Battle Creek, MI
Population 52,392 · Michigan
About Battle Creek, MI
Battle Creek is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 52,392 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,699 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Battle Creek features a median home value of $127,600, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Battle Creek one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $934, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 23,717 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (13,827 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (7,406 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Battle Creek shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Battle Creek have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.1% of Battle Creek 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 6.4% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 7.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Battle Creek Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Battle Creek, MI
Compared to national averages, Battle Creek has a median household income of $51,699 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $127,600, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $934 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Battle Creek's income is 22% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 30% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Battle Creek, MI?
Battle Creek offers affordable housing with a median home value of $127,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $934/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,699) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Battle Creek provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Battle Creek has a population of 52,392 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Battle Creek with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Battle Creek
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentwood | 54,114 | $73,647 | $249,000 | Compare |
| Portage | 49,015 | $79,529 | $243,400 | Compare |
| Roseville | 47,240 | $61,222 | $142,700 | Compare |
| Royal Oak | 57,880 | $95,182 | $305,900 | Compare |
| St. Clair Shores | 58,287 | $72,693 | $196,400 | Compare |
| East Lansing | 45,394 | $43,547 | $251,600 | Compare |
| Saginaw | 43,879 | $37,298 | $54,000 | Compare |
| Pontiac | 61,914 | $42,791 | $110,600 | 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 Battle Creek With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Battle Creek
What is the population of Battle Creek, MI?
The population of Battle Creek, MI is 52,392 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Battle Creek?
The median household income in Battle Creek, MI is $51,699 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Battle Creek?
The median home value in Battle Creek, MI is $127,600, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Battle Creek?
The median monthly rent in Battle Creek, MI is $934, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Battle Creek?
The unemployment rate in Battle Creek, MI is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Battle Creek, MI a good place to live?
Battle Creek offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 52,392 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Battle Creek, MI?
22.1% of residents in Battle Creek 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 Battle Creek?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Battle Creek, MI: median home value is $127,600 (48% below national), median rent is $934/month, and median household income is $51,699. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Battle Creek?
The poverty rate in Battle Creek, MI is 18.0%, 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 Battle Creek, MI?
Battle Creek's population is 6.4% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 15.6% two or more races. 7.9% of residents are foreign-born.