Battle Creek, MI
Population 52,392 · Michigan
About Battle Creek, MI
Battle Creek is a mid-sized city in Michigan with a population of 52,392 residents. The median household income is $51,699 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Battle Creek is 37.6 years.
Housing in Battle Creek has a median home value of $127,600 and median monthly rent of $934. Of the 23,717 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 13,827 owner-occupied and 7,406 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Battle Creek is 7.4% and the poverty rate is 18.0%. 22.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.9 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Battle Creek?
The median household income in Battle Creek, MI is $51,699 per year.
What is the median home value in Battle Creek?
The median home value in Battle Creek, MI is $127,600.
What is the average rent in Battle Creek?
The median monthly rent in Battle Creek, MI is $934.
What is the unemployment rate in Battle Creek?
The unemployment rate in Battle Creek, MI is 7.4%.