East Lansing, MI
Population 45,394 · Michigan
About East Lansing, MI
East Lansing is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 45,394 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,547 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in East Lansing features a median home value of $251,600, which is 3% above the national median of $244,900. This positions East Lansing in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,122, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,693 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (5,406 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (8,508 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in East Lansing shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 34.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in East Lansing have an average one-way commute time of 16.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
67.4% of East Lansing 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 3.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 10.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How East Lansing Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in East Lansing, MI
Compared to national averages, East Lansing has a median household income of $43,547 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $251,600, which is 3% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,122 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, East Lansing's income is 34% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 37% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in East Lansing, MI?
East Lansing offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,122/month, and a well-educated community where 67.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 16.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,547) that falls below the national average. However, East Lansing’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
East Lansing has a population of 45,394 with a median age of 21.3 years. Compare East Lansing with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near East Lansing
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saginaw | 43,879 | $37,298 | $54,000 | Compare |
| Roseville | 47,240 | $61,222 | $142,700 | Compare |
| Midland | 42,461 | $74,906 | $192,400 | Compare |
| Portage | 49,015 | $79,529 | $243,400 | Compare |
| Lincoln Park | 39,511 | $57,183 | $117,400 | Compare |
| Battle Creek | 52,392 | $51,699 | $127,600 | Compare |
| Muskegon | 37,203 | $46,342 | $121,800 | Compare |
| Kentwood | 54,114 | $73,647 | $249,000 | 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 East Lansing With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about East Lansing
What is the population of East Lansing, MI?
The population of East Lansing, MI is 45,394 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in East Lansing?
The median household income in East Lansing, MI is $43,547 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in East Lansing?
The median home value in East Lansing, MI is $251,600, which is 3% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in East Lansing?
The median monthly rent in East Lansing, MI is $1,122, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in East Lansing?
The unemployment rate in East Lansing, MI is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is East Lansing, MI a good place to live?
East Lansing offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 45,394 and a median age of 21.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is East Lansing, MI?
67.4% of residents in East Lansing 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 East Lansing?
Key cost-of-living indicators for East Lansing, MI: median home value is $251,600 (3% above national), median rent is $1,122/month, and median household income is $43,547. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in East Lansing?
The poverty rate in East Lansing, MI is 34.1%, 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 East Lansing, MI?
East Lansing's population is 3.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 7.6% two or more races. 10.8% of residents are foreign-born.