Pontiac, MI Census Data
The 20th largest city in Michigan by population · 24 cities ranked
Pontiac is the 20th largest city in Michigan by population and ranks 22nd of 24 for median household income. With 61,914 residents, its poverty rate of 25.6% 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
61,914
48.9% male · 51.1% female
Median Age
35.5
3.2 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$42,791
$35,747 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
16.2%
18.8% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 81.6%
Poverty Rate
25.6%
13.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 12.5%
Broadband Access
91.7%
2.0% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$110,600
Median rent: $1,007 · 44% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
10.6%
Labor force participation: 55.5%
Per Capita Income
$32,391
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
3.9%
Disability rate: 19.7%
How Pontiac Compares to Other Michigan Cities
Rankings among all 24 Michigan cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 20th of 24 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 22nd of 24 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 21st of 24 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 22nd of 24 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 22nd of 24 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Pontiac, MI Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Pontiac, MI?
The population of Pontiac, MI is 61,914 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.5 years.
What is the median household income in Pontiac?
The median household income in Pontiac, MI is $42,791, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $32,391.
What is the poverty rate in Pontiac?
The poverty rate in Pontiac, MI is 25.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 12.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Pontiac residents have a college degree?
16.2% of adults (25+) in Pontiac hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 81.6% 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 Pontiac?
The median home value in Pontiac, MI is $110,600. Median rent is $1,007 per month, with 44% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Pontiac?
Pontiac's population is 27.1% White, 47.1% Black, 21.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Pontiac rank among Michigan cities?
Pontiac is the 20th largest city in Michigan by population, the 22nd highest for median household income, the 21st lowest for poverty rate, the 22nd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 24 ranked Michigan cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Pontiac?
The unemployment rate in Pontiac, MI is 10.6%, with a labor force participation rate of 55.5%. Per capita income is $32,391.
Cities Similar to Pontiac
Other Michigan cities with comparable population and income levels.