Southgate, MI
Population 29,551 · Michigan
About Southgate, MI
Southgate is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 29,551 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,635 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Southgate features a median home value of $165,400, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Southgate in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,102, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,033 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (8,174 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (4,178 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Southgate shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Southgate have an average one-way commute time of 24.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.4% of Southgate 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 8.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 6.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Southgate Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Southgate, MI
Compared to national averages, Southgate has a median household income of $64,635 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $165,400, which is 32% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,102 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Southgate's income is 2% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 10% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Southgate, MI?
Southgate offers affordable housing with a median home value of $165,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,102/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,635) that falls below the national average. However, Southgate’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Southgate has a population of 29,551 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Southgate with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Southgate
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burton | 29,529 | $57,767 | $131,200 | Compare |
| Oak Park | 29,370 | $65,882 | $198,500 | Compare |
| Port Huron | 28,724 | $49,377 | $136,000 | Compare |
| Forest Hills | 28,494 | $156,618 | $474,800 | Compare |
| Madison Heights | 28,411 | $66,726 | $190,300 | Compare |
| Allen Park | 28,128 | $80,045 | $174,500 | Compare |
| Jackson | 31,206 | $42,848 | $94,700 | Compare |
| Hamtramck | 27,830 | $40,103 | $116,400 | 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 Southgate With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Southgate
What is the population of Southgate, MI?
The population of Southgate, MI is 29,551 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 Southgate?
The median household income in Southgate, MI is $64,635 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Southgate?
The median home value in Southgate, MI is $165,400, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Southgate?
The median monthly rent in Southgate, MI is $1,102, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Southgate?
The unemployment rate in Southgate, MI is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Southgate, MI a good place to live?
Southgate offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 29,551 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Southgate, MI?
21.4% of residents in Southgate 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 Southgate?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Southgate, MI: median home value is $165,400 (32% below national), median rent is $1,102/month, and median household income is $64,635. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Southgate?
The poverty rate in Southgate, MI is 9.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Southgate, MI?
Southgate's population is 8.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 8.2% two or more races. 6.5% of residents are foreign-born.