Idlewild, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
985
-7.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$26,950/yr
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,086
-6.0% year-over-year change

Idlewild population

How many people live in Idlewild

Idlewild is home to 985 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 64.5% of Idlewild locals are male, and 35.5% are female.

Total population
985
-7.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
64.5%
635
Female
35.5%
350
Value Percent YoY change
Male 635 64.5% -1.6%
Female 350 35.5% -16.1%
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 Idlewild is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 18.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.2% of the population, while another 19.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
18.7%
25 to 44
18.2%
45 to 64
19.7%
Over 65
27.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 154 15.6% -13.5%
15 to 24 184 18.7% 21.9%
25 to 44 179 18.2% -1.6%
45 to 64 194 19.7% -28.9%
Over 65 274 27.8% -1.4%
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 Idlewild, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 967 98.2% -6.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 16 1.6% -33.3%
Non-citizens 2 0.2% -33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
51.3%
Black or African American
40.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 505 51.3%
Black or African American 399 40.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 22 2.2%
Two or more races 51 5.2%
Other 8 0.8%

Households in Idlewild

A peek inside Idlewild households

Idlewild has 382 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 57.8% are families, while the remaining 42.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
382
-9.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
161
Family households
221
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 161 42.2% -25.8%
Family households 221 57.8% 6.8%
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 Idlewild

The housing landscape of Idlewild

Idlewild's housing consists of 1,086 units, with 66.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.7% 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 28.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,086
-6.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 725 66.8%
1 unit, attached 18 1.7%
2 units 2 0.2%
3 or 4 units 20 1.8%
5 to 9 units 3 0.3%
20 to 49 units 7 0.6%
Mobile home 311 28.6%
Homes built since 2020
24
242.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Idlewild

In Idlewild, the median construction year is 1975. About 9.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 108 9.9% 24.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 43 4% -2.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 214 19.7% 0.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 115 10.6% 27.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 140 12.9% -17.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 86 7.9% -48.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 178 16.4% -12.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 134 12.3% 3.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 44 4% -4.3%
Built in 2020 or later 24 2.2% 242.9%
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.

Idlewild occupancy rates

Out of the 382 occupied housing units in Idlewild, 81.9% are owner-occupied, while 18.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 64.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
382
-9.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
69
Owner occupied
313
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 69 18.1% -39.5%
Owner occupied 313 81.9% 1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
64.8%
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.

Idlewild housing costs

Housing costs in Idlewild come to a median of $586 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $763.

Median housing costs per month
$586/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 Idlewild
$763/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 Idlewild

Idlewild education at a glance

About 64.7% of the population in Idlewild went to high school, while 19.2% pursued college studies. Another 3.3% earned an associate degree and 8.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 21 2.6% -30.0%
High school diploma 526 64.7% 5.4%
College diploma 156 19.2% 6.1%
Associate degree 27 3.3% -15.6%
Bachelor's degree 66 8.1% -47.2%
Graduate degree 17 2.1% -46.9%
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 Idlewild

How much people earn in Idlewild

The average annual household income in Idlewild was $44,537 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $26,950, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Idlewild
$44,537/year
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Idlewild
$26,950/year
1.8% year-over-year change

Idlewild income by age

In Idlewild, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $25,700. Overall, 62.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $25,700 -1.8%
Over 65 $30,625 17.4%
Above poverty level
614
Below poverty level
370
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 614 62.4% -0.3%
Below poverty level 370 37.6% -16.3%

Employment in Idlewild

Workforce and job types in Idlewild

46.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 53.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.8% run their own businesses, 83.1% are employed by private companies, and 9.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
171
Blue collar
196
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 171 46.6% 4.9%
Blue collar 196 53.4% 51.9%
Employer type
Self employees
6.8%
Private companies
83.1%
Governmental workers
9.3%
Not for profit companies
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 25 6.8% 177.8%
Private companies 305 83.1% 25.0%
Governmental workers 34 9.3% 3.0%
Not for profit companies 3 0.8% -50.0%

Transportation in Idlewild

How people get around in Idlewild

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 336 100% 22.6%
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 Idlewild by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49642 985 382 $26,950 $44,537

Explore more communities

FAQs about Idlewild demographics 

What is the total population of Idlewild?

Idlewild has a total population of 985 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 -7.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Idlewild?

The gender ratio in Idlewild is as follows:
  • 64.5% males (635 residents)
  • 35.5% females (350 residents)

What is the median age in Idlewild?

The median age in Idlewild is 42.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Idlewild?

The age distribution in Idlewild is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (154 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.7% (184 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.2% (179 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.7% (194 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.8% (274 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Idlewild?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Idlewild is as follows:
  • White: 51.3% (505 residents)
  • Black or African American: 40.5% (399 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.2% (22 residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.2% (51 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (8 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.2% of the population in Idlewild.

How many housing units are there in Idlewild?

There are 1,086 housing units in Idlewild, reflecting a -6.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Idlewild has a total of 382 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Idlewild?

Idlewild has a median household income of $26,950, representing a +1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Idlewild?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 46.6% (171 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 53.4% (196 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.8% (25 residents)
  • Private companies: 83.1% (305 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.3% (34 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0.8% (3 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