Bessemer, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,733
-2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,523/yr
5.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,119
-3.1% year-over-year change

Bessemer population

How many people live in Bessemer

Bessemer is home to 1,733 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.6% of Bessemer locals are male, and 55.4% are female.

Total population
1,733
-2.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.6%
773
Female
55.4%
960
Value Percent YoY change
Male 773 44.6% -2.3%
Female 960 55.4% -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 Bessemer is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.8% are children under 15, then 14.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.7% of the population, while another 34.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.8%
15 to 24
14.7%
25 to 44
18.7%
45 to 64
34.4%
Over 65
20.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 204 11.8% -2.4%
15 to 24 255 14.7% -3.8%
25 to 44 324 18.7% 2.5%
45 to 64 596 34.4% -4.3%
Over 65 354 20.4% -3.0%
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 Bessemer, 98.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 88.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.7%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,703 98.3% -2.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 29 1.7% -6.5%
Non-citizens 1 0.1% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
88.4%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.3%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 1,532 88.4%
Black or African American 11 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 52 3%
Asian 17 1%
Two or more races 92 5.3%
Other 29 1.7%

Households in Bessemer

A peek inside Bessemer households

Bessemer has 812 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.8% are families, while the remaining 35.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
812
-4.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
286
Family households
526
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 286 35.2% -15.4%
Family households 526 64.8% 3.3%
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 Bessemer

The housing landscape of Bessemer

Bessemer's housing consists of 1,119 units, with 80.4% 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 3.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,119
-3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 900 80.4%
2 units 38 3.4%
3 or 4 units 43 3.8%
5 to 9 units 46 4.1%
10 to 19 units 19 1.7%
20 to 49 units 36 3.2%
50 or more units 1 0.1%
Mobile home 36 3.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bessemer

In Bessemer, the median construction year is 1943. About 45% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 14.8% 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 503 45% -10.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 165 14.8% 24.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 124 11.1% -18.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 46 4.1% -4.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 78 7% 14.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 54 4.8% 68.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 123 11% -9.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 26 2.3% 13.0%
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.

Bessemer occupancy rates

Out of the 812 occupied housing units in Bessemer, 72.4% are owner-occupied, while 27.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 27.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
812
-4.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
224
Owner occupied
588
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 224 27.6% 7.7%
Owner occupied 588 72.4% -8.0%
Unoccupied housing units
27.4%
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.

Bessemer housing costs

Housing costs in Bessemer come to a median of $653 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $546.

Median housing costs per month
$653/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 Bessemer
$546/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 Bessemer

Bessemer education at a glance

About 34.2% of the population in Bessemer went to high school, while 28.4% pursued college studies. Another 17.3% earned an associate degree and 15.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7 0.5% 40.0%
High school diploma 505 34.2% -8.3%
College diploma 419 28.4% 4.5%
Associate degree 255 17.3% -12.7%
Bachelor's degree 229 15.5% 26.5%
Graduate degree 61 4.1% -21.8%
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 Bessemer

How much people earn in Bessemer

The average annual household income in Bessemer was $68,065 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,523, reflecting a +5.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bessemer
$68,065/year
8.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bessemer
$53,523/year
5.4% year-over-year change

Bessemer income by age

In Bessemer, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,481. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,000 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $28,839, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,583 in earnings. Overall, 87% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $28,839 2.8%
25 - 44 $65,481 -0.9%
45 - 64 $55,000 N/A
Over 65 $49,583 20.2%
Above poverty level
1,477
Below poverty level
221
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,477 87% 0.5%
Below poverty level 221 13% -18.1%

Average renter income in Bessemer

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bessemer, their median household income was $30,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,000
Rent-to-income ratio
21.8%
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 Bessemer

Workforce and job types in Bessemer

The job market in Bessemer is powered by 961 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.1% run their own businesses, 66.1% are employed by private companies, and 23.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
961
1.4% year-over-year change
White collar
817
Blue collar
144
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 817 85% 0.6%
Blue collar 144 15% 5.9%
Employer type
Self employees
5.1%
Private companies
66.1%
Governmental workers
23.2%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 49 5.1% 19.5%
Private companies 635 66.1% -4.2%
Governmental workers 223 23.2% 19.9%
Not for profit companies 54 5.6% -6.9%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
19.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bessemer stands at 4.8%, 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 Bessemer

How people get around in Bessemer

Commuting methods vary: 82.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.2% 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 793 82.5% 3.0%
Bus or trolleybus 7 0.7% 75.0%
Walk 40 4.2% -4.8%
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 Bessemer by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49911 2,729 1,258 $57,000 $71,157

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FAQs about Bessemer demographics 

What is the total population of Bessemer?

Bessemer has a total population of 1,733 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 -2.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bessemer?

The gender ratio in Bessemer is as follows:
  • 44.6% males (773 residents)
  • 55.4% females (960 residents)

What is the median age in Bessemer?

The median age in Bessemer is 48.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bessemer?

The age distribution in Bessemer is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.8% (204 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.7% (255 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.7% (324 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 34.4% (596 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.4% (354 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bessemer?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bessemer is as follows:
  • White: 88.4% (1,532 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (11 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3% (52 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (17 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.3% (92 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (29 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.3% of the population in Bessemer.

How many housing units are there in Bessemer?

There are 1,119 housing units in Bessemer, reflecting a -3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Bessemer has a total of 812 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bessemer?

Bessemer has a median household income of $53,523, representing a +5.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bessemer?

The employment rate is 95.2% in Bessemer, with a workforce of 961 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85% (817 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15% (144 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.1% (49 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.1% (635 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.2% (223 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (54 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