Mancelona, MI
Population 1,496 · Michigan
About Mancelona, MI
Mancelona is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 1,496 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,430 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mancelona features a median home value of $123,900, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mancelona one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $956, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 678 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (444 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (207 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mancelona shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mancelona have an average one-way commute time of 21.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.4% of Mancelona 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 1.7% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mancelona, MI
Compared to national averages, Mancelona has a median household income of $50,430 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $123,900, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $956 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Mancelona's income is 24% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 32% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Mancelona, MI?
Mancelona offers affordable housing with a median home value of $123,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $956/month, and a low poverty rate of 12.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,430) that falls below the national average. However, Mancelona’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mancelona has a population of 1,496 with a median age of 36.3 years. Compare Mancelona with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Mancelona
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mio | 1,504 | $47,578 | $96,600 | Compare |
| Quincy | 1,487 | $59,079 | $111,800 | Compare |
| Laurium | 1,486 | $42,206 | $87,600 | Compare |
| Ravenna | 1,472 | $73,233 | $191,300 | Compare |
| Lake LeAnn | 1,522 | $85,417 | $258,400 | Compare |
| Shorewood-Tower Hills-Harbert | 1,468 | $80,642 | $296,000 | Compare |
| Newberry | 1,453 | $49,758 | $65,800 | Compare |
| Fowler | 1,446 | $72,261 | $194,400 | 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 Mancelona With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mancelona
What is the population of Mancelona, MI?
The population of Mancelona, MI is 1,496 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 Mancelona?
The median household income in Mancelona, MI is $50,430 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mancelona?
The median home value in Mancelona, MI is $123,900, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mancelona?
The median monthly rent in Mancelona, MI is $956, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mancelona?
The unemployment rate in Mancelona, MI is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mancelona, MI a good place to live?
Mancelona offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,496 and a median age of 36.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mancelona, MI?
7.4% of residents in Mancelona 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 Mancelona?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mancelona, MI: median home value is $123,900 (49% below national), median rent is $956/month, and median household income is $50,430. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mancelona?
The poverty rate in Mancelona, MI is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mancelona, MI?
Mancelona's population is 1.7% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 2.8% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.