Vanderbilt, MI
Population 398 · Michigan
About Vanderbilt, MI
Vanderbilt is a small community located in Michigan with a population of 398 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,188 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Vanderbilt features a median home value of $106,500, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Vanderbilt one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $921, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 211 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (130 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (65 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Vanderbilt shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Vanderbilt have an average one-way commute time of 16.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
3.1% of Vanderbilt 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 0.0% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Vanderbilt, MI
Compared to national averages, Vanderbilt has a median household income of $56,188 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $106,500, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $921 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Vanderbilt's income is 15% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 42% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Vanderbilt, MI?
Vanderbilt offers affordable housing with a median home value of $106,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $921/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,188) that falls below the national average. However, Vanderbilt’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Vanderbilt has a population of 398 with a median age of 39.6 years. Compare Vanderbilt with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Vanderbilt
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston | 398 | $46,964 | $88,800 | Compare |
| Lennon | 397 | $76,563 | $145,800 | Compare |
| Casnovia | 394 | $73,750 | $151,400 | Compare |
| Clarksville | 403 | $69,375 | $169,800 | Compare |
| Leland | 393 | $114,250 | $635,600 | Compare |
| White Pine | 404 | $39,792 | $59,700 | Compare |
| Barryton | 405 | $47,857 | $77,900 | Compare |
| Brethren | 405 | $42,434 | $104,500 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Vanderbilt
What is the population of Vanderbilt, MI?
The population of Vanderbilt, MI is 398 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Vanderbilt?
The median household income in Vanderbilt, MI is $56,188 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Vanderbilt?
The median home value in Vanderbilt, MI is $106,500, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Vanderbilt?
The median monthly rent in Vanderbilt, MI is $921, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Vanderbilt?
The unemployment rate in Vanderbilt, MI is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Vanderbilt, MI a good place to live?
Vanderbilt offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 398 and a median age of 39.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Vanderbilt, MI?
3.1% of residents in Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Vanderbilt, MI: median home value is $106,500 (57% below national), median rent is $921/month, and median household income is $56,188. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Vanderbilt?
The poverty rate in Vanderbilt, MI is 10.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Vanderbilt, MI?
Vanderbilt's population is 0.0% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.