Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Population 13,373 · Michigan
About Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Sault Ste. Marie is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 13,373 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,031 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.9 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 Sault Ste. Marie features a median home value of $127,300, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sault Ste. Marie one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $787, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,476 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (3,347 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (2,415 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sault Ste. Marie shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sault Ste. Marie have an average one-way commute time of 14.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.1% of Sault Ste. Marie 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 1.1% White, 23.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 5.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Compared to national averages, Sault Ste. Marie has a median household income of $55,031 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $127,300, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $787 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Sault Ste. Marie's income is 17% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 31% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Sault Ste. Marie, MI?
Sault Ste. Marie offers affordable housing with a median home value of $127,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $787/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,031) that falls below the national average. However, Sault Ste. Marie’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sault Ste. Marie has a population of 13,373 with a median age of 34.9 years. Compare Sault Ste. Marie with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Sault Ste. Marie
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ionia | 12,950 | $60,729 | $161,100 | Compare |
| Rochester | 12,939 | $104,920 | $450,800 | Compare |
| Coldwater | 13,847 | $50,084 | $120,900 | Compare |
| Woodhaven | 12,761 | $83,291 | $221,200 | Compare |
| Melvindale | 12,605 | $41,356 | $113,100 | Compare |
| Escanaba | 12,374 | $40,169 | $116,600 | Compare |
| Riverview | 12,269 | $71,783 | $200,500 | Compare |
| Fraser | 14,604 | $61,118 | $193,600 | 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 Sault Ste. Marie With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sault Ste. Marie
What is the population of Sault Ste. Marie, MI?
The population of Sault Ste. Marie, MI is 13,373 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 Sault Ste. Marie?
The median household income in Sault Ste. Marie, MI is $55,031 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sault Ste. Marie?
The median home value in Sault Ste. Marie, MI is $127,300, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sault Ste. Marie?
The median monthly rent in Sault Ste. Marie, MI is $787, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sault Ste. Marie?
The unemployment rate in Sault Ste. Marie, 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 Sault Ste. Marie, MI a good place to live?
Sault Ste. Marie offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,373 and a median age of 34.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Sault Ste. Marie, MI?
24.1% of residents in Sault Ste. Marie 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 Sault Ste. Marie?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sault Ste. Marie, MI: median home value is $127,300 (48% below national), median rent is $787/month, and median household income is $55,031. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sault Ste. Marie?
The poverty rate in Sault Ste. Marie, MI is 18.7%, 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 Sault Ste. Marie, MI?
Sault Ste. Marie's population is 1.1% White, 23.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 5.8% of residents are foreign-born.