Belle Isle, Detroit, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,646
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$40,688/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,363
1.3% year-over-year change

Belle Isle population

How many people live in Belle Isle

Belle Isle is home to 6,646 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.9% of Belle Isle locals are male, and 54.1% are female.

Total population
6,646
2.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.9%
3,051
Female
54.1%
3,595
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,051 45.9% 3.8%
Female 3,595 54.1% 0.9%
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 Belle Isle is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.2% are children under 15, then 9.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32% of the population, while another 23% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.2%
15 to 24
9.1%
25 to 44
32%
45 to 64
23%
Over 65
23.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 814 12.2% 4.2%
15 to 24 603 9.1% -1.6%
25 to 44 2,130 32% 4.9%
45 to 64 1,527 23% -5.4%
Over 65 1,572 23.6% 7.4%
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 Belle Isle, 95% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 17.3% of locals are Caucasian, 75.4% are African American and 2.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,314 95% 2.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 175 2.6% -1.7%
Non-citizens 157 2.4% 19.9%
Racial breakdown
White
17.3%
Black or African American
75.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
2.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4%
Other
0.9%
Value Percent
White 1,147 17.3%
Black or African American 5,009 75.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 19 0.3%
Asian 145 2.2%
Two or more races 269 4%
Other 58 0.9%

Households in Belle Isle

A peek inside Belle Isle households

Belle Isle has 3,648 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 31.1% are families, while the remaining 68.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,648
2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
2,513
Family households
1,136
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,513 68.9% 2.2%
Family households 1,136 31.1% 3.2%
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 Belle Isle

The housing landscape of Belle Isle

Belle Isle's housing consists of 4,363 units, with 17.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 14.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
4,363
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 765 17.5%
1 unit, attached 642 14.7%
2 units 261 6%
3 or 4 units 177 4.1%
5 to 9 units 286 6.6%
10 to 19 units 299 6.8%
20 to 49 units 290 6.6%
50 or more units 1,642 37.6%
Homes built since 2020
1
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Belle Isle

In Belle Isle, the median construction year is 1952. About 29.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% 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 1,298 29.8% 6.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 234 5.4% -5.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 418 9.6% -0.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 823 18.9% 9.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 462 10.6% -8.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 421 9.6% -5.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 313 7.2% 6.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 189 4.3% 5.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 204 4.7% -15.0%
Built in 2020 or later 1 0% N/A
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.

Belle Isle occupancy rates

Out of the 3,648 occupied housing units in Belle Isle, 29.7% are owner-occupied, while 70.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,648
2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,564
Owner occupied
1,084
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,564 70.3% 3.0%
Owner occupied 1,084 29.7% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
16.4%
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.

Belle Isle housing costs

Housing costs in Belle Isle come to a median of $980 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $975.

Median housing costs per month
$980/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 Belle Isle
$975/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 Belle Isle

Belle Isle education at a glance

About 35.2% of the population in Belle Isle went to high school, while 22.8% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 18.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 153 2.7% -8.4%
High school diploma 2,003 35.2% 0.3%
College diploma 1,297 22.8% -1.1%
Associate degree 341 6% 13.3%
Bachelor's degree 1,070 18.8% 6.6%
Graduate degree 830 14.6% 5.1%
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 Belle Isle

How much people earn in Belle Isle

The average annual household income in Belle Isle was $46,168 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $40,688, reflecting a +2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Belle Isle
$46,168/year
4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Belle Isle
$40,688/year
2.5% year-over-year change

Belle Isle income by age

In Belle Isle, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $55,340. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $40,165 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $22,612, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $33,648 in earnings. Overall, 71.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $22,612 31.8%
25 - 44 $55,340 3.1%
45 - 64 $40,165 -2.7%
Over 65 $33,648 6.3%
Above poverty level
4,573
Below poverty level
1,841
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,573 71.3% 1.7%
Below poverty level 1,841 28.7% 3.0%

Employment in Belle Isle

Workforce and job types in Belle Isle

81.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.3% run their own businesses, 67.9% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,262
Blue collar
512
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,262 81.5% 0.9%
Blue collar 512 18.5% 6.4%
Employer type
Self employees
6.3%
Private companies
67.9%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
12%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 175 6.3% -1.7%
Private companies 1,884 67.9% 2.7%
Governmental workers 383 13.8% 3.2%
Not for profit companies 332 12% -2.1%

Transportation in Belle Isle

How people get around in Belle Isle

In Belle Isle, the average commute time is 2 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 85% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
2 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,776 85% 2.5%
Taxicab 17 0.8% -5.6%
Bus or trolleybus 135 6.5% -22.4%
Motorcycle 7 0.3% -41.7%
Bicycle 35 1.7% 6.1%
Walk 120 5.7% -14.3%
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 Belle Isle by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48207 20,848 11,502 $47,831 $68,272
48214 18,595 10,063 $33,544 $61,571

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FAQs about Belle Isle demographics 

What is the total population of Belle Isle?

Belle Isle has a total population of 6,646 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 +2.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Belle Isle?

The gender ratio in Belle Isle is as follows:
  • 45.9% males (3,051 residents)
  • 54.1% females (3,595 residents)

What is the median age in Belle Isle?

The median age in Belle Isle is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Belle Isle?

The age distribution in Belle Isle is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.2% (814 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.1% (603 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32% (2,130 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23% (1,527 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.6% (1,572 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Belle Isle?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Belle Isle is as follows:
  • White: 17.3% (1,147 residents)
  • Black or African American: 75.4% (5,009 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (19 residents)
  • Asian: 2.2% (145 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4% (269 residents)
  • Other: 0.9% (58 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95% of the population in Belle Isle.

How many housing units are there in Belle Isle?

There are 4,363 housing units in Belle Isle, reflecting a +1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Belle Isle has a total of 3,648 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Belle Isle?

Belle Isle has a median household income of $40,688, representing a +2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Belle Isle?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.5% (2,262 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.5% (512 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.3% (175 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.9% (1,884 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (383 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12% (332 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