West Riverfront, Detroit, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,739
-1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,161/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,684
-1.6% year-over-year change

West Riverfront population

How many people live in West Riverfront

West Riverfront is home to 11,739 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.4% of West Riverfront locals are male, and 47.6% are female.

Total population
11,739
-1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.4%
6,151
Female
47.6%
5,588
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,151 52.4% 2.1%
Female 5,588 47.6% -4.7%
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 West Riverfront is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.2% are children under 15, then 16.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.1% of the population, while another 23% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.2%
15 to 24
16.2%
25 to 44
27.1%
45 to 64
23%
Over 65
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,956 25.2% -8.9%
15 to 24 1,900 16.2% -0.6%
25 to 44 3,178 27.1% -0.3%
45 to 64 2,706 23% 6.9%
Over 65 1,001 8.5% -1.6%
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 West Riverfront, 66.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 20.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 21.4% of locals are Caucasian, 5% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 17.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
66.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.1%
Non-citizens
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,784 66.3% -5.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,543 13.1% 18.1%
Non-citizens 2,412 20.6% 4.2%
Racial breakdown
White
21.4%
Black or African American
5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.2%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
17.3%
Other
53.9%
Value Percent
White 2,518 21.4%
Black or African American 583 5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 252 2.2%
Asian 28 0.2%
Two or more races 2,030 17.3%
Other 6,328 53.9%

Households in West Riverfront

A peek inside West Riverfront households

West Riverfront has 3,978 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.2% are families, while the remaining 36.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,978
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,466
Family households
2,512
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,466 36.8% 6.4%
Family households 2,512 63.2% -1.8%
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 West Riverfront

The housing landscape of West Riverfront

West Riverfront's housing consists of 4,684 units, with 67.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.7% 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 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,684
-1.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,151 67.3%
1 unit, attached 359 7.7%
2 units 479 10.2%
3 or 4 units 178 3.8%
5 to 9 units 71 1.5%
10 to 19 units 132 2.8%
20 to 49 units 112 2.4%
50 or more units 179 3.8%
Mobile home 22 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Riverfront

In West Riverfront, the median construction year is 1938. About 67.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% 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 3,159 67.4% 3.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 326 7% -9.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 415 8.9% -3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 263 5.6% 15.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 193 4.1% -25.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 206 4.4% -8.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 28 0.6% -63.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 62 1.3% -4.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 33 0.7% -43.1%
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.

West Riverfront occupancy rates

Out of the 3,978 occupied housing units in West Riverfront, 61.2% are owner-occupied, while 38.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,978
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,545
Owner occupied
2,433
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,545 38.8% -5.3%
Owner occupied 2,433 61.2% 5.6%
Unoccupied housing units
15.1%
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.

West Riverfront housing costs

Housing costs in West Riverfront come to a median of $705 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $883.

Median housing costs per month
$705/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 West Riverfront
$883/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 West Riverfront

West Riverfront education at a glance

About 55.8% of the population in West Riverfront went to high school, while 14% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 5.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,377 16.9% 7.2%
High school diploma 4,553 55.8% 0.4%
College diploma 1,142 14% 4.9%
Associate degree 487 6% 16.2%
Bachelor's degree 425 5.2% -19.1%
Graduate degree 181 2.2% 2.8%
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 West Riverfront

How much people earn in West Riverfront

The average annual household income in West Riverfront was $54,428 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $43,161, reflecting a +2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Riverfront
$54,428/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Riverfront
$43,161/year
2.4% year-over-year change

West Riverfront income by age

In West Riverfront, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $44,884. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $46,068 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $37,999, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $33,516 in earnings. Overall, 71.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $37,999 6.5%
25 - 44 $44,884 2.0%
45 - 64 $46,068 1.1%
Over 65 $33,516 -2.5%
Above poverty level
8,268
Below poverty level
3,288
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,268 71.6% 0.6%
Below poverty level 3,288 28.4% -5.6%

Employment in West Riverfront

Workforce and job types in West Riverfront

57.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 42.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12% run their own businesses, 76.2% are employed by private companies, and 6.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
2,399
Blue collar
1,776
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,399 57.5% 6.4%
Blue collar 1,776 42.5% -3.5%
Employer type
Self employees
12%
Private companies
76.2%
Governmental workers
6.6%
Not for profit companies
5.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 501 12% 37.6%
Private companies 3,182 76.2% -0.7%
Governmental workers 277 6.6% -2.8%
Not for profit companies 215 5.2% -11.5%

Transportation in West Riverfront

How people get around in West Riverfront

In West Riverfront, the average commute time is 11 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
11 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,627 96.9% 1.1%
Taxicab 30 0.8% 25.0%
Bus or trolleybus 41 1.1% -33.9%
Motorcycle 7 0.2% 40.0%
Bicycle 3 0.1% -57.1%
Walk 35 0.9% 9.4%
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 West Riverfront by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48209 27,184 9,211 $43,161 $56,245

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FAQs about West Riverfront demographics 

What is the total population of West Riverfront?

West Riverfront has a total population of 11,739 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 -1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Riverfront?

The gender ratio in West Riverfront is as follows:
  • 52.4% males (6,151 residents)
  • 47.6% females (5,588 residents)

What is the median age in West Riverfront?

The median age in West Riverfront is 31.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in West Riverfront?

The age distribution in West Riverfront is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.2% (2,956 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.2% (1,900 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.1% (3,178 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23% (2,706 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.5% (1,001 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Riverfront?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Riverfront is as follows:
  • White: 21.4% (2,518 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5% (583 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.2% (252 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (28 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17.3% (2,030 residents)
  • Other: 53.9% (6,328 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 66.3% of the population in West Riverfront.

How many housing units are there in West Riverfront?

There are 4,684 housing units in West Riverfront, reflecting a -1.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West Riverfront has a total of 3,978 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Riverfront?

West Riverfront has a median household income of $43,161, representing a +2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for West Riverfront?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 57.5% (2,399 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 42.5% (1,776 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12% (501 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.2% (3,182 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.6% (277 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.2% (215 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