Carleton, MI
Population 2,635 · Michigan
About Carleton, MI
Carleton is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 2,635 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,826 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Carleton features a median home value of $177,800, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Carleton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $871, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,044 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (766 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (219 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carleton shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Carleton have an average one-way commute time of 31.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.7% of Carleton 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 2.5% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, and 5.2% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carleton, MI
Compared to national averages, Carleton has a median household income of $63,826 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $177,800, which is 27% below the national median. Monthly rent at $871 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Carleton's income is 3% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 3% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Carleton, MI?
Carleton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $177,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $871/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,826) that falls below the national average. However, Carleton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carleton has a population of 2,635 with a median age of 38.8 years. Compare Carleton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Carleton
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montague | 2,630 | $69,375 | $184,700 | Compare |
| Mattawan | 2,615 | $82,026 | $177,500 | Compare |
| Franklin | 2,610 | $176,571 | $696,700 | Compare |
| Pleasant Ridge | 2,607 | $161,058 | $435,500 | Compare |
| Croswell | 2,667 | $55,101 | $136,500 | Compare |
| Village of Grosse Pointe Shores | 2,589 | $182,000 | $671,600 | Compare |
| East Tawas | 2,686 | $41,619 | $114,400 | Compare |
| Sandusky | 2,692 | $60,625 | $112,300 | 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 Carleton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carleton
What is the population of Carleton, MI?
The population of Carleton, MI is 2,635 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 Carleton?
The median household income in Carleton, MI is $63,826 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carleton?
The median home value in Carleton, MI is $177,800, which is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carleton?
The median monthly rent in Carleton, MI is $871, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carleton?
The unemployment rate in Carleton, MI is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carleton, MI a good place to live?
Carleton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,635 and a median age of 38.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Carleton, MI?
9.7% of residents in Carleton 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 Carleton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carleton, MI: median home value is $177,800 (27% below national), median rent is $871/month, and median household income is $63,826. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carleton?
The poverty rate in Carleton, MI is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Carleton, MI?
Carleton's population is 2.5% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Black or African American, 5.2% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.