Harper Woods, MI
Population 15,205 · Michigan
About Harper Woods, MI
Harper Woods is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 15,205 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,446 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Harper Woods features a median home value of $143,600, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Harper Woods one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,306, 12% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,906 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (3,689 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (1,897 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Harper Woods shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Harper Woods have an average one-way commute time of 26.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
25.0% of Harper Woods residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Harper Woods, MI
Compared to national averages, Harper Woods has a median household income of $61,446 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $143,600, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,306 is 12% above the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Harper Woods's income is 7% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 22% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Harper Woods, MI?
Harper Woods offers affordable housing with a median home value of $143,600, below the US average of $244,900.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,446) that falls below the national average. However, Harper Woods’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Harper Woods has a population of 15,205 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare Harper Woods with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Harper Woods
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northview | 15,225 | $82,853 | $262,200 | Compare |
| Berkley | 15,084 | $113,103 | $289,200 | Compare |
| Hazel Park | 14,945 | $62,878 | $141,200 | Compare |
| Traverse City | 15,491 | $71,731 | $367,600 | Compare |
| Mount Clemens | 15,567 | $57,663 | $169,000 | Compare |
| Owosso | 14,658 | $53,702 | $121,500 | Compare |
| Fraser | 14,604 | $61,118 | $193,600 | Compare |
| Grandville | 16,135 | $78,551 | $251,100 | 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 Harper Woods With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Harper Woods
What is the population of Harper Woods, MI?
The population of Harper Woods, MI is 15,205 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Harper Woods?
The median household income in Harper Woods, MI is $61,446 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Harper Woods?
The median home value in Harper Woods, MI is $143,600, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Harper Woods?
The median monthly rent in Harper Woods, MI is $1,306, which is 12% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Harper Woods?
The unemployment rate in Harper Woods, MI is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Harper Woods, MI a good place to live?
Harper Woods offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,205 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Harper Woods, MI?
25.0% of residents in Harper Woods 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 Harper Woods?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Harper Woods, MI: median home value is $143,600 (41% below national), median rent is $1,306/month, and median household income is $61,446. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Harper Woods?
The poverty rate in Harper Woods, MI is 19.8%, 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 Harper Woods, MI?
Harper Woods's population is 0.2% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 63.8% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.