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

Total population
155,505
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,335/yr
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
66,594
0.4% year-over-year change

Monroe County population

How many people live in Monroe County

Monroe County is home to 155,505 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Monroe County locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
155,505
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
77,504
Female
50.2%
78,001
Value Percent YoY change
Male 77,504 49.8% 0.2%
Female 78,001 50.2% 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 Monroe County is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 17% are children under 15, then 11.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.1% of the population, while another 27.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17%
15 to 24
11.5%
25 to 44
24.1%
45 to 64
27.5%
Over 65
19.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 26,399 17% -0.5%
15 to 24 17,938 11.5% -0.7%
25 to 44 37,480 24.1% 0.6%
45 to 64 42,758 27.5% -1.0%
Over 65 30,930 19.9% 3.2%
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 Monroe County, 97% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90% of locals are Caucasian, 2.2% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 150,909 97% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,981 1.9% 1.3%
Non-citizens 1,615 1% -0.9%
Racial breakdown
White
90%
Black or African American
2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.3%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 139,931 90%
Black or African American 3,386 2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 165 0.1%
Asian 623 0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 25 0%
Two or more races 9,740 6.3%
Other 1,635 1%

Households in Monroe County

A peek inside Monroe County households

Monroe County has 63,029 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.9% are families, while the remaining 35.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
63,029
0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
22,148
Family households
40,881
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 22,148 35.1% 1.2%
Family households 40,881 64.9% 0.6%
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 Monroe County

The housing landscape of Monroe County

Monroe County's housing consists of 66,594 units, with 77.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.3% 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 8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
66,594
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 51,776 77.8%
1 unit, attached 1,540 2.3%
2 units 1,091 1.6%
3 or 4 units 1,039 1.6%
5 to 9 units 1,955 2.9%
10 to 19 units 1,695 2.6%
20 to 49 units 662 1%
50 or more units 1,498 2.2%
Mobile home 5,314 8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 24 0%
Homes built since 2020
859
61.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Monroe County

In Monroe County, the median construction year is 1974. About 16% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,641 16% 1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,664 7% -4.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,448 11.2% -8.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,623 10% 4.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9,572 14.4% -2.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,490 6.7% -2.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 9,328 14% 3.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8,862 13.3% 2.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,107 6.2% 8.7%
Built in 2020 or later 859 1.3% 61.5%
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.

Monroe County occupancy rates

Out of the 63,029 occupied housing units in Monroe County, 81.7% are owner-occupied, while 18.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
63,029
0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,527
Owner occupied
51,502
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,527 18.3% -2.1%
Owner occupied 51,502 81.7% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
5.4%
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.

Monroe County housing costs

Housing costs in Monroe County come to a median of $1,120 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,059.

Median housing costs per month
$1,120/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 Monroe County
$1,059/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 Monroe County

Monroe County education at a glance

About 40.1% of the population in Monroe County went to high school, while 24.8% pursued college studies. Another 11.5% earned an associate degree and 13.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,295 1.9% -1.4%
High school diploma 49,341 40.1% 0.4%
College diploma 30,565 24.8% 1.5%
Associate degree 14,108 11.5% 0.3%
Bachelor's degree 17,095 13.9% -1.1%
Graduate degree 9,579 7.8% 2.0%
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 Monroe County

How much people earn in Monroe County

The average annual household income in Monroe County was $98,107 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $77,335, reflecting a +2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Monroe County
$98,107/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Monroe County
$77,335/year
2.7% year-over-year change

Monroe County income by age

In Monroe County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $89,721. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $98,414 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,136, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $56,044 in earnings. Overall, 89.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,136 23.2%
25 - 44 $89,721 2.0%
45 - 64 $98,414 1.6%
Over 65 $56,044 4.1%
Above poverty level
136,208
Below poverty level
16,092
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 136,208 89.4% 0.9%
Below poverty level 16,092 10.6% -3.8%

Employment in Monroe County

Workforce and job types in Monroe County

The job market in Monroe County is powered by 71,685 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 72% are employed by private companies, and 12% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
71,685
0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
49,550
Blue collar
22,135
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 49,550 69.1% 0.5%
Blue collar 22,135 30.9% -0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
72%
Governmental workers
12%
Not for profit companies
9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,054 7% -0.3%
Private companies 51,608 72% -0.0%
Governmental workers 8,604 12% 4.9%
Not for profit companies 6,419 9% -3.5%
Unemployment rate
5.1%
2.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Monroe County stands at 5.1%, 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 Monroe County

How people get around in Monroe County

Commuting methods vary: 88.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% 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 62,383 88.5% -0.5%
Taxicab 42 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 105 0.2% -34.4%
Ferryboat 29 0% N/A
Motorcycle 35 0% 45.8%
Bicycle 103 0.2% 10.8%
Walk 930 1.3% 2.4%
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 Monroe County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48131 8,637 3,656 $85,747 $108,887
48133 7,085 2,458 $74,388 $98,252
48134 23,935 9,146 $92,076 $108,785
48140 3,664 1,202 $109,257 $112,828
48144 10,507 4,168 $101,410 $122,082
48145 2,904 1,212 $83,204 $100,471
48157 1,244 647 $61,641 $75,575
48159 2,578 1,079 $74,519 $88,882
48160 13,972 4,947 $103,453 $115,750
48117 10,262 4,141 $78,942 $100,234

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FAQs about Monroe County demographics 

What is the total population of Monroe County?

Monroe County has a total population of 155,505 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Monroe County?

The gender ratio in Monroe County is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (77,504 residents)
  • 50.2% females (78,001 residents)

What is the median age in Monroe County?

The median age in Monroe County is 42.8.

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

The age distribution in Monroe County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17% (26,399 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.5% (17,938 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.1% (37,480 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.5% (42,758 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.9% (30,930 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Monroe County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Monroe County is as follows:
  • White: 90% (139,931 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.2% (3,386 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (165 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (623 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (25 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.3% (9,740 residents)
  • Other: 1% (1,635 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97% of the population in Monroe County.

How many housing units are there in Monroe County?

There are 66,594 housing units in Monroe County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Monroe County has a total of 63,029 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Monroe County?

Monroe County has a median household income of $77,335, representing a +2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.9% in Monroe County, with a workforce of 71,685 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.1% (49,550 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.9% (22,135 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (5,054 residents)
  • Private companies: 72% (51,608 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12% (8,604 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9% (6,419 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