Ionia, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
12,753
-1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,978/yr
5.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,076
2.4% year-over-year change

Ionia population

How many people live in Ionia

Ionia is home to 12,753 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 64.4% of Ionia locals are male, and 35.6% are female.

Total population
12,753
-1.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
64.4%
8,218
Female
35.6%
4,535
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,218 64.4% -1.9%
Female 4,535 35.6% -0.9%
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 Ionia is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.4% are children under 15, then 13.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 38.4% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.4%
15 to 24
13.5%
25 to 44
38.4%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,452 11.4% -4.0%
15 to 24 1,720 13.5% 13.9%
25 to 44 4,896 38.4% -4.7%
45 to 64 3,125 24.5% 0.6%
Over 65 1,560 12.2% -7.4%
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 Ionia, 97.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 10.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 12,410 97.3% -1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 159 1.2% 10.4%
Non-citizens 184 1.4% 5.8%
Racial breakdown
White
73.9%
Black or African American
12.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.4%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 9,420 73.9%
Black or African American 1,633 12.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 128 1%
Asian 5 0%
Two or more races 1,329 10.4%
Other 238 1.9%

Households in Ionia

A peek inside Ionia households

Ionia has 3,939 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.1% are families, while the remaining 47.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,939
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,887
Family households
2,052
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,887 47.9% 1.3%
Family households 2,052 52.1% 3.4%
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 Ionia

The housing landscape of Ionia

Ionia's housing consists of 4,076 units, with 63.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.7% 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 0.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,076
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,578 63.2%
1 unit, attached 110 2.7%
2 units 280 6.9%
3 or 4 units 143 3.5%
5 to 9 units 342 8.4%
10 to 19 units 123 3%
20 to 49 units 353 8.7%
50 or more units 112 2.8%
Mobile home 35 0.9%
Homes built since 2020
23
21.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ionia

In Ionia, the median construction year is 1947. About 42.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,732 42.5% 7.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 444 10.9% -5.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 392 9.6% -8.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 233 5.7% 22.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 448 11% 5.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 121 3% -18.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 182 4.5% -36.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 370 9.1% 39.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 131 3.2% -2.2%
Built in 2020 or later 23 0.6% 21.1%
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.

Ionia occupancy rates

Out of the 3,939 occupied housing units in Ionia, 59.6% are owner-occupied, while 40.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,939
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,592
Owner occupied
2,347
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,592 40.4% 4.4%
Owner occupied 2,347 59.6% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
3.4%
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.

Ionia housing costs

Housing costs in Ionia come to a median of $933 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $852.

Median housing costs per month
$933/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 Ionia
$852/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 Ionia

Ionia education at a glance

About 56.5% of the population in Ionia went to high school, while 20.4% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 6.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 644 5.9% -13.7%
High school diploma 6,142 56.5% 7.4%
College diploma 2,213 20.4% -7.9%
Associate degree 829 7.6% -4.7%
Bachelor's degree 752 6.9% -14.4%
Graduate degree 285 2.6% -20.8%
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 Ionia

How much people earn in Ionia

The average annual household income in Ionia was $70,646 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,978, reflecting a +5.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ionia
$70,646/year
7.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ionia
$63,978/year
5.3% year-over-year change

Ionia income by age

In Ionia, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $78,836. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $52,468 overall. Overall, 87.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $78,836 3.9%
45 - 64 $52,468 5.0%
Over 65 $33,333 -16.1%
Above poverty level
8,418
Below poverty level
1,160
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,418 87.9% 4.7%
Below poverty level 1,160 12.1% -27.1%

Average renter income in Ionia

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ionia, their median household income was $37,639 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,639
Rent-to-income ratio
27.2%
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 Ionia

Workforce and job types in Ionia

The job market in Ionia is powered by 5,362 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 57.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 42.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.2% run their own businesses, 76.5% are employed by private companies, and 9.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,362
5.1% year-over-year change
White collar
3,074
Blue collar
2,288
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,074 57.3% 4.7%
Blue collar 2,288 42.7% 5.6%
Employer type
Self employees
5.2%
Private companies
76.5%
Governmental workers
9.2%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 277 5.2% 13.5%
Private companies 4,101 76.5% 11.9%
Governmental workers 494 9.2% -12.4%
Not for profit companies 490 9.1% -22.0%
Unemployment rate
1.9%
-68.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ionia stands at 1.9%, 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 Ionia

How people get around in Ionia

Commuting methods vary: 82.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.5% 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 4,293 82.1% 6.4%
Bus or trolleybus 307 5.9% -15.4%
Walk 288 5.5% -3.7%
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 Ionia by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48846 21,613 7,081 $66,742 $75,632

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FAQs about Ionia demographics 

What is the total population of Ionia?

Ionia has a total population of 12,753 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 -1.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ionia?

The gender ratio in Ionia is as follows:
  • 64.4% males (8,218 residents)
  • 35.6% females (4,535 residents)

What is the median age in Ionia?

The median age in Ionia is 36.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ionia?

The age distribution in Ionia is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.4% (1,452 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.5% (1,720 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 38.4% (4,896 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (3,125 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.2% (1,560 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ionia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ionia is as follows:
  • White: 73.9% (9,420 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.8% (1,633 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (128 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (5 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.4% (1,329 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (238 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.3% of the population in Ionia.

How many housing units are there in Ionia?

There are 4,076 housing units in Ionia, reflecting a +2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ionia has a total of 3,939 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ionia?

Ionia has a median household income of $63,978, representing a +5.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ionia?

The employment rate is 98.1% in Ionia, with a workforce of 5,362 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 57.3% (3,074 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 42.7% (2,288 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.2% (277 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.5% (4,101 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.2% (494 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (490 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