Lansing, MI
Population 112,546 · Michigan
About Lansing, MI
Lansing is a major city located in Michigan with a population of 112,546 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,170 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.5 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 Lansing features a median home value of $119,400, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lansing one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $976, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 55,628 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (27,565 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (23,564 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lansing shows an unemployment rate of 8.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lansing have an average one-way commute time of 19.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.6% of Lansing 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 9.4% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 10.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lansing Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Lansing, MI
Compared to national averages, Lansing has a median household income of $52,170 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $119,400, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $976 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Lansing's income is 21% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 35% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Lansing, MI?
Lansing offers affordable housing with a median home value of $119,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $976/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,170) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Lansing provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Lansing has a population of 112,546 with a median age of 33.5 years. Compare Lansing with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Lansing
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dearborn | 107,846 | $65,192 | $205,900 | Compare |
| Ann Arbor | 121,179 | $81,089 | $435,100 | Compare |
| Livonia | 94,058 | $96,317 | $265,300 | Compare |
| Sterling Heights | 133,473 | $78,429 | $260,700 | Compare |
| Troy | 87,307 | $119,299 | $396,800 | Compare |
| Warren | 138,128 | $63,741 | $181,900 | Compare |
| Westland | 84,155 | $62,216 | $176,500 | Compare |
| Farmington Hills | 83,316 | $101,863 | $333,200 | 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 Lansing With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lansing
What is the population of Lansing, MI?
The population of Lansing, MI is 112,546 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Lansing?
The median household income in Lansing, MI is $52,170 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lansing?
The median home value in Lansing, MI is $119,400, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lansing?
The median monthly rent in Lansing, MI is $976, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lansing?
The unemployment rate in Lansing, MI is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lansing, MI a good place to live?
Lansing offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 112,546 and a median age of 33.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lansing, MI?
29.6% of residents in Lansing 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 Lansing?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lansing, MI: median home value is $119,400 (51% below national), median rent is $976/month, and median household income is $52,170. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lansing?
The poverty rate in Lansing, MI is 19.9%, 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 Lansing, MI?
Lansing's population is 9.4% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 22.7% two or more races. 10.1% of residents are foreign-born.