Okemos, MI
Population 25,503 · Michigan
About Okemos, MI
Okemos is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 25,503 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $97,603 per year, which is 30% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.4 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 Okemos features a median home value of $336,800, which is 38% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Okemos in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,250, 7% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,025 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (6,049 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (4,013 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Okemos shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Okemos have an average one-way commute time of 19.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
74.3% of Okemos 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 4.4% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 23.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Okemos Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Okemos, MI
Compared to national averages, Okemos has a median household income of $97,603 (30% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $336,800, which is 38% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,250 is 7% above the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Okemos's income is 48% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 84% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Okemos, MI?
Okemos offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $97,603, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a well-educated community where 74.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.2 minutes.
Okemos has a population of 25,503 with a median age of 35.4 years. Compare Okemos with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Okemos
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inkster | 25,602 | $39,632 | $75,700 | Compare |
| Holt | 25,275 | $87,827 | $213,200 | Compare |
| Allendale | 25,741 | $68,449 | $287,600 | Compare |
| Walker | 25,201 | $73,835 | $266,400 | Compare |
| Norton Shores | 25,000 | $73,390 | $214,000 | Compare |
| Romulus | 24,951 | $72,235 | $149,100 | Compare |
| Auburn Hills | 24,911 | $78,727 | $233,900 | Compare |
| Wyandotte | 24,593 | $67,846 | $159,700 | 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 Okemos With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Okemos
What is the population of Okemos, MI?
The population of Okemos, MI is 25,503 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 Okemos?
The median household income in Okemos, MI is $97,603 per year, which is 30% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Okemos?
The median home value in Okemos, MI is $336,800, which is 38% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Okemos?
The median monthly rent in Okemos, MI is $1,250, which is 7% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Okemos?
The unemployment rate in Okemos, MI is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Okemos, MI a good place to live?
Okemos offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 25,503 and a median age of 35.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Okemos, MI?
74.3% of residents in Okemos 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 Okemos?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Okemos, MI: median home value is $336,800 (38% above national), median rent is $1,250/month, and median household income is $97,603. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Okemos?
The poverty rate in Okemos, MI is 12.9%, 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 Okemos, MI?
Okemos's population is 4.4% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. 23.7% of residents are foreign-born.