Niles, MI
Population 11,838 · Michigan
About Niles, MI
Niles is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 11,838 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,815 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Niles features a median home value of $115,400, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Niles one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $869, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,471 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (3,219 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,903 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Niles shows an unemployment rate of 11.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Niles have an average one-way commute time of 21.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.1% of Niles 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 3.3% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Niles, MI
Compared to national averages, Niles has a median household income of $47,815 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $115,400, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $869 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Niles's income is 28% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 37% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Niles, MI?
Niles offers affordable housing with a median home value of $115,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $869/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,815) that falls below the national average. However, Niles’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Niles has a population of 11,838 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Niles with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Niles
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Lyon | 11,825 | $83,822 | $280,900 | Compare |
| Fenton | 11,950 | $83,077 | $211,700 | Compare |
| New Baltimore | 12,060 | $97,027 | $309,800 | Compare |
| Farmington | 11,472 | $94,115 | $273,000 | Compare |
| Riverview | 12,269 | $71,783 | $200,500 | Compare |
| East Grand Rapids | 11,394 | $168,487 | $488,500 | Compare |
| Grosse Pointe Park | 11,394 | $121,796 | $460,500 | Compare |
| Clawson | 11,314 | $86,630 | $250,800 | 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 Niles With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Niles
What is the population of Niles, MI?
The population of Niles, MI is 11,838 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 Niles?
The median household income in Niles, MI is $47,815 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Niles?
The median home value in Niles, MI is $115,400, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Niles?
The median monthly rent in Niles, MI is $869, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Niles?
The unemployment rate in Niles, MI is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Niles, MI a good place to live?
Niles offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,838 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Niles, MI?
17.1% of residents in Niles 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 Niles?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Niles, MI: median home value is $115,400 (53% below national), median rent is $869/month, and median household income is $47,815. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Niles?
The poverty rate in Niles, MI is 20.9%, 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 Niles, MI?
Niles's population is 3.3% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 12.5% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.