The median household income in Baraga, MI is $39,297 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Baraga?
The median home value in Baraga, MI is $101,000, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Baraga?
The median monthly rent in Baraga, MI is $434, which is 63% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Baraga?
The unemployment rate in Baraga, MI is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Baraga, MI a good place to live?
Baraga offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,948 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Baraga, MI?
7.2% of residents in Baraga 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 Baraga?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Baraga, MI: median home value is $101,000 (59% below national), median rent is $434/month, and median household income is $39,297. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Baraga?
The poverty rate in Baraga, MI is 18.2%, 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 Baraga, MI?
Baraga's population is 2.0% White, 21.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 26.9% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.