Eau Claire, MI
Population 507 · Michigan
About Eau Claire, MI
Eau Claire is a small community located in Michigan with a population of 507 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,500 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Eau Claire features a median home value of $130,000, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Eau Claire one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $861, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 209 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (166 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (32 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Eau Claire shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Eau Claire have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.4% of Eau Claire 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 13.0% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 5.7% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Eau Claire, MI
Compared to national averages, Eau Claire has a median household income of $62,500 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $130,000, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $861 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Eau Claire's income is 5% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 29% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Eau Claire, MI?
Eau Claire offers affordable housing with a median home value of $130,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $861/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 34.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,500) that falls below the national average. However, Eau Claire’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Eau Claire has a population of 507 with a median age of 37.9 years. Compare Eau Claire with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Eau Claire
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thompsonville | 508 | $62,083 | $100,700 | Compare |
| Mecosta | 509 | $70,069 | $92,200 | Compare |
| Millers Lake | 505 | $68,068 | $216,000 | Compare |
| Pewamo | 511 | $76,250 | $179,500 | Compare |
| Atlantic Mine | 513 | $47,361 | $90,000 | Compare |
| Shaftsburg | 498 | $90,054 | $235,900 | Compare |
| Galien | 519 | $51,458 | $126,300 | Compare |
| Kaleva | 520 | $43,333 | $88,500 | 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 Eau Claire With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Eau Claire
What is the population of Eau Claire, MI?
The population of Eau Claire, MI is 507 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 Eau Claire?
The median household income in Eau Claire, MI is $62,500 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Eau Claire?
The median home value in Eau Claire, MI is $130,000, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Eau Claire?
The median monthly rent in Eau Claire, MI is $861, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Eau Claire?
The unemployment rate in Eau Claire, MI is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Eau Claire, MI a good place to live?
Eau Claire offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 507 and a median age of 37.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Eau Claire, MI?
34.4% of residents in Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Eau Claire, MI: median home value is $130,000 (47% below national), median rent is $861/month, and median household income is $62,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Eau Claire?
The poverty rate in Eau Claire, MI is 18.9%, 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 Eau Claire, MI?
Eau Claire's population is 13.0% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 5.7% Asian, and 6.3% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.