Imlay City, MI
Population 3,706 · Michigan
About Imlay City, MI
Imlay City is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 3,706 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,061 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Imlay City features a median home value of $137,800, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Imlay City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $764, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,834 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (891 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (765 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Imlay City 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 25.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Imlay City have an average one-way commute time of 29.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.6% of Imlay City 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 34.3% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 11.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Imlay City, MI
Compared to national averages, Imlay City has a median household income of $55,061 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,800, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $764 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Imlay City's income is 17% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 25% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Imlay City, MI?
Imlay City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $764/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,061) that falls below the national average. However, Imlay City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Imlay City has a population of 3,706 with a median age of 35.3 years. Compare Imlay City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Imlay City
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Springs | 3,661 | $56,711 | $203,400 | Compare |
| Romeo | 3,654 | $73,500 | $245,700 | Compare |
| Plainwell | 3,764 | $65,846 | $191,100 | Compare |
| Paw Paw Lake | 3,794 | $65,360 | $191,100 | Compare |
| Williamston | 3,800 | $73,902 | $215,000 | Compare |
| Portland | 3,821 | $65,116 | $165,000 | Compare |
| Vicksburg | 3,824 | $70,070 | $208,300 | Compare |
| Boyne City | 3,829 | $68,087 | $233,900 | 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 Imlay City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Imlay City
What is the population of Imlay City, MI?
The population of Imlay City, MI is 3,706 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 Imlay City?
The median household income in Imlay City, MI is $55,061 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Imlay City?
The median home value in Imlay City, MI is $137,800, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Imlay City?
The median monthly rent in Imlay City, MI is $764, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Imlay City?
The unemployment rate in Imlay City, 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 Imlay City, MI a good place to live?
Imlay City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,706 and a median age of 35.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Imlay City, MI?
11.6% of residents in Imlay City 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 Imlay City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Imlay City, MI: median home value is $137,800 (44% below national), median rent is $764/month, and median household income is $55,061. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Imlay City?
The poverty rate in Imlay City, MI is 25.5%, 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 Imlay City, MI?
Imlay City's population is 34.3% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 11.9% of residents are foreign-born.