Chelsea, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,426
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,098/yr
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,847
4.1% year-over-year change

Chelsea population

How many people live in Chelsea

Chelsea is home to 5,426 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.7% of Chelsea locals are male, and 54.3% are female.

Total population
5,426
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.7%
2,480
Female
54.3%
2,946
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,480 45.7% 0.6%
Female 2,946 54.3% -0.3%
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 Chelsea is 51, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.1% are children under 15, then 9.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.4% of the population, while another 22.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 34.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.1%
15 to 24
9.3%
25 to 44
20.4%
45 to 64
22.7%
Over 65
34.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 713 13.1% -4.8%
15 to 24 504 9.3% 5.0%
25 to 44 1,106 20.4% -5.6%
45 to 64 1,233 22.7% 0.2%
Over 65 1,870 34.5% 4.6%
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 Chelsea, 98.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 95.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.9% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,358 98.8% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 60 1.1% -23.1%
Non-citizens 8 0.2% -38.5%
Racial breakdown
White
95.9%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 5,204 95.9%
Black or African American 49 0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0%
Asian 10 0.2%
Two or more races 161 3%

Households in Chelsea

A peek inside Chelsea households

Chelsea has 2,764 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.2% are families, while the remaining 52.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,764
2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,458
Family households
1,306
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,458 52.8% 4.5%
Family households 1,306 47.2% 0.8%
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 Chelsea

The housing landscape of Chelsea

Chelsea's housing consists of 2,847 units, with 59.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 14.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,847
4.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,700 59.7%
1 unit, attached 401 14.1%
2 units 91 3.2%
3 or 4 units 39 1.4%
5 to 9 units 182 6.4%
10 to 19 units 19 0.7%
20 to 49 units 88 3.1%
50 or more units 327 11.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chelsea

In Chelsea, the median construction year is 1971. About 31.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% 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 905 31.8% 5.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 73 2.6% -16.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 247 8.7% 21.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 171 6% -23.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 197 6.9% -4.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 218 7.7% 0.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 408 14.3% 18.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 480 16.9% 13.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 148 5.2% -13.9%
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.

Chelsea occupancy rates

Out of the 2,764 occupied housing units in Chelsea, 63% are owner-occupied, while 37% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,764
2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,023
Owner occupied
1,741
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,023 37% 1.7%
Owner occupied 1,741 63% 3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
2.9%
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.

Chelsea housing costs

Housing costs in Chelsea come to a median of $1,568 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,619.

Median housing costs per month
$1,568/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 Chelsea
$1,619/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 Chelsea

Chelsea education at a glance

About 15.2% of the population in Chelsea went to high school, while 24.8% pursued college studies. Another 11.3% earned an associate degree and 24.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3 0.1% -72.7%
High school diploma 688 15.2% -0.4%
College diploma 1,122 24.8% -2.9%
Associate degree 513 11.3% 0.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,105 24.4% -1.2%
Graduate degree 1,093 24.2% 6.7%
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 Chelsea

How much people earn in Chelsea

The average annual household income in Chelsea was $97,614 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,098, reflecting a +0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chelsea
$97,614/year
-4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chelsea
$72,098/year
0.6% year-over-year change

Chelsea income by age

In Chelsea, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,985. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $130,781 overall. Overall, 95.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $76,985 -18.8%
45 - 64 $130,781 5.6%
Over 65 $47,069 -6.1%
Above poverty level
5,040
Below poverty level
215
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,040 95.9% -0.2%
Below poverty level 215 4.1% 7.0%

Average renter income in Chelsea

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chelsea, their median household income was $39,666 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 49%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$39,666
Rent-to-income ratio
49%
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 Chelsea

Workforce and job types in Chelsea

The job market in Chelsea is powered by 2,352 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.3% run their own businesses, 52.6% are employed by private companies, and 18.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,352
-2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
2,101
Blue collar
251
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,101 89.3% -4.8%
Blue collar 251 10.7% 23.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.3%
Private companies
52.6%
Governmental workers
18.2%
Not for profit companies
21.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 172 7.3% -20.4%
Private companies 1,238 52.6% -6.1%
Governmental workers 428 18.2% 12.0%
Not for profit companies 514 21.8% 4.0%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
87.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chelsea stands at 4.9%, 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 Chelsea

How people get around in Chelsea

Commuting methods vary: 68.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 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 1,608 68.9% -9.8%
Bicycle 11 0.5% 83.3%
Walk 69 3% -19.8%
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 Chelsea by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48103 55,054 24,258 $116,194 $156,697
48118 13,246 5,733 $88,278 $119,861

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FAQs about Chelsea demographics 

What is the total population of Chelsea?

Chelsea has a total population of 5,426 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chelsea?

The gender ratio in Chelsea is as follows:
  • 45.7% males (2,480 residents)
  • 54.3% females (2,946 residents)

What is the median age in Chelsea?

The median age in Chelsea is 51.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chelsea?

The age distribution in Chelsea is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.1% (713 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.3% (504 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.4% (1,106 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.7% (1,233 residents)
  • Over 65: 34.5% (1,870 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chelsea?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chelsea is as follows:
  • White: 95.9% (5,204 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (49 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (10 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3% (161 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Chelsea?

There are 2,847 housing units in Chelsea, reflecting a +4.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Chelsea has a total of 2,764 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chelsea?

Chelsea has a median household income of $72,098, representing a +0.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.1% in Chelsea, with a workforce of 2,352 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.3% (2,101 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.7% (251 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.3% (172 residents)
  • Private companies: 52.6% (1,238 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.2% (428 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 21.8% (514 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