Muskegon Heights, MI
Population 9,902 · Michigan
About Muskegon Heights, MI
Muskegon Heights is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 9,902 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,780 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.8 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 Muskegon Heights features a median home value of $55,800, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Muskegon Heights one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $826, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,693 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (1,698 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (2,096 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 Muskegon Heights shows an unemployment rate of 18.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 37.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Muskegon Heights have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
7.1% of Muskegon Heights 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 2.3% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Muskegon Heights Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Muskegon Heights, MI
Compared to national averages, Muskegon Heights has a median household income of $33,780 (55% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $55,800, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $826 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Muskegon Heights's income is 49% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 70% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Muskegon Heights, MI?
Muskegon Heights offers affordable housing with a median home value of $55,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $826/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,780) that falls below the national average. However, Muskegon Heights’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Muskegon Heights has a population of 9,902 with a median age of 31.8 years. Compare Muskegon Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Muskegon Heights
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marysville | 9,942 | $69,661 | $185,500 | Compare |
| Grosse Pointe Farms | 9,957 | $160,589 | $418,600 | Compare |
| Howell | 10,074 | $57,122 | $240,700 | Compare |
| Lambertville | 9,708 | $100,134 | $233,500 | Compare |
| Alpena | 10,178 | $47,604 | $110,400 | Compare |
| Comstock Park | 10,306 | $54,871 | $216,600 | Compare |
| Alma | 9,421 | $50,506 | $108,100 | Compare |
| Cadillac | 10,404 | $50,512 | $117,500 | 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 Muskegon Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Muskegon Heights
What is the population of Muskegon Heights, MI?
The population of Muskegon Heights, MI is 9,902 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 Muskegon Heights?
The median household income in Muskegon Heights, MI is $33,780 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Muskegon Heights?
The median home value in Muskegon Heights, MI is $55,800, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Muskegon Heights?
The median monthly rent in Muskegon Heights, MI is $826, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Muskegon Heights?
The unemployment rate in Muskegon Heights, MI is 18.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Muskegon Heights, MI a good place to live?
Muskegon Heights offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,902 and a median age of 31.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Muskegon Heights, MI?
7.1% of residents in Muskegon Heights 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 Muskegon Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Muskegon Heights, MI: median home value is $55,800 (77% below national), median rent is $826/month, and median household income is $33,780. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Muskegon Heights?
The poverty rate in Muskegon Heights, MI is 37.1%, 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 Muskegon Heights, MI?
Muskegon Heights's population is 2.3% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 75.4% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.