Harbor Beach, MI
Population 1,576 · Michigan
About Harbor Beach, MI
Harbor Beach is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 1,576 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,844 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.8 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 Harbor Beach features a median home value of $104,200, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Harbor Beach one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $502, 57% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 874 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (546 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (183 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Harbor Beach shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Harbor Beach have an average one-way commute time of 14.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.3% of Harbor Beach 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 1.4% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Harbor Beach Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Harbor Beach, MI
Compared to national averages, Harbor Beach has a median household income of $39,844 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $104,200, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $502 is 57% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Harbor Beach's income is 40% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 43% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Harbor Beach, MI?
Harbor Beach offers affordable housing with a median home value of $104,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $502/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,844) that falls below the national average. However, Harbor Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Harbor Beach has a population of 1,576 with a median age of 47.8 years. Compare Harbor Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Harbor Beach
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimondale | 1,582 | $112,333 | $220,500 | Compare |
| Homer | 1,584 | $49,271 | $119,600 | Compare |
| Centreville | 1,591 | $65,952 | $145,200 | Compare |
| Elk Rapids | 1,558 | $78,472 | $348,400 | Compare |
| Standish | 1,616 | $35,114 | $86,000 | Compare |
| Lake LeAnn | 1,522 | $85,417 | $258,400 | Compare |
| Olivet | 1,633 | $44,940 | $137,300 | Compare |
| White Pigeon | 1,637 | $44,063 | $143,100 | 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 Harbor Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Harbor Beach
What is the population of Harbor Beach, MI?
The population of Harbor Beach, MI is 1,576 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 Harbor Beach?
The median household income in Harbor Beach, MI is $39,844 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Harbor Beach?
The median home value in Harbor Beach, MI is $104,200, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Harbor Beach?
The median monthly rent in Harbor Beach, MI is $502, which is 57% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Harbor Beach?
The unemployment rate in Harbor Beach, MI is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Harbor Beach, MI a good place to live?
Harbor Beach offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,576 and a median age of 47.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Harbor Beach, MI?
17.3% of residents in Harbor Beach 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 Harbor Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Harbor Beach, MI: median home value is $104,200 (57% below national), median rent is $502/month, and median household income is $39,844. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Harbor Beach?
The poverty rate in Harbor Beach, MI is 17.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Harbor Beach, MI?
Harbor Beach's population is 1.4% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.