Center Line, MI
Population 8,448 · Michigan
About Center Line, MI
Center Line is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 8,448 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,857 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Center Line features a median home value of $145,300, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Center Line one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $627, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,789 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (2,123 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (1,579 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Center Line shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Center Line have an average one-way commute time of 21.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.7% of Center Line 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 0.1% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 14.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Center Line, MI
Compared to national averages, Center Line has a median household income of $52,857 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $145,300, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $627 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Center Line's income is 20% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 21% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Center Line, MI?
Center Line offers affordable housing with a median home value of $145,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $627/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,857) that falls below the national average. However, Center Line’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Center Line has a population of 8,448 with a median age of 39.9 years. Compare Center Line with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Center Line
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperance | 8,495 | $76,069 | $230,200 | Compare |
| Beecher | 8,507 | $35,582 | $48,400 | Compare |
| Menominee | 8,370 | $49,646 | $97,800 | Compare |
| Houghton | 8,341 | $35,417 | $233,700 | Compare |
| Flushing | 8,323 | $77,372 | $189,500 | Compare |
| Tecumseh | 8,655 | $64,086 | $193,600 | Compare |
| Mason | 8,239 | $79,521 | $194,600 | Compare |
| Highland Park | 8,798 | $27,582 | $75,800 | 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 Center Line With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Center Line
What is the population of Center Line, MI?
The population of Center Line, MI is 8,448 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 Center Line?
The median household income in Center Line, MI is $52,857 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Center Line?
The median home value in Center Line, MI is $145,300, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Center Line?
The median monthly rent in Center Line, MI is $627, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Center Line?
The unemployment rate in Center Line, MI is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Center Line, MI a good place to live?
Center Line offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,448 and a median age of 39.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Center Line, MI?
18.7% of residents in Center Line 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 Center Line?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Center Line, MI: median home value is $145,300 (41% below national), median rent is $627/month, and median household income is $52,857. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Center Line?
The poverty rate in Center Line, MI is 12.6%, 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 Center Line, MI?
Center Line's population is 0.1% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 29.5% two or more races. 14.9% of residents are foreign-born.