East Tawas, MI
Population 2,686 · Michigan
About East Tawas, MI
East Tawas is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 2,686 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,619 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.7 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 East Tawas features a median home value of $114,400, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes East Tawas one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $569, 51% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,911 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (1,039 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (446 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in East Tawas shows an unemployment rate of 8.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in East Tawas have an average one-way commute time of 12.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.5% of East Tawas 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 0.6% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How East Tawas Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in East Tawas, MI
Compared to national averages, East Tawas has a median household income of $41,619 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $114,400, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $569 is 51% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, East Tawas's income is 37% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 38% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in East Tawas, MI?
East Tawas offers affordable housing with a median home value of $114,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $569/month, and short commute times averaging just 12.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,619) that falls below the national average. However, East Tawas’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
East Tawas has a population of 2,686 with a median age of 57.7 years. Compare East Tawas with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near East Tawas
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandusky | 2,692 | $60,625 | $112,300 | Compare |
| Canadian Lakes | 2,701 | $69,069 | $258,900 | Compare |
| Vassar | 2,704 | $61,827 | $134,600 | Compare |
| Croswell | 2,667 | $55,101 | $136,500 | Compare |
| West Ishpeming | 2,714 | $80,500 | $166,100 | Compare |
| Beechwood | 2,736 | $68,484 | $231,500 | Compare |
| Carleton | 2,635 | $63,826 | $177,800 | Compare |
| Montague | 2,630 | $69,375 | $184,700 | 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 Tawas With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about East Tawas
What is the population of East Tawas, MI?
The population of East Tawas, MI is 2,686 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 East Tawas?
The median household income in East Tawas, MI is $41,619 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in East Tawas?
The median home value in East Tawas, MI is $114,400, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in East Tawas?
The median monthly rent in East Tawas, MI is $569, which is 51% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in East Tawas?
The unemployment rate in East Tawas, MI is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is East Tawas, MI a good place to live?
East Tawas offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,686 and a median age of 57.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is East Tawas, MI?
19.5% of residents in East Tawas 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 East Tawas?
Key cost-of-living indicators for East Tawas, MI: median home value is $114,400 (53% below national), median rent is $569/month, and median household income is $41,619. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in East Tawas?
The poverty rate in East Tawas, MI is 13.5%, 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 Tawas, MI?
East Tawas's population is 0.6% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.