Tawas City, MI
Population 1,654 · Michigan
About Tawas City, MI
Tawas City is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 1,654 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,797 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48 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 Tawas City features a median home value of $124,000, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Tawas City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $810, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 931 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (529 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (152 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tawas City shows an unemployment rate of 10.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Tawas City have an average one-way commute time of 16.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.7% of Tawas City 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 0.8% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Tawas City, MI
Compared to national averages, Tawas City has a median household income of $46,797 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $124,000, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $810 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Tawas City's income is 29% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 32% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Tawas City, MI?
Tawas City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $124,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $810/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,797) that falls below the national average. However, Tawas City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tawas City has a population of 1,654 with a median age of 48 years. Compare Tawas City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Tawas City
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bingham Farms | 1,652 | $218,750 | $570,900 | 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 |
| White Pigeon | 1,637 | $44,063 | $143,100 | Compare |
| Sylvan Lake | 1,672 | $106,806 | $356,800 | Compare |
| Olivet | 1,633 | $44,940 | $137,300 | Compare |
| Howard City | 1,683 | $52,663 | $143,800 | 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 Tawas City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tawas City
What is the population of Tawas City, MI?
The population of Tawas City, MI is 1,654 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 Tawas City?
The median household income in Tawas City, MI is $46,797 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tawas City?
The median home value in Tawas City, MI is $124,000, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tawas City?
The median monthly rent in Tawas City, MI is $810, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tawas City?
The unemployment rate in Tawas City, MI is 10.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tawas City, MI a good place to live?
Tawas City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,654 and a median age of 48, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Tawas City, MI?
19.7% of residents in Tawas City 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 Tawas City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tawas City, MI: median home value is $124,000 (49% below national), median rent is $810/month, and median household income is $46,797. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Tawas City?
The poverty rate in Tawas City, MI is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Tawas City, MI?
Tawas City's population is 0.8% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.