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US City Data

Benton Harbor, MI

Population 9,023 · Michigan

Population
9,023
Median Income
$29,652
Median Home Value
$75,500
Median Rent
$775/mo

About Benton Harbor, MI

Benton Harbor is a small community in Michigan with a population of 9,023 residents. The median household income is $29,652 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Benton Harbor is 33.2 years.

Housing in Benton Harbor has a median home value of $75,500 and median monthly rent of $775. Of the 4,324 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 1,364 owner-occupied and 2,375 renter-occupied units.

The unemployment rate in Benton Harbor is 20.8% and the poverty rate is 41.9%. 7.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.3 minutes.

How Benton Harbor Ranks in Michigan

Most Affordable Cities
#46
of 50 cities · $75,500

Cost of Living in Benton Harbor, MI

Compared to national averages, Benton Harbor has a median household income of $29,652 (61% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $75,500, which is 69% below the national median. Monthly rent at $775 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Benton Harbor's income is 55% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 59% below the state median of $183,391.

Income vs National
$29,652
National: $75,149
Michigan: $66,017
Home Value vs National
$75,500
National: $244,900
Michigan: $183,391
Rent vs National
$775
National: $1,163
Michigan: $921
Unemployment vs National
20.8%
National: 3.7%
Michigan: 6.2%

Why Live in Benton Harbor, MI?

Benton Harbor offers affordable housing with a median home value of $75,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $775/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.

Potential considerations include median household income ($29,652) that falls below the national average. However, Benton Harbor’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.

Benton Harbor has a population of 9,023 with a median age of 33.2 years. Compare Benton Harbor with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.

Similar Cities Near Benton Harbor

Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Lapeer9,053$53,038$165,300Compare
Saline8,976$90,662$310,600Compare
Westwood8,968$62,408$187,300Compare
Greenville8,897$55,477$160,600Compare
Ecorse9,170$45,082$59,400Compare
Plymouth9,234$111,742$418,200Compare
Highland Park8,798$27,582$75,800Compare
Charlotte9,269$63,385$140,500Compare

Demographics

33.2
Median Age
4,208
Male
4,815
Female
1.1%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White4.9Hispanic/Latino2.8Black0Asian0.1Two or More80.2

Economy & Education

20.8%
Unemployment Rate
41.9%
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Bachelor's Degree+
18.3 min
Avg Commute

Housing

4,324
Total Housing Units
1,364
Owner Occupied
2,375
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in Michigan

Benton HeightsCopper HarborEagle HarborHarbor BeachHarbor SpringsKeego Harbor

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare Benton Harbor With Other Cities

Benton Harbor vs Benton HeightsBenton Harbor vs Copper HarborBenton Harbor vs Eagle HarborBenton Harbor vs Harbor Beach

Frequently Asked Questions about Benton Harbor

What is the population of Benton Harbor, MI?

The population of Benton Harbor, MI is 9,023 according to the latest Census data.

What is the median household income in Benton Harbor?

The median household income in Benton Harbor, MI is $29,652 per year.

What is the median home value in Benton Harbor?

The median home value in Benton Harbor, MI is $75,500.

What is the average rent in Benton Harbor?

The median monthly rent in Benton Harbor, MI is $775.

What is the unemployment rate in Benton Harbor?

The unemployment rate in Benton Harbor, MI is 20.8%.

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