Elk Rapids, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,624
4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,938/yr
-9.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,297
4.8% year-over-year change

Elk Rapids population

How many people live in Elk Rapids

Elk Rapids is home to 1,624 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.6% of Elk Rapids locals are male, and 55.4% are female.

Total population
1,624
4.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.6%
725
Female
55.4%
899
Value Percent YoY change
Male 725 44.6% 5.8%
Female 899 55.4% 3.0%
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 Elk Rapids is 58, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.4% are children under 15, then 9.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.9% of the population, while another 29.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 35.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
57.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.4%
15 to 24
9.4%
25 to 44
17.9%
45 to 64
29.2%
Over 65
35.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 137 8.4% -30.5%
15 to 24 153 9.4% 45.7%
25 to 44 290 17.9% 2.5%
45 to 64 474 29.2% 13.1%
Over 65 570 35.1% 2.9%
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 Elk Rapids, 97.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 7.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,584 97.5% 5.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 24 1.5% -4.0%
Non-citizens 16 1% -33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
90.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,466 90.3%
Asian 29 1.8%
Two or more races 129 7.9%

Households in Elk Rapids

A peek inside Elk Rapids households

Elk Rapids has 898 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.4% are families, while the remaining 49.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
898
8.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
445
Family households
453
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 445 49.6% 30.9%
Family households 453 50.4% -7.7%
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 Elk Rapids

The housing landscape of Elk Rapids

Elk Rapids's housing consists of 1,297 units, with 61.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.6% 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 4.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,297
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 801 61.8%
1 unit, attached 85 6.6%
2 units 110 8.5%
3 or 4 units 46 3.6%
5 to 9 units 137 10.6%
10 to 19 units 60 4.6%
20 to 49 units 4 0.3%
Mobile home 54 4.2%
Homes built since 2020
19
-40.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Elk Rapids

In Elk Rapids, the median construction year is 1971. About 24.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 319 24.6% -9.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 81 6.2% -12.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 138 10.6% 24.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 97 7.5% 9.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 148 11.4% 7.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 143 11% -1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 182 14% 58.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 113 8.7% -10.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 57 4.4% 54.0%
Built in 2020 or later 19 1.5% -40.6%
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.

Elk Rapids occupancy rates

Out of the 898 occupied housing units in Elk Rapids, 75.2% are owner-occupied, while 24.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 30.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
898
8.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
223
Owner occupied
675
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 223 24.8% 24.6%
Owner occupied 675 75.2% 3.5%
Unoccupied housing units
30.8%
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.

Elk Rapids housing costs

Housing costs in Elk Rapids come to a median of $1,189 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,056.

Median housing costs per month
$1,189/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 Elk Rapids
$1,056/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 Elk Rapids

Elk Rapids education at a glance

About 25.9% of the population in Elk Rapids went to high school, while 20.2% pursued college studies. Another 11% earned an associate degree and 28.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 368 25.9% 6.7%
College diploma 287 20.2% 11.2%
Associate degree 156 11% 28.9%
Bachelor's degree 411 28.9% 5.7%
Graduate degree 200 14.1% -4.8%
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 Elk Rapids

How much people earn in Elk Rapids

The average annual household income in Elk Rapids was $93,839 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,938, reflecting a -9.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Elk Rapids
$93,839/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Elk Rapids
$70,938/year
-9.6% year-over-year change

Elk Rapids income by age

In Elk Rapids, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $92,500. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $96,023 overall. Overall, 96.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $92,500 -12.6%
45 - 64 $96,023 1.6%
Over 65 $48,664 -1.8%
Above poverty level
1,556
Below poverty level
60
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,556 96.3% 5.1%
Below poverty level 60 3.7% -10.4%

Average renter income in Elk Rapids

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Elk Rapids, their median household income was $75,139 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 16.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$75,139
Rent-to-income ratio
16.9%
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 Elk Rapids

Workforce and job types in Elk Rapids

The job market in Elk Rapids is powered by 829 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.6% run their own businesses, 53.2% are employed by private companies, and 21% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
829
10.7% year-over-year change
White collar
642
Blue collar
187
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 642 77.4% 8.1%
Blue collar 187 22.6% 20.6%
Employer type
Self employees
13.6%
Private companies
53.2%
Governmental workers
21%
Not for profit companies
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 113 13.6% 44.9%
Private companies 441 53.2% 6.5%
Governmental workers 174 21% -4.4%
Not for profit companies 101 12.2% 34.7%
Unemployment rate
1.3%
57.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Elk Rapids stands at 1.3%, 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 Elk Rapids

How people get around in Elk Rapids

Commuting methods vary: 76.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.3% 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 617 76.4% 17.1%
Bicycle 10 1.2% 11.1%
Walk 83 10.3% -21.7%
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 Elk Rapids by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49629 2,038 1,151 $65,302 $87,344

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FAQs about Elk Rapids demographics 

What is the total population of Elk Rapids?

Elk Rapids has a total population of 1,624 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 +4.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Elk Rapids?

The gender ratio in Elk Rapids is as follows:
  • 44.6% males (725 residents)
  • 55.4% females (899 residents)

What is the median age in Elk Rapids?

The median age in Elk Rapids is 57.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Elk Rapids?

The age distribution in Elk Rapids is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.4% (137 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.4% (153 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.9% (290 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.2% (474 residents)
  • Over 65: 35.1% (570 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Elk Rapids?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Elk Rapids is as follows:
  • White: 90.3% (1,466 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (29 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.9% (129 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.5% of the population in Elk Rapids.

How many housing units are there in Elk Rapids?

There are 1,297 housing units in Elk Rapids, reflecting a +4.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Elk Rapids has a total of 898 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Elk Rapids?

Elk Rapids has a median household income of $70,938, representing a -9.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Elk Rapids?

The employment rate is 98.7% in Elk Rapids, with a workforce of 829 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.4% (642 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.6% (187 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.6% (113 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.2% (441 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21% (174 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.2% (101 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