Fair Plain, MI
Population 6,992 · Michigan
About Fair Plain, MI
Fair Plain is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 6,992 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,536 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.5 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 Fair Plain features a median home value of $147,800, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fair Plain in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $989, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,435 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (2,301 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (821 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fair Plain shows an unemployment rate of 16.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fair Plain have an average one-way commute time of 18.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.5% of Fair Plain 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 3.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fair Plain, MI
Compared to national averages, Fair Plain has a median household income of $55,536 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $147,800, which is 40% below the national median. Monthly rent at $989 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Fair Plain's income is 16% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 19% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Fair Plain, MI?
Fair Plain offers affordable housing with a median home value of $147,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $989/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,536) that falls below the national average. However, Fair Plain’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fair Plain has a population of 6,992 with a median age of 42.5 years. Compare Fair Plain with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Fair Plain
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 6,926 | $46,096 | $115,700 | Compare |
| River Rouge | 7,092 | $32,568 | $55,900 | Compare |
| Bridgeport | 6,841 | $47,325 | $91,400 | Compare |
| Byron Center | 6,817 | $112,324 | $359,400 | Compare |
| Marshall | 6,797 | $75,220 | $169,800 | Compare |
| South Monroe | 6,771 | $59,674 | $176,900 | Compare |
| Walled Lake | 7,275 | $67,335 | $213,000 | Compare |
| Shields | 7,276 | $83,986 | $173,300 | 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 Fair Plain With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fair Plain
What is the population of Fair Plain, MI?
The population of Fair Plain, MI is 6,992 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 Fair Plain?
The median household income in Fair Plain, MI is $55,536 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fair Plain?
The median home value in Fair Plain, MI is $147,800, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fair Plain?
The median monthly rent in Fair Plain, MI is $989, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fair Plain?
The unemployment rate in Fair Plain, MI is 16.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fair Plain, MI a good place to live?
Fair Plain offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,992 and a median age of 42.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fair Plain, MI?
24.5% of residents in Fair Plain 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 Fair Plain?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fair Plain, MI: median home value is $147,800 (40% below national), median rent is $989/month, and median household income is $55,536. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fair Plain?
The poverty rate in Fair Plain, MI is 22.9%, 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 Fair Plain, MI?
Fair Plain's population is 3.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 38.3% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.