St. Charles, MI
Population 1,857 · Michigan
About St. Charles, MI
St. Charles is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 1,857 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,816 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.6 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 St. Charles features a median home value of $106,300, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes St. Charles one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $603, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 842 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (557 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (228 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. Charles shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in St. Charles have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.7% of St. Charles 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 1.5% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 4.1% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in St. Charles, MI
Compared to national averages, St. Charles has a median household income of $49,816 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $106,300, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $603 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, St. Charles's income is 25% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 42% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in St. Charles, MI?
St. Charles offers affordable housing with a median home value of $106,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $603/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,816) that falls below the national average. However, St. Charles’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
St. Charles has a population of 1,857 with a median age of 46.6 years. Compare St. Charles with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near St. Charles
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armada | 1,876 | $110,345 | $249,600 | Compare |
| Watervliet | 1,879 | $57,477 | $130,000 | Compare |
| Fennville | 1,880 | $65,268 | $128,900 | Compare |
| South Rockwood | 1,891 | $78,063 | $217,800 | Compare |
| Decatur | 1,814 | $58,281 | $121,900 | Compare |
| Union City | 1,814 | $57,016 | $107,000 | Compare |
| Capac | 1,903 | $61,000 | $141,300 | Compare |
| Munising | 1,907 | $54,375 | $112,300 | 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 St. Charles With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Charles
What is the population of St. Charles, MI?
The population of St. Charles, MI is 1,857 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 St. Charles?
The median household income in St. Charles, MI is $49,816 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. Charles?
The median home value in St. Charles, MI is $106,300, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in St. Charles?
The median monthly rent in St. Charles, MI is $603, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. Charles?
The unemployment rate in St. Charles, 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 St. Charles, MI a good place to live?
St. Charles offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,857 and a median age of 46.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is St. Charles, MI?
16.7% of residents in St. Charles 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 St. Charles?
Key cost-of-living indicators for St. Charles, MI: median home value is $106,300 (57% below national), median rent is $603/month, and median household income is $49,816. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in St. Charles?
The poverty rate in St. Charles, MI is 19.1%, 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 St. Charles, MI?
St. Charles's population is 1.5% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.