McBain, MI
Population 825 · Michigan
About McBain, MI
McBain is a small community located in Michigan with a population of 825 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,786 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in McBain features a median home value of $116,100, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes McBain one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $380, 67% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 312 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (185 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (119 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in McBain 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 10.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in McBain have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.3% of McBain 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 7.2% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How McBain Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in McBain, MI
Compared to national averages, McBain has a median household income of $46,786 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $116,100, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $380 is 67% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, McBain's income is 29% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 37% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in McBain, MI?
McBain offers affordable housing with a median home value of $116,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $380/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.5%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,786) that falls below the national average. However, McBain’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
McBain has a population of 825 with a median age of 37.3 years. Compare McBain with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near McBain
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrill | 825 | $47,000 | $89,700 | Compare |
| Grawn | 824 | $57,386 | $120,200 | Compare |
| Springport | 822 | $50,000 | $100,700 | Compare |
| Ubly | 830 | $56,042 | $113,500 | Compare |
| Pellston | 834 | $59,464 | $117,100 | Compare |
| Sheridan | 816 | $56,786 | $140,600 | Compare |
| Mendon | 839 | $82,031 | $123,000 | Compare |
| Village of Clarkston | 842 | $94,519 | $433,300 | 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 McBain With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about McBain
What is the population of McBain, MI?
The population of McBain, MI is 825 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Michigan.
What is the median household income in McBain?
The median household income in McBain, MI is $46,786 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in McBain?
The median home value in McBain, MI is $116,100, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in McBain?
The median monthly rent in McBain, MI is $380, which is 67% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in McBain?
The unemployment rate in McBain, 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 McBain, MI a good place to live?
McBain offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 825 and a median age of 37.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is McBain, MI?
9.3% of residents in McBain 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 McBain?
Key cost-of-living indicators for McBain, MI: median home value is $116,100 (53% below national), median rent is $380/month, and median household income is $46,786. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in McBain?
The poverty rate in McBain, MI is 10.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is McBain, MI?
McBain's population is 7.2% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.