Bessemer, MI
Population 1,778 · Michigan
About Bessemer, MI
Bessemer is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 1,778 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,792 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.2 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 Bessemer features a median home value of $76,100, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bessemer one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $504, 57% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,155 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (639 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (208 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bessemer shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bessemer have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.9% of Bessemer 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 2.1% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bessemer Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Bessemer, MI
Compared to national averages, Bessemer has a median household income of $50,792 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $76,100, which is 69% below the national median. Monthly rent at $504 is 57% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Bessemer's income is 23% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 59% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Bessemer, MI?
Bessemer offers affordable housing with a median home value of $76,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $504/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,792) that falls below the national average. However, Bessemer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bessemer has a population of 1,778 with a median age of 50.2 years. Compare Bessemer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Bessemer
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Au Sable | 1,780 | $46,369 | $107,900 | Compare |
| East Jordan | 1,776 | $53,929 | $125,100 | Compare |
| Kingsley | 1,783 | $65,714 | $248,900 | Compare |
| Marlette | 1,771 | $44,375 | $116,900 | Compare |
| Wakefield | 1,789 | $48,413 | $71,400 | Compare |
| Evart | 1,764 | $34,091 | $99,400 | Compare |
| Cassopolis | 1,763 | $40,529 | $99,700 | Compare |
| Decatur | 1,814 | $58,281 | $121,900 | 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 Bessemer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bessemer
What is the population of Bessemer, MI?
The population of Bessemer, MI is 1,778 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 Bessemer?
The median household income in Bessemer, MI is $50,792 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bessemer?
The median home value in Bessemer, MI is $76,100, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bessemer?
The median monthly rent in Bessemer, MI is $504, which is 57% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bessemer?
The unemployment rate in Bessemer, MI is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bessemer, MI a good place to live?
Bessemer offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,778 and a median age of 50.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bessemer, MI?
19.9% of residents in Bessemer 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 Bessemer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bessemer, MI: median home value is $76,100 (69% below national), median rent is $504/month, and median household income is $50,792. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bessemer?
The poverty rate in Bessemer, MI is 15.4%, 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 Bessemer, MI?
Bessemer's population is 2.1% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.