Norton Shores, MI
Population 25,000 · Michigan
About Norton Shores, MI
Norton Shores is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 25,000 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,390 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Norton Shores features a median home value of $214,000, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Norton Shores in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,286, 11% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,700 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (8,387 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (1,374 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Norton Shores shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Norton Shores have an average one-way commute time of 20.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.2% of Norton Shores residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Norton Shores Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Norton Shores, MI
Compared to national averages, Norton Shores has a median household income of $73,390 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $214,000, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,286 is 11% above the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Norton Shores's income is 11% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 17% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Norton Shores, MI?
Norton Shores offers affordable housing with a median home value of $214,000, below the US average of $244,900, and a low poverty rate of 5.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,390) that falls below the national average. However, Norton Shores’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Norton Shores has a population of 25,000 with a median age of 40.1 years. Compare Norton Shores with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Norton Shores
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romulus | 24,951 | $72,235 | $149,100 | Compare |
| Auburn Hills | 24,911 | $78,727 | $233,900 | Compare |
| Walker | 25,201 | $73,835 | $266,400 | Compare |
| Holt | 25,275 | $87,827 | $213,200 | Compare |
| Wyandotte | 24,593 | $67,846 | $159,700 | Compare |
| Okemos | 25,503 | $97,603 | $336,800 | Compare |
| Inkster | 25,602 | $39,632 | $75,700 | Compare |
| Allendale | 25,741 | $68,449 | $287,600 | 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 Norton Shores With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Norton Shores
What is the population of Norton Shores, MI?
The population of Norton Shores, MI is 25,000 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 Norton Shores?
The median household income in Norton Shores, MI is $73,390 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Norton Shores?
The median home value in Norton Shores, MI is $214,000, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Norton Shores?
The median monthly rent in Norton Shores, MI is $1,286, which is 11% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Norton Shores?
The unemployment rate in Norton Shores, MI is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Norton Shores, MI a good place to live?
Norton Shores offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 25,000 and a median age of 40.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Norton Shores, MI?
33.2% of residents in Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Norton Shores, MI: median home value is $214,000 (13% below national), median rent is $1,286/month, and median household income is $73,390. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Norton Shores?
The poverty rate in Norton Shores, MI is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Norton Shores, MI?
Norton Shores's population is 2.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.