Central Lake, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,051
7.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,269/yr
7.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
556
3.4% year-over-year change

Central Lake population

How many people live in Central Lake

Central Lake is home to 1,051 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55.5% of Central Lake locals are male, and 44.5% are female.

Total population
1,051
7.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55.5%
583
Female
44.5%
468
Value Percent YoY change
Male 583 55.5% 2.6%
Female 468 44.5% 14.7%
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 Central Lake is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 26.7% are children under 15, then 8.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.6% of the population, while another 17.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
26.7%
15 to 24
8.9%
25 to 44
23.6%
45 to 64
17.7%
Over 65
23%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 281 26.7% -2.4%
15 to 24 94 8.9% 0.0%
25 to 44 248 23.6% 0.8%
45 to 64 186 17.7% 4.5%
Over 65 242 23% 42.4%
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 Central Lake, 98.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 1.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,038 98.8% 7.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10 1% 25.0%
Non-citizens 3 0.3% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
97.5%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,025 97.5%
Black or African American 1 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0.6%
Two or more races 19 1.8%

Households in Central Lake

A peek inside Central Lake households

Central Lake has 392 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.9% are families, while the remaining 29.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
392
13.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
114
Family households
278
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 114 29.1% 40.7%
Family households 278 70.9% 5.7%
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 Central Lake

The housing landscape of Central Lake

Central Lake's housing consists of 556 units, with 88.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% 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 4.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
556
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 491 88.3%
1 unit, attached 29 5.2%
2 units 3 0.5%
3 or 4 units 2 0.4%
5 to 9 units 2 0.4%
50 or more units 3 0.5%
Mobile home 26 4.7%
Homes built since 2020
14
180.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Central Lake

In Central Lake, the median construction year is 1973. About 22.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 123 22.1% 2.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 32 5.8% -5.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 86 15.5% 30.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 21 3.8% -19.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 58 10.4% -20.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 70 12.6% 12.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 56 10.1% 19.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 37 6.6% -31.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 59 10.6% 15.7%
Built in 2020 or later 14 2.5% 180.0%
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.

Central Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 392 occupied housing units in Central Lake, 75.3% are owner-occupied, while 24.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 29.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
392
13.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
97
Owner occupied
295
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 97 24.7% 27.6%
Owner occupied 295 75.3% 10.1%
Unoccupied housing units
29.5%
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.

Central Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Central Lake come to a median of $769 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,008.

Median housing costs per month
$769/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 Central Lake
$1,008/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 Central Lake

Central Lake education at a glance

About 39.4% of the population in Central Lake went to high school, while 24% pursued college studies. Another 13% earned an associate degree and 15.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7 1% -30.0%
High school diploma 285 39.4% -2.4%
College diploma 174 24% 20.8%
Associate degree 94 13% 36.2%
Bachelor's degree 113 15.6% 11.9%
Graduate degree 51 7% 27.5%
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 Central Lake

How much people earn in Central Lake

The average annual household income in Central Lake was $67,647 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,269, reflecting a +7.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Central Lake
$67,647/year
-3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Central Lake
$63,269/year
7.4% year-over-year change

Central Lake income by age

In Central Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,357. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,000 overall. Overall, 91.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $65,357 0.3%
45 - 64 $69,000 -9.0%
Over 65 $54,375 50.0%
Above poverty level
943
Below poverty level
91
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 943 91.2% 6.5%
Below poverty level 91 8.8% 7.1%

Average renter income in Central Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Central Lake, their median household income was $56,375 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$56,375
Rent-to-income ratio
21.5%
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 Central Lake

Workforce and job types in Central Lake

The job market in Central Lake is powered by 433 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.1% run their own businesses, 77.4% are employed by private companies, and 8.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
433
2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
260
Blue collar
173
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 260 60% -4.4%
Blue collar 173 40% 13.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8.1%
Private companies
77.4%
Governmental workers
8.3%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 35 8.1% 169.2%
Private companies 335 77.4% 4.0%
Governmental workers 36 8.3% -5.3%
Not for profit companies 27 6.2% -47.1%
Unemployment rate
2.3%
-9.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Central Lake stands at 2.3%, 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 Central Lake

How people get around in Central Lake

Commuting methods vary: 86.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.6% 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 366 86.9% -2.1%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0.5% N/A
Walk 28 6.6% 86.7%
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 Central Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49622 2,634 1,154 $70,098 $97,402

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FAQs about Central Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Central Lake?

Central Lake has a total population of 1,051 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 +7.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Central Lake?

The gender ratio in Central Lake is as follows:
  • 55.5% males (583 residents)
  • 44.5% females (468 residents)

What is the median age in Central Lake?

The median age in Central Lake is 35.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Central Lake?

The age distribution in Central Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 26.7% (281 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.9% (94 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.6% (248 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.7% (186 residents)
  • Over 65: 23% (242 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Central Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Central Lake is as follows:
  • White: 97.5% (1,025 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.8% (19 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.8% of the population in Central Lake.

How many housing units are there in Central Lake?

There are 556 housing units in Central Lake, reflecting a +3.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Central Lake has a total of 392 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Central Lake?

Central Lake has a median household income of $63,269, representing a +7.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Central Lake?

The employment rate is 97.7% in Central Lake, with a workforce of 433 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60% (260 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40% (173 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.1% (35 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.4% (335 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.3% (36 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (27 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