Gaines, MI
Population 487 · Michigan
About Gaines, MI
Gaines is a small community located in Michigan with a population of 487 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,500 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.6 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 Gaines features a median home value of $131,900, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Gaines one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $734, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 187 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (163 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (17 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gaines shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gaines have an average one-way commute time of 30.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.9% of Gaines 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 0.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gaines, MI
Compared to national averages, Gaines has a median household income of $57,500 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $131,900, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $734 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Gaines's income is 13% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 28% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Gaines, MI?
Gaines offers affordable housing with a median home value of $131,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $734/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,500) that falls below the national average. However, Gaines’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gaines has a population of 487 with a median age of 46.6 years. Compare Gaines with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Gaines
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodland | 485 | $47,500 | $143,800 | Compare |
| Harrisville | 484 | $36,089 | $108,700 | Compare |
| Fairgrove | 492 | $37,500 | $75,600 | Compare |
| Oden | 492 | $61,132 | $123,000 | Compare |
| North Adams | 480 | $54,250 | $99,000 | Compare |
| Sand Lake | 480 | $32,083 | $152,800 | Compare |
| Barton Hills | 478 | $250,001 | $1,237,800 | Compare |
| Shaftsburg | 498 | $90,054 | $235,900 | 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 Gaines With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gaines
What is the population of Gaines, MI?
The population of Gaines, MI is 487 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 Gaines?
The median household income in Gaines, MI is $57,500 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gaines?
The median home value in Gaines, MI is $131,900, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gaines?
The median monthly rent in Gaines, MI is $734, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gaines?
The unemployment rate in Gaines, MI is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Gaines, MI a good place to live?
Gaines offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 487 and a median age of 46.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Gaines, MI?
10.9% of residents in Gaines 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 Gaines?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gaines, MI: median home value is $131,900 (46% below national), median rent is $734/month, and median household income is $57,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gaines?
The poverty rate in Gaines, MI is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gaines, MI?
Gaines's population is 0.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 4.9% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.