Bad Axe, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,992
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,688/yr
-6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,508
-0.4% year-over-year change

Bad Axe population

How many people live in Bad Axe

Bad Axe is home to 2,992 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.2% of Bad Axe locals are male, and 53.8% are female.

Total population
2,992
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.2%
1,382
Female
53.8%
1,610
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,382 46.2% 2.0%
Female 1,610 53.8% -2.7%
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 Bad Axe is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.9% are children under 15, then 8.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.8% of the population, while another 28.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.9%
15 to 24
8.1%
25 to 44
23.8%
45 to 64
28.7%
Over 65
26.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 386 12.9% -10.7%
15 to 24 242 8.1% 38.3%
25 to 44 713 23.8% -8.3%
45 to 64 860 28.7% 4.0%
Over 65 791 26.4% -0.9%
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 Bad Axe, 94.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 1.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,820 94.2% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 79 2.6% -9.2%
Non-citizens 93 3.1% -1.1%
Racial breakdown
White
86.6%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.5%
Other
4.4%
Value Percent
White 2,592 86.6%
Black or African American 19 0.6%
Asian 56 1.9%
Two or more races 194 6.5%
Other 131 4.4%

Households in Bad Axe

A peek inside Bad Axe households

Bad Axe has 1,355 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.6% are families, while the remaining 52.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,355
-0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
710
Family households
645
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 710 52.4% -5.2%
Family households 645 47.6% 4.7%
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 Bad Axe

The housing landscape of Bad Axe

Bad Axe's housing consists of 1,508 units, with 70.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,508
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,064 70.6%
1 unit, attached 34 2.2%
2 units 10 0.7%
3 or 4 units 77 5.1%
5 to 9 units 104 6.9%
10 to 19 units 96 6.4%
20 to 49 units 104 6.9%
Mobile home 19 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bad Axe

In Bad Axe, the median construction year is 1961. About 22.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 342 22.7% 7.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 144 9.6% -2.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 257 17% -3.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 197 13.1% 6.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 331 22% -8.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 89 5.9% 7.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 56 3.7% -6.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 85 5.6% -4.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 7 0.5% N/A
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.

Bad Axe occupancy rates

Out of the 1,355 occupied housing units in Bad Axe, 57.4% are owner-occupied, while 42.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,355
-0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
577
Owner occupied
778
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 577 42.6% -2.9%
Owner occupied 778 57.4% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
10.1%
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.

Bad Axe housing costs

Housing costs in Bad Axe come to a median of $741 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $742.

Median housing costs per month
$741/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 Bad Axe
$742/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 Bad Axe

Bad Axe education at a glance

About 44.1% of the population in Bad Axe went to high school, while 23% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 14.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 89 3.6% 6.0%
High school diploma 1,100 44.1% -5.5%
College diploma 573 23% 4.0%
Associate degree 207 8.3% -19.8%
Bachelor's degree 358 14.4% 9.8%
Graduate degree 165 6.6% 7.1%
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 Bad Axe

How much people earn in Bad Axe

The average annual household income in Bad Axe was $57,541 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,688, reflecting a -6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bad Axe
$57,541/year
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bad Axe
$44,688/year
-6.0% year-over-year change

Bad Axe income by age

In Bad Axe, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,257. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,500 overall. Overall, 79.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $65,257 -5.0%
45 - 64 $51,500 3.3%
Over 65 $25,938 -7.9%
Above poverty level
2,275
Below poverty level
575
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,275 79.8% -4.2%
Below poverty level 575 20.2% 23.4%

Average renter income in Bad Axe

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bad Axe, their median household income was $38,867 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 22.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$38,867
Rent-to-income ratio
22.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Bad Axe

Workforce and job types in Bad Axe

The job market in Bad Axe is powered by 1,195 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.6% run their own businesses, 68% are employed by private companies, and 7.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,195
-4.5% year-over-year change
White collar
851
Blue collar
344
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 851 71.2% -15.0%
Blue collar 344 28.8% 37.6%
Employer type
Self employees
11.6%
Private companies
68%
Governmental workers
7.5%
Not for profit companies
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 139 11.6% 58.0%
Private companies 813 68% -15.7%
Governmental workers 90 7.5% 15.4%
Not for profit companies 153 12.8% 26.4%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bad Axe stands at 5.6%, 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 Bad Axe

How people get around in Bad Axe

Commuting methods vary: 85% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5% 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 993 85% -3.1%
Bus or trolleybus 23 2% -14.8%
Walk 58 5% -12.1%
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 Bad Axe by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48413 7,288 3,083 $58,346 $73,758

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FAQs about Bad Axe demographics 

What is the total population of Bad Axe?

Bad Axe has a total population of 2,992 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 -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bad Axe?

The gender ratio in Bad Axe is as follows:
  • 46.2% males (1,382 residents)
  • 53.8% females (1,610 residents)

What is the median age in Bad Axe?

The median age in Bad Axe is 48.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bad Axe?

The age distribution in Bad Axe is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.9% (386 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.1% (242 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.8% (713 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.7% (860 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.4% (791 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bad Axe?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bad Axe is as follows:
  • White: 86.6% (2,592 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (19 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.9% (56 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.5% (194 residents)
  • Other: 4.4% (131 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bad Axe are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.2% of the population in Bad Axe.

How many housing units are there in Bad Axe?

There are 1,508 housing units in Bad Axe, 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 Bad Axe and what is the average household size?

Bad Axe has a total of 1,355 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bad Axe?

Bad Axe has a median household income of $44,688, representing a -6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bad Axe?

The employment rate is 94.4% in Bad Axe, with a workforce of 1,195 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.2% (851 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.8% (344 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.6% (139 residents)
  • Private companies: 68% (813 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.5% (90 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.8% (153 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