Skidway Lake, MI
Population 2,800 · Michigan
About Skidway Lake, MI
Skidway Lake is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 2,800 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,320 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.5 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 Skidway Lake features a median home value of $53,700, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Skidway Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $844, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,324 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (1,006 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (189 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Skidway Lake shows an unemployment rate of 16.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 37.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Skidway Lake have an average one-way commute time of 39.5 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
6.1% of Skidway Lake 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 2.1% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Skidway Lake Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Skidway Lake, MI
Compared to national averages, Skidway Lake has a median household income of $34,320 (54% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $53,700, which is 78% below the national median. Monthly rent at $844 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Skidway Lake's income is 48% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 71% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Skidway Lake, MI?
Skidway Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $53,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $844/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,320) that falls below the national average. However, Skidway Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Skidway Lake has a population of 2,800 with a median age of 42.5 years. Compare Skidway Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Skidway Lake
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinton | 2,795 | $78,750 | $180,400 | Compare |
| K. I. Sawyer | 2,791 | $59,145 | $69,300 | Compare |
| Almont | 2,830 | $81,511 | $233,100 | Compare |
| Ithaca | 2,831 | $62,375 | $126,600 | Compare |
| Norway | 2,835 | $50,025 | $87,300 | Compare |
| St. Helen | 2,841 | $42,091 | $85,300 | Compare |
| Manistique | 2,844 | $39,761 | $83,600 | Compare |
| West Monroe | 2,753 | $50,099 | $94,000 | 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 Skidway Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Skidway Lake
What is the population of Skidway Lake, MI?
The population of Skidway Lake, MI is 2,800 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 Skidway Lake?
The median household income in Skidway Lake, MI is $34,320 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Skidway Lake?
The median home value in Skidway Lake, MI is $53,700, which is 78% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Skidway Lake?
The median monthly rent in Skidway Lake, MI is $844, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Skidway Lake?
The unemployment rate in Skidway Lake, MI is 16.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Skidway Lake, MI a good place to live?
Skidway Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,800 and a median age of 42.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Skidway Lake, MI?
6.1% of residents in Skidway Lake 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 Skidway Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Skidway Lake, MI: median home value is $53,700 (78% below national), median rent is $844/month, and median household income is $34,320. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Skidway Lake?
The poverty rate in Skidway Lake, MI is 37.9%, 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 Skidway Lake, MI?
Skidway Lake's population is 2.1% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.