Sylvan Lake, MI
Population 1,672 · Michigan
About Sylvan Lake, MI
Sylvan Lake is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 1,672 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $106,806 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.9 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 Sylvan Lake features a median home value of $356,800, which is 46% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Sylvan Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,132, 3% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 873 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (717 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (156 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sylvan Lake shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sylvan Lake have an average one-way commute time of 25 minutes.
Education & Demographics
52.7% of Sylvan Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 9.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sylvan Lake Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Sylvan Lake, MI
Compared to national averages, Sylvan Lake has a median household income of $106,806 (42% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $356,800, which is 46% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,132 is 3% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Sylvan Lake's income is 62% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 95% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Sylvan Lake, MI?
Sylvan Lake offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $106,806, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,132/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 52.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.6%, better than the national average.
Sylvan Lake has a population of 1,672 with a median age of 52.9 years. Compare Sylvan Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Sylvan Lake
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howard City | 1,683 | $52,663 | $143,800 | Compare |
| Wacousta | 1,686 | $126,471 | $271,200 | Compare |
| Tawas City | 1,654 | $46,797 | $124,000 | Compare |
| Bingham Farms | 1,652 | $218,750 | $570,900 | Compare |
| Zilwaukee | 1,696 | $57,449 | $87,900 | Compare |
| Morrice | 1,647 | $63,611 | $114,900 | Compare |
| Laingsburg | 1,640 | $75,547 | $202,600 | Compare |
| Grayling | 1,638 | $31,719 | $131,800 | 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 Sylvan Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sylvan Lake
What is the population of Sylvan Lake, MI?
The population of Sylvan Lake, MI is 1,672 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 Sylvan Lake?
The median household income in Sylvan Lake, MI is $106,806 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sylvan Lake?
The median home value in Sylvan Lake, MI is $356,800, which is 46% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sylvan Lake?
The median monthly rent in Sylvan Lake, MI is $1,132, which is 3% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sylvan Lake?
The unemployment rate in Sylvan Lake, MI is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sylvan Lake, MI a good place to live?
Sylvan Lake offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,672 and a median age of 52.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Sylvan Lake, MI?
52.7% of residents in Sylvan Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Sylvan Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sylvan Lake, MI: median home value is $356,800 (46% above national), median rent is $1,132/month, and median household income is $106,806. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sylvan Lake?
The poverty rate in Sylvan Lake, MI is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sylvan Lake, MI?
Sylvan Lake's population is 3.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 9.4% of residents are foreign-born.