Pearl Beach, MI
Population 4,846 · Michigan
About Pearl Beach, MI
Pearl Beach is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 4,846 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,079 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pearl Beach features a median home value of $303,000, which is 24% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Pearl Beach in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,055, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,524 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (2,055 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (209 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pearl Beach shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Pearl Beach have an average one-way commute time of 36.7 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
20.4% of Pearl Beach 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 0.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pearl Beach, MI
Compared to national averages, Pearl Beach has a median household income of $84,079 (12% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $303,000, which is 24% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,055 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Pearl Beach's income is 27% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 65% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Pearl Beach, MI?
Pearl Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,079, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,055/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.7%, better than the national average.
Pearl Beach has a population of 4,846 with a median age of 52.3 years. Compare Pearl Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Pearl Beach
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coopersville | 4,841 | $62,575 | $216,900 | Compare |
| Wolf Lake | 4,802 | $49,005 | $99,800 | Compare |
| Cheboygan | 4,801 | $41,338 | $118,700 | Compare |
| DeWitt | 4,774 | $105,857 | $303,200 | Compare |
| Gibraltar | 4,937 | $88,682 | $212,300 | Compare |
| Ironwood | 5,004 | $37,191 | $74,900 | Compare |
| Negaunee | 4,641 | $70,483 | $156,400 | Compare |
| Michigan Center | 4,623 | $68,114 | $159,500 | 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 Pearl Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pearl Beach
What is the population of Pearl Beach, MI?
The population of Pearl Beach, MI is 4,846 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 Pearl Beach?
The median household income in Pearl Beach, MI is $84,079 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pearl Beach?
The median home value in Pearl Beach, MI is $303,000, which is 24% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pearl Beach?
The median monthly rent in Pearl Beach, MI is $1,055, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pearl Beach?
The unemployment rate in Pearl Beach, MI is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pearl Beach, MI a good place to live?
Pearl Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,846 and a median age of 52.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Pearl Beach, MI?
20.4% of residents in Pearl Beach 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 Pearl Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pearl Beach, MI: median home value is $303,000 (24% above national), median rent is $1,055/month, and median household income is $84,079. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Pearl Beach?
The poverty rate in Pearl Beach, MI is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Pearl Beach, MI?
Pearl Beach's population is 0.0% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.