Detroit, MI Census Data
The largest city in Michigan by population · 24 cities ranked
Detroit is the largest city in Michigan by population and ranks 23rd of 24 for median household income. With 636,644 residents, its poverty rate of 31.5% 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
636,644
47.5% male · 52.5% female
Median Age
35.1
3.6 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$39,575
$38,963 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
17.6%
17.4% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 83.4%
Poverty Rate
31.5%
19.1% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 7.5%
Broadband Access
91.2%
1.5% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$76,800
Median rent: $1,034 · 50% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
14.1%
Labor force participation: 46.8%
Per Capita Income
$31,656
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.5%
Disability rate: 19.6%
How Detroit Compares to Other Michigan Cities
Rankings among all 24 Michigan cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 1st of 24 | Top 10% |
| Highest Median Income | 23rd of 24 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 23rd of 24 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 21st of 24 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 23rd of 24 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Detroit, MI Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Detroit, MI?
The population of Detroit, MI is 636,644 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.1 years.
What is the median household income in Detroit?
The median household income in Detroit, MI is $39,575, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $31,656.
What is the poverty rate in Detroit?
The poverty rate in Detroit, MI is 31.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 7.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Detroit residents have a college degree?
17.6% of adults (25+) in Detroit hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 83.4% 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 Detroit?
The median home value in Detroit, MI is $76,800. Median rent is $1,034 per month, with 50% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Detroit?
Detroit's population is 11.7% White, 76.8% Black, 8.0% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.6% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Detroit rank among Michigan cities?
Detroit is the 1st largest city in Michigan by population, the 23rd highest for median household income, the 23rd lowest for poverty rate, the 21st highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 24 ranked Michigan cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Detroit?
The unemployment rate in Detroit, MI is 14.1%, with a labor force participation rate of 46.8%. Per capita income is $31,656.