Harbor Beach, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,582
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$40,809/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
879
0.6% year-over-year change

Harbor Beach population

How many people live in Harbor Beach

Harbor Beach is home to 1,582 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.1% of Harbor Beach locals are male, and 48.9% are female.

Total population
1,582
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.1%
808
Female
48.9%
774
Value Percent YoY change
Male 808 51.1% 1.1%
Female 774 48.9% -0.4%
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 Harbor Beach is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.9% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.8% of the population, while another 18.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 32.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.9%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
20.8%
45 to 64
18.3%
Over 65
32.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 267 16.9% -2.9%
15 to 24 181 11.4% 25.7%
25 to 44 329 20.8% 0.9%
45 to 64 289 18.3% -9.4%
Over 65 516 32.6% 0.8%
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 Harbor Beach, 98.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 5.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,561 98.7% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 21 1.3% 200.0%
Racial breakdown
White
94.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.3%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 1,494 94.4%
Two or more races 84 5.3%
Other 4 0.2%

Households in Harbor Beach

A peek inside Harbor Beach households

Harbor Beach has 747 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.8% are families, while the remaining 41.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
747
2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
308
Family households
439
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 308 41.2% -3.5%
Family households 439 58.8% 7.1%
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 Harbor Beach

The housing landscape of Harbor Beach

Harbor Beach's housing consists of 879 units, with 80.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% 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 4.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
879
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 711 80.9%
1 unit, attached 4 0.5%
2 units 28 3.2%
5 to 9 units 41 4.7%
20 to 49 units 17 1.9%
50 or more units 35 4%
Mobile home 43 4.9%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Harbor Beach

In Harbor Beach, the median construction year is 1952. About 38.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.3% 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 340 38.7% -3.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 73 8.3% 2.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 129 14.7% -5.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 66 7.5% 1.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 84 9.6% 20.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 103 11.7% 12.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 30 3.4% -16.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 31 3.5% 3.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 23 2.6% 15.0%
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.

Harbor Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 747 occupied housing units in Harbor Beach, 76.2% are owner-occupied, while 23.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
747
2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
178
Owner occupied
569
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 178 23.8% -2.7%
Owner occupied 569 76.2% 4.2%
Unoccupied housing units
15.0%
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.

Harbor Beach housing costs

Housing costs in Harbor Beach come to a median of $577 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $554.

Median housing costs per month
$577/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 Harbor Beach
$554/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 Harbor Beach

Harbor Beach education at a glance

About 48.7% of the population in Harbor Beach went to high school, while 20.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 14.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 50 4% 2.0%
High school diploma 602 48.7% -1.1%
College diploma 248 20.1% -11.1%
Associate degree 106 8.6% 3.9%
Bachelor's degree 183 14.8% 18.8%
Graduate degree 46 3.7% 0.0%
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 Harbor Beach

How much people earn in Harbor Beach

The average annual household income in Harbor Beach was $56,451 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $40,809, reflecting a +2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Harbor Beach
$56,451/year
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Harbor Beach
$40,809/year
2.4% year-over-year change

Harbor Beach income by age

In Harbor Beach, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,554. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $44,063 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,000, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $35,352 in earnings. Overall, 83.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,000 N/A
25 - 44 $69,554 17.9%
45 - 64 $44,063 19.8%
Over 65 $35,352 -2.4%
Above poverty level
1,298
Below poverty level
250
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,298 83.8% 2.3%
Below poverty level 250 16.2% -6.0%

Average renter income in Harbor Beach

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Harbor Beach, their median household income was $27,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,000
Rent-to-income ratio
24.6%
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 Harbor Beach

Workforce and job types in Harbor Beach

The job market in Harbor Beach is powered by 601 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13% run their own businesses, 67% are employed by private companies, and 13% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
601
8.1% year-over-year change
White collar
414
Blue collar
187
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 414 68.9% 16.9%
Blue collar 187 31.1% -7.4%
Employer type
Self employees
13%
Private companies
67%
Governmental workers
13%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 78 13% 8.3%
Private companies 403 67% 2.0%
Governmental workers 78 13% 52.9%
Not for profit companies 42 7% 10.5%
Unemployment rate
1.6%
11.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Harbor Beach stands at 1.6%, 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 Harbor Beach

How people get around in Harbor Beach

Commuting methods vary: 71.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 17% 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 424 71.9% 8.2%
Bicycle 8 1.4% -50.0%
Walk 100 17% -1.0%
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 Harbor Beach by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48441 3,682 1,592 $50,765 $72,803

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FAQs about Harbor Beach demographics 

What is the total population of Harbor Beach?

Harbor Beach has a total population of 1,582 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Harbor Beach?

The gender ratio in Harbor Beach is as follows:
  • 51.1% males (808 residents)
  • 48.9% females (774 residents)

What is the median age in Harbor Beach?

The median age in Harbor Beach is 46.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Harbor Beach?

The age distribution in Harbor Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.9% (267 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (181 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.8% (329 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.3% (289 residents)
  • Over 65: 32.6% (516 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Harbor Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Harbor Beach is as follows:
  • White: 94.4% (1,494 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.3% (84 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (4 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.7% of the population in Harbor Beach.

How many housing units are there in Harbor Beach?

There are 879 housing units in Harbor Beach, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Harbor Beach has a total of 747 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Harbor Beach?

Harbor Beach has a median household income of $40,809, representing a +2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Harbor Beach?

The employment rate is 98.4% in Harbor Beach, with a workforce of 601 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.9% (414 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.1% (187 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13% (78 residents)
  • Private companies: 67% (403 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13% (78 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (42 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