Gaines, MI
Population 487 · Michigan
About Gaines, MI
Gaines is a small community in Michigan with a population of 487 residents. The median household income is $57,500 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Gaines is 46.6 years.
Housing in Gaines has a median home value of $131,900 and median monthly rent of $734. Of the 187 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 163 owner-occupied and 17 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Gaines is 3.5% and the poverty rate is 7.6%. 10.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 30.5 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gaines
What is the population of Gaines, MI?
The population of Gaines, MI is 487 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Gaines?
The median household income in Gaines, MI is $57,500 per year.
What is the median home value in Gaines?
The median home value in Gaines, MI is $131,900.
What is the average rent in Gaines?
The median monthly rent in Gaines, MI is $734.
What is the unemployment rate in Gaines?
The unemployment rate in Gaines, MI is 3.5%.