Gladwin, MI
Population 3,081 · Michigan
About Gladwin, MI
Gladwin is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 3,081 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,638 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.3 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 Gladwin features a median home value of $111,700, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Gladwin one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $665, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,505 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (783 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (552 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gladwin shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gladwin have an average one-way commute time of 24.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.0% of Gladwin 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 1.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gladwin, MI
Compared to national averages, Gladwin has a median household income of $43,638 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,700, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $665 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Gladwin's income is 34% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 39% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Gladwin, MI?
Gladwin offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $665/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,638) that falls below the national average. However, Gladwin’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gladwin has a population of 3,081 with a median age of 47.3 years. Compare Gladwin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Gladwin
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey | 3,080 | $75,188 | $235,600 | Compare |
| Potterville | 3,065 | $62,054 | $125,400 | Compare |
| Corunna | 3,054 | $47,420 | $142,000 | Compare |
| Mount Morris | 3,130 | $42,886 | $79,500 | Compare |
| Bad Axe | 3,010 | $47,535 | $106,700 | Compare |
| Iron River | 3,009 | $48,750 | $75,000 | Compare |
| Whitehall | 2,974 | $58,750 | $205,800 | Compare |
| Rockwood | 3,189 | $85,391 | $180,000 | 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 Gladwin With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gladwin
What is the population of Gladwin, MI?
The population of Gladwin, MI is 3,081 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 Gladwin?
The median household income in Gladwin, MI is $43,638 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gladwin?
The median home value in Gladwin, MI is $111,700, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gladwin?
The median monthly rent in Gladwin, MI is $665, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gladwin?
The unemployment rate in Gladwin, MI is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gladwin, MI a good place to live?
Gladwin offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,081 and a median age of 47.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Gladwin, MI?
10.0% of residents in Gladwin 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 Gladwin?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gladwin, MI: median home value is $111,700 (54% below national), median rent is $665/month, and median household income is $43,638. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gladwin?
The poverty rate in Gladwin, MI is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gladwin, MI?
Gladwin's population is 1.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.