East Lansing, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
45,758
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$45,687/yr
4.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,638
-0.3% year-over-year change

East Lansing population

How many people live in East Lansing

East Lansing is home to 45,758 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of East Lansing locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
45,758
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
21,943
Female
52%
23,815
Value Percent YoY change
Male 21,943 48% -1.7%
Female 23,815 52% 3.2%
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 East Lansing is 21, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.5% are children under 15, then 60.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 14.6% of the population, while another 8.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9% are 65 or older.

Median age
21.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.5%
15 to 24
60.2%
25 to 44
14.6%
45 to 64
8.7%
Over 65
9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,432 7.5% 3.8%
15 to 24 27,561 60.2% -0.1%
25 to 44 6,661 14.6% -0.2%
45 to 64 3,999 8.7% 1.0%
Over 65 4,105 9% 6.1%
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 East Lansing, 87.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73% of locals are Caucasian, 8% are African American and 9.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.3%
Non-citizens
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 39,920 87.2% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,409 5.3% 7.4%
Non-citizens 3,429 7.5% 4.5%
Racial breakdown
White
73%
Black or African American
8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
9.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.6%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 33,379 73%
Black or African American 3,642 8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 119 0.3%
Asian 4,160 9.1%
Two or more races 3,922 8.6%
Other 536 1.2%

Households in East Lansing

A peek inside East Lansing households

East Lansing has 13,850 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 34.5% are families, while the remaining 65.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,850
-0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
9,067
Family households
4,783
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,067 65.5% -1.4%
Family households 4,783 34.5% 1.4%
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 East Lansing

The housing landscape of East Lansing

East Lansing's housing consists of 15,638 units, with 36.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.5% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
15,638
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,677 36.3%
1 unit, attached 1,015 6.5%
2 units 285 1.8%
3 or 4 units 606 3.9%
5 to 9 units 1,665 10.6%
10 to 19 units 2,292 14.7%
20 to 49 units 2,195 14%
50 or more units 1,882 12%
Mobile home 21 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
60
5.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Lansing

In East Lansing, the median construction year is 1975. About 9.7% 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. Then, 10.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,520 9.7% -3.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 788 5% -2.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,997 12.8% -3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,945 12.4% 4.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,032 19.4% 4.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,539 9.8% 9.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,570 10% -19.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,653 10.6% -4.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,534 9.8% 14.8%
Built in 2020 or later 60 0.4% 5.3%
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.

East Lansing occupancy rates

Out of the 13,850 occupied housing units in East Lansing, 38.6% are owner-occupied, while 61.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,850
-0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,511
Owner occupied
5,339
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,511 61.4% 0.0%
Owner occupied 5,339 38.6% -1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
11.4%
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.

East Lansing housing costs

Housing costs in East Lansing come to a median of $1,220 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,171.

Median housing costs per month
$1,220/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 East Lansing
$1,171/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 East Lansing

East Lansing education at a glance

About 24.1% of the population in East Lansing went to high school, while 43.2% pursued college studies. Another 3.8% earned an associate degree and 14.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 83 0.2% 29.7%
High school diploma 9,995 24.1% 6.8%
College diploma 17,965 43.2% -2.3%
Associate degree 1,562 3.8% 3.1%
Bachelor's degree 5,981 14.4% -6.2%
Graduate degree 5,952 14.3% 6.1%
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 East Lansing

How much people earn in East Lansing

The average annual household income in East Lansing was $87,364 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $45,687, reflecting a +4.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Lansing
$87,364/year
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Lansing
$45,687/year
4.9% year-over-year change

East Lansing income by age

In East Lansing, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,407. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $134,554 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $18,281, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $84,127 in earnings. Overall, 66.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $18,281 7.3%
25 - 44 $61,407 2.9%
45 - 64 $134,554 8.7%
Over 65 $84,127 -1.5%
Above poverty level
20,184
Below poverty level
10,009
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 20,184 66.8% 2.0%
Below poverty level 10,009 33.2% -3.1%

Average renter income in East Lansing

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in East Lansing, their median household income was $25,903 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 54.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,903
Rent-to-income ratio
54.2%
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 East Lansing

Workforce and job types in East Lansing

The job market in East Lansing is powered by 21,503 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.5% run their own businesses, 53.2% are employed by private companies, and 30.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
21,503
-0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
19,473
Blue collar
2,030
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 19,473 90.6% -1.2%
Blue collar 2,030 9.4% 10.8%
Employer type
Self employees
4.5%
Private companies
53.2%
Governmental workers
30.6%
Not for profit companies
11.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 964 4.5% 22.3%
Private companies 11,438 53.2% 0.9%
Governmental workers 6,571 30.6% 1.1%
Not for profit companies 2,530 11.8% -13.3%
Unemployment rate
6.6%
-4.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in East Lansing stands at 6.6%, 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 East Lansing

How people get around in East Lansing

In East Lansing, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 52.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 16.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
-3.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,990 52.5% 0.1%
Taxicab 50 0.2% 4.2%
Bus or trolleybus 974 4.6% -21.1%
Motorcycle 6 0% -25.0%
Bicycle 942 4.5% 18.1%
Walk 3,480 16.6% -9.3%
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 East Lansing by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48823 50,034 21,293 $52,018 $91,595
48825 11,295 7 $0 $0

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FAQs about East Lansing demographics 

What is the total population of East Lansing?

East Lansing has a total population of 45,758 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 East Lansing?

The gender ratio in East Lansing is as follows:
  • 48% males (21,943 residents)
  • 52% females (23,815 residents)

What is the median age in East Lansing?

The median age in East Lansing is 21.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in East Lansing?

The age distribution in East Lansing is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.5% (3,432 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 60.2% (27,561 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 14.6% (6,661 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 8.7% (3,999 residents)
  • Over 65: 9% (4,105 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Lansing?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Lansing is as follows:
  • White: 73% (33,379 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8% (3,642 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (119 residents)
  • Asian: 9.1% (4,160 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.6% (3,922 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (536 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.2% of the population in East Lansing.

How many housing units are there in East Lansing?

There are 15,638 housing units in East Lansing, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

East Lansing has a total of 13,850 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Lansing?

East Lansing has a median household income of $45,687, representing a +4.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for East Lansing?

The employment rate is 93.4% in East Lansing, with a workforce of 21,503 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.6% (19,473 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.4% (2,030 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.5% (964 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.2% (11,438 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 30.6% (6,571 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.8% (2,530 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