Chelsea, MI
Population 5,420 · Michigan
About Chelsea, MI
Chelsea is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 5,420 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,702 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.8 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 Chelsea features a median home value of $301,100, which is 23% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Chelsea in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,543, 33% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,734 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (1,685 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,006 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chelsea shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chelsea have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
50.8% of Chelsea 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 0.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
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.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield | 5,295 | $43,681 | $105,300 | Compare |
| Grosse Pointe | 5,561 | $141,985 | $391,800 | Compare |
| St. Clair | 5,581 | $68,482 | $241,700 | Compare |
| Dundee | 5,584 | $71,058 | $233,000 | Compare |
| Gladstone | 5,240 | $57,534 | $111,700 | Compare |
| Eaton Rapids | 5,197 | $63,618 | $140,600 | Compare |
| Comstock Northwest | 5,190 | $73,290 | $233,100 | Compare |
| Utica | 5,184 | $55,524 | $216,800 | 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 Chelsea With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chelsea
What is the population of Chelsea, MI?
The population of Chelsea, MI is 5,420 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 Chelsea?
The median household income in Chelsea, MI is $71,702 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chelsea?
The median home value in Chelsea, MI is $301,100, which is 23% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chelsea?
The median monthly rent in Chelsea, MI is $1,543, which is 33% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chelsea?
The unemployment rate in Chelsea, MI is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chelsea, MI a good place to live?
Chelsea offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,420 and a median age of 50.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Chelsea, MI?
50.8% of residents in Chelsea 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 Chelsea?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chelsea, MI: median home value is $301,100 (23% above national), median rent is $1,543/month, and median household income is $71,702. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Chelsea?
The poverty rate in Chelsea, MI is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chelsea, MI?
Chelsea's population is 0.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.