Berrien County, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
18,352
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,876/yr
4.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,099
0.4% year-over-year change

Berrien County population

How many people live in Berrien County

Berrien County is home to 18,352 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50% of Berrien County locals are male, and 50% are female.

Total population
18,352
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50%
9,170
Female
50%
9,182
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,170 50% -0.1%
Female 9,182 50% 1.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Berrien County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 19% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.1% of the population, while another 26.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
25.1%
45 to 64
26.8%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,496 19% -1.1%
15 to 24 2,097 11.4% 0.5%
25 to 44 4,613 25.1% 0.1%
45 to 64 4,924 26.8% 2.9%
Over 65 3,222 17.6% -0.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Berrien County, 97.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81.7% of locals are Caucasian, 11.2% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,962 97.9% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 224 1.2% 5.2%
Non-citizens 166 0.9% 18.6%
Racial breakdown
White
81.7%
Black or African American
11.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
5.5%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 14,987 81.7%
Black or African American 2,054 11.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 31 0.2%
Asian 22 0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 28 0.2%
Two or more races 1,003 5.5%
Other 227 1.2%

Households in Berrien County

A peek inside Berrien County households

Berrien County has 7,045 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69.8% are families, while the remaining 30.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,045
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,127
Family households
4,918
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,127 30.2% 4.6%
Family households 4,918 69.8% 1.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Berrien County

The housing landscape of Berrien County

Berrien County's housing consists of 8,099 units, with 62.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 32.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,099
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,034 62.2%
2 units 88 1.1%
3 or 4 units 53 0.6%
5 to 9 units 162 2%
10 to 19 units 20 0.2%
20 to 49 units 16 0.2%
50 or more units 21 0.3%
Mobile home 2,651 32.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 54 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
227
89.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Berrien County

In Berrien County, the median construction year is 1989. About 5.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 468 5.8% 0.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 128 1.6% 47.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 771 9.5% -10.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 458 5.7% -4.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,146 14.2% 6.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,150 14.2% -4.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,491 18.4% -9.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,620 20% 8.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 640 7.9% 0.3%
Built in 2020 or later 227 2.8% 89.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Berrien County occupancy rates

Out of the 7,045 occupied housing units in Berrien County, 71% are owner-occupied, while 29% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,045
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,046
Owner occupied
4,999
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,046 29% -4.0%
Owner occupied 4,999 71% 5.2%
Unoccupied housing units
13.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Berrien County housing costs

Housing costs in Berrien County come to a median of $728 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $782.

Median housing costs per month
$728/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Berrien County
$782/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Berrien County

Berrien County education at a glance

About 48.8% of the population in Berrien County went to high school, while 20.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.8% earned an associate degree and 10% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 838 6% -4.7%
High school diploma 6,863 48.8% -0.6%
College diploma 2,929 20.8% -4.4%
Associate degree 1,385 9.8% -2.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,411 10% 33.2%
Graduate degree 634 4.5% 8.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Berrien County

How much people earn in Berrien County

The average annual household income in Berrien County was $71,721 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,876, reflecting a +4.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Berrien County
$71,721/year
6.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Berrien County
$52,876/year
4.9% year-over-year change

Berrien County income by age

In Berrien County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $57,788. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $57,837 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $63,292, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,197 in earnings. Overall, 79.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $63,292 5.0%
25 - 44 $57,788 11.3%
45 - 64 $57,837 1.4%
Over 65 $42,197 8.3%
Above poverty level
14,271
Below poverty level
3,733
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,271 79.3% 3.0%
Below poverty level 3,733 20.7% -5.8%

Employment in Berrien County

Workforce and job types in Berrien County

The job market in Berrien County is powered by 7,812 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.9% run their own businesses, 63% are employed by private companies, and 18.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,812
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
4,947
Blue collar
2,865
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,947 63.3% 0.4%
Blue collar 2,865 36.7% 4.3%
Employer type
Self employees
13.9%
Private companies
63%
Governmental workers
18.1%
Not for profit companies
4.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,086 13.9% -4.4%
Private companies 4,925 63% 6.1%
Governmental workers 1,415 18.1% -8.3%
Not for profit companies 386 4.9% 9.3%
Unemployment rate
3.7%
-10.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Berrien County stands at 3.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Berrien County

How people get around in Berrien County

Commuting methods vary: 87.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,863 87.2% -0.2%
Bus or trolleybus 47 0.6% 38.2%
Motorcycle 9 0.1% -74.3%
Bicycle 41 0.5% 7.9%
Walk 261 3.3% 14.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Berrien County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
31622 1,844 714 $51,522 $68,586
31637 3,217 1,236 $65,391 $78,056
31639 11,059 4,222 $54,159 $70,642
31645 4,988 1,708 $70,833 $91,968
31749 2,557 1,056 $38,487 $57,942
31794 26,178 10,172 $46,056 $66,417

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Berrien County demographics 

What is the total population of Berrien County?

Berrien County has a total population of 18,352 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Berrien County?

The gender ratio in Berrien County is as follows:
  • 50% males (9,170 residents)
  • 50% females (9,182 residents)

What is the median age in Berrien County?

The median age in Berrien County is 40.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Berrien County?

The age distribution in Berrien County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19% (3,496 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (2,097 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.1% (4,613 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.8% (4,924 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (3,222 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Berrien County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Berrien County is as follows:
  • White: 81.7% (14,987 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.2% (2,054 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (31 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (22 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (28 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.5% (1,003 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (227 residents)

What percentage of the population in Berrien County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.9% of the population in Berrien County.

How many housing units are there in Berrien County?

There are 8,099 housing units in Berrien County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Berrien County and what is the average household size?

Berrien County has a total of 7,045 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Berrien County?

Berrien County has a median household income of $52,876, representing a +4.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Berrien County?

The employment rate is 96.3% in Berrien County, with a workforce of 7,812 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.3% (4,947 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.7% (2,865 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.9% (1,086 residents)
  • Private companies: 63% (4,925 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.1% (1,415 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.9% (386 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025