Escanaba, MI
Population 12,374 · Michigan
About Escanaba, MI
Escanaba is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 12,374 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,169 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 Escanaba features a median home value of $116,600, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Escanaba one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $661, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,556 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (3,346 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (2,368 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Escanaba shows an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Escanaba have an average one-way commute time of 11.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.9% of Escanaba 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 1.1% White, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Escanaba, MI
Compared to national averages, Escanaba has a median household income of $40,169 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $116,600, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $661 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Escanaba's income is 39% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 36% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Escanaba, MI?
Escanaba offers affordable housing with a median home value of $116,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $661/month, and short commute times averaging just 11.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,169) that falls below the national average. However, Escanaba’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Escanaba has a population of 12,374 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Escanaba with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Escanaba
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverview | 12,269 | $71,783 | $200,500 | Compare |
| Melvindale | 12,605 | $41,356 | $113,100 | Compare |
| New Baltimore | 12,060 | $97,027 | $309,800 | Compare |
| Woodhaven | 12,761 | $83,291 | $221,200 | Compare |
| Fenton | 11,950 | $83,077 | $211,700 | Compare |
| Niles | 11,838 | $47,815 | $115,400 | Compare |
| South Lyon | 11,825 | $83,822 | $280,900 | Compare |
| Rochester | 12,939 | $104,920 | $450,800 | 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 Escanaba With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Escanaba
What is the population of Escanaba, MI?
The population of Escanaba, MI is 12,374 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 Escanaba?
The median household income in Escanaba, MI is $40,169 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Escanaba?
The median home value in Escanaba, MI is $116,600, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Escanaba?
The median monthly rent in Escanaba, MI is $661, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Escanaba?
The unemployment rate in Escanaba, MI is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Escanaba, MI a good place to live?
Escanaba offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,374 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Escanaba, MI?
18.9% of residents in Escanaba 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 Escanaba?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Escanaba, MI: median home value is $116,600 (52% below national), median rent is $661/month, and median household income is $40,169. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Escanaba?
The poverty rate in Escanaba, MI is 21.1%, 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 Escanaba, MI?
Escanaba's population is 1.1% White, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.