Ypsilanti, MI
Population 19,937 · Michigan
About Ypsilanti, MI
Ypsilanti is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 19,937 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,141 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27 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 Ypsilanti features a median home value of $223,700, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ypsilanti in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,034, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,352 total housing units, 33% are owner-occupied (2,895 units) and 67% are renter-occupied (5,794 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ypsilanti shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ypsilanti have an average one-way commute time of 22.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
45.8% of Ypsilanti 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 3.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 10.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ypsilanti, MI
Compared to national averages, Ypsilanti has a median household income of $44,141 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $223,700, which is 9% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,034 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Ypsilanti's income is 33% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 22% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Ypsilanti, MI?
Ypsilanti offers affordable housing with a median home value of $223,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,034/month, and a well-educated community where 45.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,141) that falls below the national average. However, Ypsilanti’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ypsilanti has a population of 19,937 with a median age of 27 years. Compare Ypsilanti with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Ypsilanti
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe | 20,330 | $59,532 | $161,500 | Compare |
| Cutlerville | 19,465 | $65,833 | $200,900 | Compare |
| Adrian | 20,493 | $42,851 | $119,900 | Compare |
| Marquette | 20,691 | $55,825 | $254,100 | Compare |
| Ferndale | 19,156 | $91,732 | $233,600 | Compare |
| Haslett | 19,025 | $74,164 | $269,200 | Compare |
| Mount Pleasant | 21,420 | $39,924 | $168,700 | Compare |
| Birmingham | 21,612 | $153,125 | $712,700 | 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 Ypsilanti With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ypsilanti
What is the population of Ypsilanti, MI?
The population of Ypsilanti, MI is 19,937 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Ypsilanti?
The median household income in Ypsilanti, MI is $44,141 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ypsilanti?
The median home value in Ypsilanti, MI is $223,700, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ypsilanti?
The median monthly rent in Ypsilanti, MI is $1,034, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ypsilanti?
The unemployment rate in Ypsilanti, MI is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ypsilanti, MI a good place to live?
Ypsilanti offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,937 and a median age of 27, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ypsilanti, MI?
45.8% of residents in Ypsilanti 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 Ypsilanti?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ypsilanti, MI: median home value is $223,700 (9% below national), median rent is $1,034/month, and median household income is $44,141. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ypsilanti?
The poverty rate in Ypsilanti, MI is 25.5%, 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 Ypsilanti, MI?
Ypsilanti's population is 3.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 22.4% two or more races. 10.8% of residents are foreign-born.