Pontiac, MI
Population 61,914 · Michigan
About Pontiac, MI
Pontiac is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 61,914 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,791 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 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 Pontiac features a median home value of $110,600, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pontiac one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,007, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 28,276 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (11,329 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (14,276 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 Pontiac shows an unemployment rate of 10.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pontiac have an average one-way commute time of 21.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.2% of Pontiac 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 11.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Black or African American, and 5.6% Asian residents, with 10.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pontiac Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Pontiac, MI
Compared to national averages, Pontiac has a median household income of $42,791 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $110,600, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,007 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Pontiac's income is 35% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 40% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Pontiac, MI?
Pontiac offers affordable housing with a median home value of $110,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,007/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,791) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Pontiac provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Pontiac has a population of 61,914 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Pontiac with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Pontiac
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dearborn Heights | 62,099 | $61,035 | $174,900 | Compare |
| Taylor | 62,405 | $59,537 | $141,200 | Compare |
| St. Clair Shores | 58,287 | $72,693 | $196,400 | Compare |
| Royal Oak | 57,880 | $95,182 | $305,900 | Compare |
| Novi | 66,224 | $110,938 | $399,100 | Compare |
| Kentwood | 54,114 | $73,647 | $249,000 | Compare |
| Battle Creek | 52,392 | $51,699 | $127,600 | Compare |
| Kalamazoo | 73,132 | $48,965 | $164,500 | 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 Pontiac With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pontiac
What is the population of Pontiac, MI?
The population of Pontiac, MI is 61,914 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 Pontiac?
The median household income in Pontiac, MI is $42,791 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pontiac?
The median home value in Pontiac, MI is $110,600, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Pontiac?
The median monthly rent in Pontiac, MI is $1,007, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pontiac?
The unemployment rate in Pontiac, MI is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pontiac, MI a good place to live?
Pontiac offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 61,914 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pontiac, MI?
16.2% of residents in Pontiac 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 Pontiac?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pontiac, MI: median home value is $110,600 (55% below national), median rent is $1,007/month, and median household income is $42,791. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pontiac?
The poverty rate in Pontiac, MI is 25.6%, 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 Pontiac, MI?
Pontiac's population is 11.9% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Black or African American, 5.6% Asian, and 46.0% two or more races. 10.3% of residents are foreign-born.