');
US City Data

Chelsea, MI

Population 5,420 · Michigan

Population
5,420
Median Income
$71,702
Median Home Value
$301,100
Median Rent
$1,543/mo

About Chelsea, MI

Chelsea is a small community in Michigan with a population of 5,420 residents. The median household income is $71,702 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Chelsea is 50.8 years.

Housing in Chelsea has a median home value of $301,100 and median monthly rent of $1,543. Of the 2,734 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,685 owner-occupied and 1,006 renter-occupied units.

The unemployment rate in Chelsea is 2.6% and the poverty rate is 3.8%. 50.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 24.1 minutes.

Cost of Living in Chelsea, MI

Compared to national averages, Chelsea has a median household income of $71,702 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $301,100, which is 23% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,543 is 33% above the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Chelsea's income is 9% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 64% above the state median of $183,391.

Income vs National
$71,702
National: $75,149
Michigan: $66,017
Home Value vs National
$301,100
National: $244,900
Michigan: $183,391
Rent vs National
$1,543
National: $1,163
Michigan: $921
Unemployment vs National
2.6%
National: 3.7%
Michigan: 6.2%

Why Live in Chelsea, MI?

Chelsea offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and a well-educated community where 50.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.1 minutes.

Potential considerations include median household income ($71,702) that falls below the national average. However, Chelsea’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.

Chelsea has a population of 5,420 with a median age of 50.8 years. Compare Chelsea with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.

Similar Cities Near Chelsea

Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Springfield5,295$43,681$105,300Compare
Grosse Pointe5,561$141,985$391,800Compare
St. Clair5,581$68,482$241,700Compare
Dundee5,584$71,058$233,000Compare
Gladstone5,240$57,534$111,700Compare
Eaton Rapids5,197$63,618$140,600Compare
Comstock Northwest5,190$73,290$233,100Compare
Utica5,184$55,524$216,800Compare

Demographics

50.8
Median Age
2,465
Male
2,955
Female
0.8%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White0.3Hispanic/Latino0.6Black0Asian0Two or More0.9

Economy & Education

2.6%
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Poverty Rate
50.8%
Bachelor's Degree+
24.1 min
Avg Commute

Housing

2,734
Total Housing Units
1,685
Owner Occupied
1,006
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in Michigan

Lake Michigan BeachMichigan CenterAddisonAdrianAdvanceAhmeek

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

Compare Chelsea With Other Cities

Chelsea vs Lake Michigan BeachChelsea vs Michigan CenterChelsea vs AddisonChelsea vs Adrian

Frequently Asked Questions about Chelsea

What is the population of Chelsea, MI?

The population of Chelsea, MI is 5,420 according to the latest Census data.

What is the median household income in Chelsea?

The median household income in Chelsea, MI is $71,702 per year.

What is the median home value in Chelsea?

The median home value in Chelsea, MI is $301,100.

What is the average rent in Chelsea?

The median monthly rent in Chelsea, MI is $1,543.

What is the unemployment rate in Chelsea?

The unemployment rate in Chelsea, MI is 2.6%.

Explore More

Cost of Living in MichiganMost Populated Cities in MichiganCheapest Cities in MichiganHighest Income Cities in MichiganLowest Rent in MichiganBest Cities for FamiliesBest Cities for Young ProfessionalsBest Cities for RetireesGuide: Cost Of LivingGuide: Moving GuideChelsea vs AddisonChelsea vs AdrianChelsea vs Advance