Hastings, MI
Population 7,515 · Michigan
About Hastings, MI
Hastings is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 7,515 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,309 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hastings features a median home value of $159,000, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Hastings in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $785, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,470 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (2,480 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (925 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hastings shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hastings have an average one-way commute time of 25.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.8% of Hastings 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 3.2% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hastings, MI
Compared to national averages, Hastings has a median household income of $56,309 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $159,000, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $785 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Hastings's income is 15% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 13% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Hastings, MI?
Hastings offers affordable housing with a median home value of $159,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $785/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,309) that falls below the national average. However, Hastings’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hastings has a population of 7,515 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare Hastings with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Hastings
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Mountain | 7,508 | $56,622 | $117,600 | Compare |
| Freeland | 7,562 | $103,431 | $241,400 | Compare |
| Brighton | 7,576 | $81,772 | $302,800 | Compare |
| Albion | 7,608 | $40,040 | $91,100 | Compare |
| Ludington | 7,664 | $44,471 | $192,800 | Compare |
| Hudsonville | 7,711 | $88,606 | $260,500 | Compare |
| St. Johns | 7,712 | $63,030 | $175,300 | Compare |
| Shields | 7,276 | $83,986 | $173,300 | 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 Hastings With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hastings
What is the population of Hastings, MI?
The population of Hastings, MI is 7,515 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 Hastings?
The median household income in Hastings, MI is $56,309 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hastings?
The median home value in Hastings, MI is $159,000, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hastings?
The median monthly rent in Hastings, MI is $785, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hastings?
The unemployment rate in Hastings, MI is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hastings, MI a good place to live?
Hastings offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,515 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hastings, MI?
26.8% of residents in Hastings 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 Hastings?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hastings, MI: median home value is $159,000 (35% below national), median rent is $785/month, and median household income is $56,309. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hastings?
The poverty rate in Hastings, MI is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hastings, MI?
Hastings's population is 3.2% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.