Buchanan, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,223
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,163/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,125
0.6% year-over-year change

Buchanan population

How many people live in Buchanan

Buchanan is home to 4,223 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43% of Buchanan locals are male, and 57% are female.

Total population
4,223
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43%
1,818
Female
57%
2,405
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,818 43% -6.4%
Female 2,405 57% 3.8%
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 Buchanan is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% are children under 15, then 18.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.7% of the population, while another 23% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
18.5%
25 to 44
23.7%
45 to 64
23%
Over 65
15.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 823 19.5% -7.7%
15 to 24 783 18.5% 17.6%
25 to 44 1,001 23.7% -7.1%
45 to 64 970 23% 4.5%
Over 65 646 15.3% -7.0%
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 Buchanan, 96.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.7% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.3%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,075 96.5% -2.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 139 3.3% 78.2%
Non-citizens 9 0.2% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
79.7%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.1%
Other
3.4%
Value Percent
White 3,365 79.7%
Black or African American 50 1.2%
Asian 27 0.6%
Two or more races 636 15.1%
Other 145 3.4%

Households in Buchanan

A peek inside Buchanan households

Buchanan has 1,752 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54% are families, while the remaining 46% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,752
-1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
806
Family households
946
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 806 46% 5.8%
Family households 946 54% -7.1%
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 Buchanan

The housing landscape of Buchanan

Buchanan's housing consists of 2,125 units, with 60.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,125
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,279 60.2%
1 unit, attached 19 0.9%
2 units 16 0.8%
3 or 4 units 277 13%
5 to 9 units 85 4%
10 to 19 units 366 17.2%
20 to 49 units 67 3.2%
50 or more units 16 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Buchanan

In Buchanan, the median construction year is 1960. About 28.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5% 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 601 28.3% -2.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 106 5% -48.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 345 16.2% 10.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 318 15% -3.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 481 22.6% 14.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 44 2.1% -65.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 185 8.7% 156.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 45 2.1% 221.4%
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.

Buchanan occupancy rates

Out of the 1,752 occupied housing units in Buchanan, 57.5% are owner-occupied, while 42.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,752
-1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
744
Owner occupied
1,008
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 744 42.5% -5.0%
Owner occupied 1,008 57.5% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
17.6%
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.

Buchanan housing costs

Housing costs in Buchanan come to a median of $891 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $903.

Median housing costs per month
$891/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 Buchanan
$903/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 Buchanan

Buchanan education at a glance

About 48.7% of the population in Buchanan went to high school, while 30.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 10.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 67 2% 11.7%
High school diploma 1,595 48.7% 17.3%
College diploma 1,004 30.7% -13.2%
Associate degree 242 7.4% -2.4%
Bachelor's degree 348 10.6% 11.5%
Graduate degree 19 0.6% -81.9%
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 Buchanan

How much people earn in Buchanan

The average annual household income in Buchanan was $65,994 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,163, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Buchanan
$65,994/year
6.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Buchanan
$56,163/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Buchanan income by age

In Buchanan, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,983. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,324 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,598, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $32,365 in earnings. Overall, 92.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,598 -12.6%
25 - 44 $70,983 4.7%
45 - 64 $80,324 42.4%
Over 65 $32,365 -14.6%
Above poverty level
3,924
Below poverty level
299
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,924 92.9% -1.3%
Below poverty level 299 7.1% 5.3%

Average renter income in Buchanan

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Buchanan, their median household income was $43,468 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,468
Rent-to-income ratio
24.9%
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 Buchanan

Workforce and job types in Buchanan

The job market in Buchanan is powered by 2,210 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 58.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 75.1% are employed by private companies, and 8.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,210
4.2% year-over-year change
White collar
1,292
Blue collar
918
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,292 58.5% -0.5%
Blue collar 918 41.5% 11.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
75.1%
Governmental workers
8.6%
Not for profit companies
8.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 166 7.5% 49.5%
Private companies 1,659 75.1% -0.8%
Governmental workers 189 8.6% 43.2%
Not for profit companies 196 8.9% -4.4%
Unemployment rate
2.2%
-46.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Buchanan stands at 2.2%, 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 Buchanan

How people get around in Buchanan

Commuting methods vary: 91.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% 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 2,006 91.9% 3.1%
Motorcycle 27 1.2% 50.0%
Walk 58 2.7% -4.9%
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 Buchanan by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49107 10,323 4,207 $66,289 $82,214

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FAQs about Buchanan demographics 

What is the total population of Buchanan?

Buchanan has a total population of 4,223 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 -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Buchanan?

The gender ratio in Buchanan is as follows:
  • 43% males (1,818 residents)
  • 57% females (2,405 residents)

What is the median age in Buchanan?

The median age in Buchanan is 32.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Buchanan?

The age distribution in Buchanan is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (823 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.5% (783 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.7% (1,001 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23% (970 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.3% (646 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Buchanan?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Buchanan is as follows:
  • White: 79.7% (3,365 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (50 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (27 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.1% (636 residents)
  • Other: 3.4% (145 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.5% of the population in Buchanan.

How many housing units are there in Buchanan?

There are 2,125 housing units in Buchanan, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Buchanan has a total of 1,752 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Buchanan?

Buchanan has a median household income of $56,163, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.8% in Buchanan, with a workforce of 2,210 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58.5% (1,292 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41.5% (918 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (166 residents)
  • Private companies: 75.1% (1,659 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.6% (189 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.9% (196 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