Battle Creek, MI Census Data
The 24th largest city in Michigan by population · 24 cities ranked
Battle Creek is the 24th largest city in Michigan by population and ranks 20th of 24 for median household income. With 52,392 residents, its poverty rate of 18.0% ranks among the higher rates in Michigan. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
52,392
48.7% male · 51.3% female
Median Age
37.6
1.1 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$51,699
$26,839 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
22.1%
12.9% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 90.0%
Poverty Rate
18.0%
5.6% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 6.0%
Broadband Access
92.3%
2.6% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$127,600
Median rent: $934 · 65% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.4%
Labor force participation: 56.5%
Per Capita Income
$35,811
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
7.0%
Disability rate: 14.9%
How Battle Creek Compares to Other Michigan Cities
Rankings among all 24 Michigan cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 24th of 24 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 20th of 24 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 15th of 24 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 18th of 24 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 20th of 24 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Battle Creek, MI Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Battle Creek, MI?
The population of Battle Creek, MI is 52,392 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 37.6 years.
What is the median household income in Battle Creek?
The median household income in Battle Creek, MI is $51,699, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $35,811.
What is the poverty rate in Battle Creek?
The poverty rate in Battle Creek, MI is 18.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 6.0% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Battle Creek residents have a college degree?
22.1% of adults (25+) in Battle Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.0% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Battle Creek?
The median home value in Battle Creek, MI is $127,600. Median rent is $934 per month, with 65% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Battle Creek?
Battle Creek's population is 64.8% White, 15.7% Black, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Battle Creek rank among Michigan cities?
Battle Creek is the 24th largest city in Michigan by population, the 20th highest for median household income, the 15th lowest for poverty rate, the 18th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 24 ranked Michigan cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Battle Creek?
The unemployment rate in Battle Creek, MI is 7.4%, with a labor force participation rate of 56.5%. Per capita income is $35,811.
Cities Similar to Battle Creek
Other Michigan cities with comparable population and income levels.