Saginaw, MI
Population 43,879 · Michigan
About Saginaw, MI
Saginaw is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 43,879 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,298 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Saginaw features a median home value of $54,000, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Saginaw one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $909, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 20,994 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (10,469 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (7,267 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Saginaw shows an unemployment rate of 11.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 33.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Saginaw have an average one-way commute time of 19 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.7% of Saginaw 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 12.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Saginaw Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Saginaw, MI
Compared to national averages, Saginaw has a median household income of $37,298 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $54,000, which is 78% below the national median. Monthly rent at $909 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Saginaw's income is 44% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 71% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Saginaw, MI?
Saginaw offers affordable housing with a median home value of $54,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $909/month, and short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,298) that falls below the national average. However, Saginaw’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Saginaw has a population of 43,879 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Saginaw with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Saginaw
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midland | 42,461 | $74,906 | $192,400 | Compare |
| East Lansing | 45,394 | $43,547 | $251,600 | Compare |
| Roseville | 47,240 | $61,222 | $142,700 | Compare |
| Lincoln Park | 39,511 | $57,183 | $117,400 | Compare |
| Portage | 49,015 | $79,529 | $243,400 | Compare |
| Muskegon | 37,203 | $46,342 | $121,800 | Compare |
| Battle Creek | 52,392 | $51,699 | $127,600 | Compare |
| Holland | 34,266 | $72,905 | $235,800 | 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 Saginaw With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Saginaw
What is the population of Saginaw, MI?
The population of Saginaw, MI is 43,879 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 Saginaw?
The median household income in Saginaw, MI is $37,298 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Saginaw?
The median home value in Saginaw, MI is $54,000, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Saginaw?
The median monthly rent in Saginaw, MI is $909, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Saginaw?
The unemployment rate in Saginaw, MI is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Saginaw, MI a good place to live?
Saginaw offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 43,879 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Saginaw, MI?
11.7% of residents in Saginaw 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 Saginaw?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Saginaw, MI: median home value is $54,000 (78% below national), median rent is $909/month, and median household income is $37,298. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Saginaw?
The poverty rate in Saginaw, MI is 33.5%, 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 Saginaw, MI?
Saginaw's population is 12.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 45.7% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.