Ludington, MI
Population 7,664 · Michigan
About Ludington, MI
Ludington is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 7,664 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,471 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.8 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 Ludington features a median home value of $192,800, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ludington in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $824, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,476 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (2,099 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (1,466 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ludington shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 23.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ludington have an average one-way commute time of 14.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.1% of Ludington 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 2.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ludington, MI
Compared to national averages, Ludington has a median household income of $44,471 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $192,800, which is 21% below the national median. Monthly rent at $824 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Ludington's income is 33% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 5% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Ludington, MI?
Ludington offers affordable housing with a median home value of $192,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $824/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,471) that falls below the national average. However, Ludington’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ludington has a population of 7,664 with a median age of 43.8 years. Compare Ludington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Ludington
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hudsonville | 7,711 | $88,606 | $260,500 | Compare |
| St. Johns | 7,712 | $63,030 | $175,300 | Compare |
| Albion | 7,608 | $40,040 | $91,100 | Compare |
| Brighton | 7,576 | $81,772 | $302,800 | Compare |
| Freeland | 7,562 | $103,431 | $241,400 | Compare |
| Grand Ledge | 7,797 | $66,515 | $189,300 | Compare |
| St. Joseph | 7,805 | $77,765 | $271,100 | Compare |
| Hastings | 7,515 | $56,309 | $159,000 | 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 Ludington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ludington
What is the population of Ludington, MI?
The population of Ludington, MI is 7,664 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 Ludington?
The median household income in Ludington, MI is $44,471 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ludington?
The median home value in Ludington, MI is $192,800, which is 21% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ludington?
The median monthly rent in Ludington, MI is $824, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ludington?
The unemployment rate in Ludington, MI is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ludington, MI a good place to live?
Ludington offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,664 and a median age of 43.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ludington, MI?
27.1% of residents in Ludington 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 Ludington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ludington, MI: median home value is $192,800 (21% below national), median rent is $824/month, and median household income is $44,471. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ludington?
The poverty rate in Ludington, MI is 23.3%, 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 Ludington, MI?
Ludington's population is 2.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.