Mount Pleasant, MI
Population 21,420 · Michigan
About Mount Pleasant, MI
Mount Pleasant is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 21,420 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,924 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.3 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 Mount Pleasant features a median home value of $168,700, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Mount Pleasant in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $870, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,640 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (2,760 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (5,113 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mount Pleasant shows an unemployment rate of 9.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 35.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mount Pleasant have an average one-way commute time of 14.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
44.9% of Mount Pleasant residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.7% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 5.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mount Pleasant, MI
Compared to national averages, Mount Pleasant has a median household income of $39,924 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $168,700, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $870 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Mount Pleasant's income is 40% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 8% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Mount Pleasant, MI?
Mount Pleasant offers affordable housing with a median home value of $168,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $870/month, and a well-educated community where 44.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,924) that falls below the national average. However, Mount Pleasant’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mount Pleasant has a population of 21,420 with a median age of 23.3 years. Compare Mount Pleasant with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Mount Pleasant
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 21,612 | $153,125 | $712,700 | Compare |
| Marquette | 20,691 | $55,825 | $254,100 | Compare |
| Adrian | 20,493 | $42,851 | $119,900 | Compare |
| Monroe | 20,330 | $59,532 | $161,500 | Compare |
| Ypsilanti | 19,937 | $44,141 | $223,700 | Compare |
| Waverly | 23,301 | $75,868 | $222,300 | Compare |
| Cutlerville | 19,465 | $65,833 | $200,900 | Compare |
| Ferndale | 19,156 | $91,732 | $233,600 | 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 Mount Pleasant With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Pleasant
What is the population of Mount Pleasant, MI?
The population of Mount Pleasant, MI is 21,420 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Mount Pleasant?
The median household income in Mount Pleasant, MI is $39,924 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mount Pleasant?
The median home value in Mount Pleasant, MI is $168,700, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Mount Pleasant?
The median monthly rent in Mount Pleasant, MI is $870, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mount Pleasant?
The unemployment rate in Mount Pleasant, MI is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mount Pleasant, MI a good place to live?
Mount Pleasant offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,420 and a median age of 23.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Mount Pleasant, MI?
44.9% of residents in Mount Pleasant aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Mount Pleasant?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mount Pleasant, MI: median home value is $168,700 (31% below national), median rent is $870/month, and median household income is $39,924. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Mount Pleasant?
The poverty rate in Mount Pleasant, MI is 35.8%, 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 Mount Pleasant, MI?
Mount Pleasant's population is 3.7% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 5.0% two or more races. 5.8% of residents are foreign-born.