Fife Lake, MI
Population 359 · Michigan
About Fife Lake, MI
Fife Lake is a small community located in Michigan with a population of 359 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,188 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.3 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 Fife Lake features a median home value of $185,200, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fife Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,000, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 247 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (137 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (22 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fife Lake shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fife Lake have an average one-way commute time of 37.4 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
24.4% of Fife Lake 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fife Lake, MI
Compared to national averages, Fife Lake has a median household income of $67,188 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $185,200, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,000 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Fife Lake's income is 2% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 1% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Fife Lake, MI?
Fife Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $185,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,000/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,188) that falls below the national average. However, Fife Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fife Lake has a population of 359 with a median age of 49.3 years. Compare Fife Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Fife Lake
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leonard | 359 | $91,250 | $243,800 | Compare |
| Jasper | 358 | $54,643 | $124,100 | Compare |
| Manistee Lake | 364 | $52,917 | $153,600 | Compare |
| Painesdale | 353 | $62,436 | $84,800 | Compare |
| Zeba | 353 | $42,500 | $97,000 | Compare |
| Horton Bay | 352 | $76,833 | $275,000 | Compare |
| Prescott | 352 | $55,673 | $71,100 | Compare |
| Grand Beach | 368 | $115,000 | $1,081,700 | 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 Fife Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fife Lake
What is the population of Fife Lake, MI?
The population of Fife Lake, MI is 359 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 Fife Lake?
The median household income in Fife Lake, MI is $67,188 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fife Lake?
The median home value in Fife Lake, MI is $185,200, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fife Lake?
The median monthly rent in Fife Lake, MI is $1,000, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fife Lake?
The unemployment rate in Fife Lake, MI is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fife Lake, MI a good place to live?
Fife Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 359 and a median age of 49.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fife Lake, MI?
24.4% of residents in Fife Lake 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 Fife Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fife Lake, MI: median home value is $185,200 (24% below national), median rent is $1,000/month, and median household income is $67,188. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fife Lake?
The poverty rate in Fife Lake, MI is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fife Lake, MI?
Fife Lake's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.