Crystal, MI
Population 966 · Michigan
About Crystal, MI
Crystal is a small community located in Michigan with a population of 966 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,278 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 55.6 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 Crystal features a median home value of $192,500, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Crystal in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $542, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 781 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (425 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (55 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Crystal shows an unemployment rate of 9.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Crystal have an average one-way commute time of 38 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
28.6% of Crystal residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Crystal Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Crystal, MI
Compared to national averages, Crystal has a median household income of $50,278 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $192,500, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $542 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Crystal's income is 24% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 5% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Crystal, MI?
Crystal offers affordable housing with a median home value of $192,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $542/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,278) that falls below the national average. However, Crystal’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Crystal has a population of 966 with a median age of 55.6 years. Compare Crystal with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Crystal
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Napoleon | 969 | $50,722 | $123,500 | Compare |
| Hubbell | 970 | $49,545 | $77,100 | Compare |
| Mayville | 971 | $50,735 | $108,700 | Compare |
| Central Lake | 976 | $58,900 | $152,800 | Compare |
| Hubbard Lake | 976 | $67,841 | $272,300 | Compare |
| Otisville | 955 | $60,500 | $102,300 | Compare |
| Lewiston | 980 | $41,266 | $159,100 | Compare |
| Elsie | 951 | $55,000 | $107,600 | 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 Crystal With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Crystal
What is the population of Crystal, MI?
The population of Crystal, MI is 966 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Crystal?
The median household income in Crystal, MI is $50,278 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Crystal?
The median home value in Crystal, MI is $192,500, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Crystal?
The median monthly rent in Crystal, MI is $542, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Crystal?
The unemployment rate in Crystal, MI is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Crystal, MI a good place to live?
Crystal offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 966 and a median age of 55.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Crystal, MI?
28.6% of residents in Crystal 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 Crystal?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Crystal, MI: median home value is $192,500 (21% below national), median rent is $542/month, and median household income is $50,278. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Crystal?
The poverty rate in Crystal, MI is 11.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Crystal, MI?
Crystal's population is 0.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.