Gaylord, MI
Population 4,307 · Michigan
About Gaylord, MI
Gaylord is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 4,307 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,052 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gaylord features a median home value of $170,300, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Gaylord in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $844, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,294 total housing units, 36% are owner-occupied (792 units) and 64% are renter-occupied (1,409 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gaylord shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gaylord have an average one-way commute time of 16.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.8% of Gaylord 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, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gaylord, MI
Compared to national averages, Gaylord has a median household income of $44,052 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $170,300, which is 30% below the national median. Monthly rent at $844 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Gaylord's income is 33% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 7% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Gaylord, MI?
Gaylord offers affordable housing with a median home value of $170,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $844/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,052) that falls below the national average. However, Gaylord’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gaylord has a population of 4,307 with a median age of 38 years. Compare Gaylord with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Gaylord
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middleville | 4,327 | $71,417 | $209,000 | Compare |
| Caro | 4,284 | $41,940 | $102,200 | Compare |
| Sparta | 4,260 | $55,474 | $190,100 | Compare |
| Buchanan | 4,259 | $54,068 | $138,400 | Compare |
| Bloomfield Hills | 4,412 | $200,318 | $942,900 | Compare |
| Wayland | 4,430 | $71,797 | $201,200 | Compare |
| Vandercook Lake | 4,434 | $52,337 | $125,800 | Compare |
| Algonac | 4,152 | $49,738 | $177,200 | 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 Gaylord With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gaylord
What is the population of Gaylord, MI?
The population of Gaylord, MI is 4,307 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 Gaylord?
The median household income in Gaylord, MI is $44,052 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gaylord?
The median home value in Gaylord, MI is $170,300, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Gaylord?
The median monthly rent in Gaylord, MI is $844, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gaylord?
The unemployment rate in Gaylord, MI is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Gaylord, MI a good place to live?
Gaylord offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,307 and a median age of 38, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gaylord, MI?
20.8% of residents in Gaylord 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 Gaylord?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gaylord, MI: median home value is $170,300 (30% below national), median rent is $844/month, and median household income is $44,052. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Gaylord?
The poverty rate in Gaylord, MI is 9.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gaylord, MI?
Gaylord's population is 0.2% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 2.3% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.