Luce County, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,271
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,893/yr
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,067
-0.3% year-over-year change

Luce County population

How many people live in Luce County

Luce County is home to 6,271 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 60.4% of Luce County locals are male, and 39.6% are female.

Total population
6,271
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
60.4%
3,789
Female
39.6%
2,482
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,789 60.4% 0.2%
Female 2,482 39.6% -2.4%
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 Luce County is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.2% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.7% of the population, while another 26.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.2%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
25.7%
45 to 64
26.9%
Over 65
22.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 827 13.2% -5.2%
15 to 24 728 11.6% 24.2%
25 to 44 1,609 25.7% -8.0%
45 to 64 1,689 26.9% 2.0%
Over 65 1,418 22.6% -3.1%
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 Luce County, 98.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 76.9% of locals are Caucasian, 8.2% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,160 98.2% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 75 1.2% -17.6%
Non-citizens 36 0.6% 44.0%
Racial breakdown
White
76.9%
Black or African American
8.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
6.9%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.5%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 4,821 76.9%
Black or African American 516 8.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 433 6.9%
Asian 8 0.1%
Two or more races 468 7.5%
Other 25 0.4%

Households in Luce County

A peek inside Luce County households

Luce County has 2,455 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.4% are families, while the remaining 38.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,455
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
948
Family households
1,507
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 948 38.6% 4.4%
Family households 1,507 61.4% 0.7%
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 Luce County

The housing landscape of Luce County

Luce County's housing consists of 4,067 units, with 85.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% 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 9.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,067
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,485 85.7%
1 unit, attached 23 0.6%
2 units 22 0.5%
3 or 4 units 27 0.7%
5 to 9 units 16 0.4%
10 to 19 units 54 1.3%
20 to 49 units 50 1.2%
Mobile home 390 9.6%
Homes built since 2020
97
470.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Luce County

In Luce County, the median construction year is 1976. About 13.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 563 13.8% -8.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 179 4.4% 7.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 329 8.1% 4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 501 12.3% 1.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 736 18.1% -3.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 502 12.3% 21.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 597 14.7% -11.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 462 11.4% -13.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 101 2.5% 12.2%
Built in 2020 or later 97 2.4% 470.6%
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.

Luce County occupancy rates

Out of the 2,455 occupied housing units in Luce County, 82.6% are owner-occupied, while 17.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 39.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,455
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
428
Owner occupied
2,027
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 428 17.4% -16.6%
Owner occupied 2,027 82.6% 7.2%
Unoccupied housing units
39.6%
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.

Luce County housing costs

Housing costs in Luce County come to a median of $671 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $675.

Median housing costs per month
$671/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 Luce County
$675/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 Luce County

Luce County education at a glance

About 50.4% of the population in Luce County went to high school, while 20.4% pursued college studies. Another 11.3% earned an associate degree and 8.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 104 2% 6.1%
High school diploma 2,647 50.4% 7.6%
College diploma 1,071 20.4% -5.9%
Associate degree 591 11.3% -5.4%
Bachelor's degree 457 8.7% -13.4%
Graduate degree 380 7.2% -11.4%
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 Luce County

How much people earn in Luce County

The average annual household income in Luce County was $67,121 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 $54,893, reflecting a +1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Luce County
$67,121/year
-4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Luce County
$54,893/year
1.0% year-over-year change

Luce County income by age

In Luce County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,643. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $57,734 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $52,824, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,112 in earnings. Overall, 83.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $52,824 56.1%
25 - 44 $74,643 -7.1%
45 - 64 $57,734 5.4%
Over 65 $47,112 5.6%
Above poverty level
4,357
Below poverty level
861
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,357 83.5% 0.3%
Below poverty level 861 16.5% -2.8%

Employment in Luce County

Workforce and job types in Luce County

The job market in Luce County is powered by 2,007 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.6% run their own businesses, 57.3% are employed by private companies, and 18.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,007
-0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
1,471
Blue collar
536
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,471 73.3% -5.5%
Blue collar 536 26.7% 15.5%
Employer type
Self employees
14.6%
Private companies
57.3%
Governmental workers
18.6%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 292 14.6% 64.0%
Private companies 1,150 57.3% -7.9%
Governmental workers 373 18.6% -1.6%
Not for profit companies 192 9.6% -10.3%
Unemployment rate
9.9%
-0.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Luce County stands at 9.9%, 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 Luce County

How people get around in Luce County

Commuting methods vary: 87.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% 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 1,742 87.7% -0.1%
Bus or trolleybus 7 0.4% -30.0%
Walk 64 3.2% -3.0%
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 Luce County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49853 1,335 699 $54,563 $66,718
49868 4,964 1,777 $55,074 $66,677

Explore more communities

FAQs about Luce County demographics 

What is the total population of Luce County?

Luce County has a total population of 6,271 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 Luce County?

The gender ratio in Luce County is as follows:
  • 60.4% males (3,789 residents)
  • 39.6% females (2,482 residents)

What is the median age in Luce County?

The median age in Luce County is 44.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Luce County?

The age distribution in Luce County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.2% (827 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (728 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.7% (1,609 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.9% (1,689 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.6% (1,418 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Luce County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Luce County is as follows:
  • White: 76.9% (4,821 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.2% (516 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 6.9% (433 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (8 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.5% (468 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (25 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Luce County?

There are 4,067 housing units in Luce County, 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 Luce County and what is the average household size?

Luce County has a total of 2,455 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Luce County?

Luce County has a median household income of $54,893, representing a +1.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Luce County?

The employment rate is 90.1% in Luce County, with a workforce of 2,007 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.3% (1,471 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.7% (536 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.6% (292 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.3% (1,150 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.6% (373 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (192 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