Bark River, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,008
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$75,329/yr
6.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,469
-1.8% year-over-year change

Bark River population

How many people live in Bark River

Bark River is home to 3,008 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Bark River locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
3,008
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
1,518
Female
49.5%
1,490
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,518 50.5% 2.8%
Female 1,490 49.5% -0.4%
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 Bark River is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 13% are children under 15, then 13.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.7% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
13%
15 to 24
13.3%
25 to 44
22.7%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
24.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 392 13% 6.8%
15 to 24 401 13.3% 12.3%
25 to 44 684 22.7% 4.4%
45 to 64 784 26.1% -3.2%
Over 65 747 24.8% -4.7%
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 Bark River, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,964 98.5% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 34 1.1% 36.0%
Non-citizens 10 0.3% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.4%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 2,796 93%
American Indian and Alaska Native 61 2%
Asian 1 0%
Two or more races 132 4.4%
Other 18 0.6%

Households in Bark River

A peek inside Bark River households

Bark River has 1,190 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 78.1% are families, while the remaining 21.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,190
-1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
261
Family households
929
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 261 21.9% -10.0%
Family households 929 78.1% 0.7%
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 Bark River

The housing landscape of Bark River

Bark River's housing consists of 1,469 units, with 85.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.8% 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 9.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,469
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,262 85.9%
1 unit, attached 12 0.8%
2 units 3 0.2%
10 to 19 units 17 1.2%
20 to 49 units 32 2.2%
Mobile home 143 9.7%
Homes built since 2020
6
20.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bark River

In Bark River, the median construction year is 1979. About 17.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 257 17.5% -1.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 59 4% -28.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 148 10.1% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 74 5% -21.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 206 14% -14.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 199 13.6% 19.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 281 19.1% 1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 160 10.9% 6.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 79 5.4% 9.7%
Built in 2020 or later 6 0.4% 20.0%
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.

Bark River occupancy rates

Out of the 1,190 occupied housing units in Bark River, 90.8% are owner-occupied, while 9.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,190
-1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
110
Owner occupied
1,080
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 110 9.2% 0.9%
Owner occupied 1,080 90.8% -2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
19.0%
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.

Bark River housing costs

Housing costs in Bark River come to a median of $956 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $936.

Median housing costs per month
$956/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 Bark River
$936/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 Bark River

Bark River education at a glance

About 36.5% of the population in Bark River went to high school, while 29.8% pursued college studies. Another 12.8% earned an associate degree and 15.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 13 0.5% 8.3%
High school diploma 880 36.5% -7.4%
College diploma 718 29.8% -0.7%
Associate degree 309 12.8% 10.8%
Bachelor's degree 371 15.4% 4.5%
Graduate degree 119 4.9% -9.8%
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 Bark River

How much people earn in Bark River

The average annual household income in Bark River was $90,864 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $75,329, reflecting a +6.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bark River
$90,864/year
7.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bark River
$75,329/year
6.6% year-over-year change

Bark River income by age

In Bark River, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,313. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $110,446 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $76,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,432 in earnings. Overall, 91.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $76,250 2.8%
25 - 44 $95,313 1.2%
45 - 64 $110,446 34.9%
Over 65 $44,432 -8.2%
Above poverty level
2,730
Below poverty level
247
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,730 91.7% 1.2%
Below poverty level 247 8.3% -0.4%

Employment in Bark River

Workforce and job types in Bark River

70.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.5% run their own businesses, 64.6% are employed by private companies, and 17% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
928
Blue collar
386
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 928 70.6% 3.8%
Blue collar 386 29.4% -7.4%
Employer type
Self employees
10.5%
Private companies
64.6%
Governmental workers
17%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 138 10.5% 14.1%
Private companies 849 64.6% -1.3%
Governmental workers 224 17% 2.3%
Not for profit companies 104 7.9% -6.3%

Transportation in Bark River

How people get around in Bark River

Commuting methods vary: 98.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% 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 1,176 98.5% -0.2%
Bicycle 3 0.2% 0.0%
Walk 15 1.3% 50.0%
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 Bark River by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49807 3,162 1,251 $75,329 $90,889

Explore more communities

FAQs about Bark River demographics 

What is the total population of Bark River?

Bark River has a total population of 3,008 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bark River?

The gender ratio in Bark River is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (1,518 residents)
  • 49.5% females (1,490 residents)

What is the median age in Bark River?

The median age in Bark River is 45.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bark River?

The age distribution in Bark River is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13% (392 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.3% (401 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.7% (684 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (784 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.8% (747 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bark River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bark River is as follows:
  • White: 93% (2,796 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2% (61 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (1 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.4% (132 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (18 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bark River are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Bark River.

How many housing units are there in Bark River?

There are 1,469 housing units in Bark River, reflecting a -1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bark River and what is the average household size?

Bark River has a total of 1,190 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bark River?

Bark River has a median household income of $75,329, representing a +6.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Bark River?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.6% (928 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.4% (386 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.5% (138 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.6% (849 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17% (224 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (104 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