Birmingham, MI
Population 21,612 · Michigan
About Birmingham, MI
Birmingham is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 21,612 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $153,125 per year, which is 104% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Birmingham features a median home value of $712,700, which is 191% above the national median of $244,900. This places Birmingham in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,891, 63% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,322 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (7,103 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (2,223 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Birmingham shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 4.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Birmingham have an average one-way commute time of 20.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
76.9% of Birmingham residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 9.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Birmingham Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Birmingham, MI
Compared to national averages, Birmingham has a median household income of $153,125 (104% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $712,700, which is 191% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,891 is 63% above the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Birmingham's income is 132% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 289% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Birmingham, MI?
Birmingham offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $153,125, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 76.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $712,700. However, Birmingham’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Birmingham has a population of 21,612 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Birmingham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Birmingham
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Pleasant | 21,420 | $39,924 | $168,700 | Compare |
| Marquette | 20,691 | $55,825 | $254,100 | Compare |
| Adrian | 20,493 | $42,851 | $119,900 | Compare |
| Monroe | 20,330 | $59,532 | $161,500 | Compare |
| Ypsilanti | 19,937 | $44,141 | $223,700 | Compare |
| Waverly | 23,301 | $75,868 | $222,300 | Compare |
| Cutlerville | 19,465 | $65,833 | $200,900 | Compare |
| Ferndale | 19,156 | $91,732 | $233,600 | 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 Birmingham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Birmingham
What is the population of Birmingham, MI?
The population of Birmingham, MI is 21,612 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 Birmingham?
The median household income in Birmingham, MI is $153,125 per year, which is 104% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Birmingham?
The median home value in Birmingham, MI is $712,700, which is 191% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Birmingham?
The median monthly rent in Birmingham, MI is $1,891, which is 63% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Birmingham?
The unemployment rate in Birmingham, MI is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Birmingham, MI a good place to live?
Birmingham offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,612 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Birmingham, MI?
76.9% of residents in Birmingham aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Birmingham, MI: median home value is $712,700 (191% above national), median rent is $1,891/month, and median household income is $153,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Birmingham?
The poverty rate in Birmingham, MI is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Birmingham, MI?
Birmingham's population is 1.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 9.7% of residents are foreign-born.