Three Rivers, MI
Population 7,936 · Michigan
About Three Rivers, MI
Three Rivers is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 7,936 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,852 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Three Rivers features a median home value of $120,200, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Three Rivers one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $815, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,558 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (1,779 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (1,500 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Three Rivers shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Three Rivers have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.2% of Three Rivers 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 5.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Three Rivers, MI
Compared to national averages, Three Rivers has a median household income of $48,852 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $120,200, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $815 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Three Rivers's income is 26% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 34% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Three Rivers, MI?
Three Rivers offers affordable housing with a median home value of $120,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $815/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,852) that falls below the national average. However, Three Rivers’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Three Rivers has a population of 7,936 with a median age of 34.9 years. Compare Three Rivers with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Three Rivers
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Blanc | 7,995 | $67,284 | $228,000 | Compare |
| Hillsdale | 8,013 | $47,817 | $131,300 | Compare |
| Big Rapids | 7,847 | $40,197 | $134,200 | Compare |
| St. Joseph | 7,805 | $77,765 | $271,100 | Compare |
| Grand Ledge | 7,797 | $66,515 | $189,300 | Compare |
| Whitmore Lake | 8,083 | $78,038 | $270,300 | Compare |
| St. Johns | 7,712 | $63,030 | $175,300 | Compare |
| Hudsonville | 7,711 | $88,606 | $260,500 | 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 Three Rivers With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Three Rivers
What is the population of Three Rivers, MI?
The population of Three Rivers, MI is 7,936 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 Three Rivers?
The median household income in Three Rivers, MI is $48,852 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Three Rivers?
The median home value in Three Rivers, MI is $120,200, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Three Rivers?
The median monthly rent in Three Rivers, MI is $815, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Three Rivers?
The unemployment rate in Three Rivers, MI is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Three Rivers, MI a good place to live?
Three Rivers offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,936 and a median age of 34.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Three Rivers, MI?
15.2% of residents in Three Rivers 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 Three Rivers?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Three Rivers, MI: median home value is $120,200 (51% below national), median rent is $815/month, and median household income is $48,852. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Three Rivers?
The poverty rate in Three Rivers, MI is 15.0%, 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 Three Rivers, MI?
Three Rivers's population is 5.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 10.5% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.