Shepherd, MI
Population 1,438 · Michigan
About Shepherd, MI
Shepherd is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 1,438 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,591 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32 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 Shepherd features a median home value of $147,800, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Shepherd in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $790, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 563 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (355 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (163 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shepherd shows an unemployment rate of 0.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shepherd have an average one-way commute time of 17.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
27.6% of Shepherd 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 0.5% White, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shepherd Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Shepherd, MI
Compared to national averages, Shepherd has a median household income of $76,591 (2% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $147,800, which is 40% below the national median. Monthly rent at $790 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Shepherd's income is 16% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 19% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Shepherd, MI?
Shepherd offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,591, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $147,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $790/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.8%, and short commute times averaging just 17.7 minutes.
Shepherd has a population of 1,438 with a median age of 32 years. Compare Shepherd with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Shepherd
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colon | 1,432 | $53,750 | $123,700 | Compare |
| Burt | 1,430 | $92,596 | $184,000 | Compare |
| Fowler | 1,446 | $72,261 | $194,400 | Compare |
| Newberry | 1,453 | $49,758 | $65,800 | Compare |
| Edmore | 1,417 | $53,750 | $86,800 | Compare |
| Breckenridge | 1,411 | $56,779 | $107,000 | Compare |
| Shorewood-Tower Hills-Harbert | 1,468 | $80,642 | $296,000 | Compare |
| Ravenna | 1,472 | $73,233 | $191,300 | 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 Shepherd With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shepherd
What is the population of Shepherd, MI?
The population of Shepherd, MI is 1,438 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 Shepherd?
The median household income in Shepherd, MI is $76,591 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shepherd?
The median home value in Shepherd, MI is $147,800, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shepherd?
The median monthly rent in Shepherd, MI is $790, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shepherd?
The unemployment rate in Shepherd, MI is 0.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Shepherd, MI a good place to live?
Shepherd offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,438 and a median age of 32, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Shepherd, MI?
27.6% of residents in Shepherd 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 Shepherd?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shepherd, MI: median home value is $147,800 (40% below national), median rent is $790/month, and median household income is $76,591. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shepherd?
The poverty rate in Shepherd, MI is 15.4%, 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 Shepherd, MI?
Shepherd's population is 0.5% White, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.