Niles, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,803
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,376/yr
7.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,431
-0.7% year-over-year change

Niles population

How many people live in Niles

Niles is home to 11,803 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Niles locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
11,803
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
5,842
Female
50.5%
5,961
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,842 49.5% 2.4%
Female 5,961 50.5% -2.8%
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 Niles is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.1% are children under 15, then 14.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.5% of the population, while another 21.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.1%
15 to 24
14.6%
25 to 44
26.5%
45 to 64
21.2%
Over 65
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,022 17.1% -1.5%
15 to 24 1,722 14.6% 3.4%
25 to 44 3,133 26.5% 1.5%
45 to 64 2,498 21.2% -4.5%
Over 65 2,428 20.6% 0.5%
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 Niles, 95.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74.7% of locals are Caucasian, 13.9% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,253 95.3% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 309 2.6% 12.8%
Non-citizens 241 2% 32.4%
Racial breakdown
White
74.7%
Black or African American
13.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
4.7%
Value Percent
White 8,818 74.7%
Black or African American 1,638 13.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9 0.1%
Asian 61 0.5%
Two or more races 727 6.2%
Other 550 4.7%

Households in Niles

A peek inside Niles households

Niles has 5,016 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
5,016
-2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,404
Family households
2,612
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,404 47.9% 1.6%
Family households 2,612 52.1% -5.2%
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 Niles

The housing landscape of Niles

Niles's housing consists of 5,431 units, with 65.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.6% 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 0.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,431
-0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,552 65.4%
1 unit, attached 144 2.6%
2 units 260 4.8%
3 or 4 units 191 3.5%
5 to 9 units 188 3.5%
10 to 19 units 388 7.1%
20 to 49 units 312 5.7%
50 or more units 347 6.4%
Mobile home 49 0.9%
Homes built since 2020
62
34.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Niles

In Niles, the median construction year is 1955. About 29% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,577 29% -3.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 723 13.3% 7.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 874 16.1% -14.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 579 10.7% 0.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 730 13.4% 16.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 358 6.6% -0.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 228 4.2% 34.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 284 5.2% -16.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 16 0.3% -33.3%
Built in 2020 or later 62 1.1% 34.8%
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.

Niles occupancy rates

Out of the 5,016 occupied housing units in Niles, 63.2% are owner-occupied, while 36.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,016
-2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,848
Owner occupied
3,168
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,848 36.8% -2.9%
Owner occupied 3,168 63.2% -1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
7.6%
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.

Niles housing costs

Housing costs in Niles come to a median of $824 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $855.

Median housing costs per month
$824/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 Niles
$855/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 Niles

Niles education at a glance

About 44.8% of the population in Niles went to high school, while 28.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 11.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 236 2.5% 49.4%
High school diploma 4,151 44.8% -1.8%
College diploma 2,662 28.7% -2.0%
Associate degree 797 8.6% 1.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,079 11.6% 9.1%
Graduate degree 351 3.8% -20.1%
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 Niles

How much people earn in Niles

The average annual household income in Niles was $61,468 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,376, reflecting a +7.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Niles
$61,468/year
5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Niles
$51,376/year
7.5% year-over-year change

Niles income by age

In Niles, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,611. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $44,736 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $45,583, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,256 in earnings. Overall, 82.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,583 9.2%
25 - 44 $66,611 10.4%
45 - 64 $44,736 6.2%
Over 65 $40,256 3.3%
Above poverty level
9,470
Below poverty level
2,055
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,470 82.2% 4.1%
Below poverty level 2,055 17.8% -14.7%

Average renter income in Niles

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Niles, their median household income was $34,384 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,384
Rent-to-income ratio
29.8%
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 Niles

Workforce and job types in Niles

The job market in Niles is powered by 5,328 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.3% run their own businesses, 73.4% are employed by private companies, and 8.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,328
-2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
3,665
Blue collar
1,663
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,665 68.8% -2.4%
Blue collar 1,663 31.2% -2.9%
Employer type
Self employees
5.3%
Private companies
73.4%
Governmental workers
8.5%
Not for profit companies
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 284 5.3% -2.7%
Private companies 3,909 73.4% -3.0%
Governmental workers 452 8.5% 0.2%
Not for profit companies 683 12.8% -1.6%
Unemployment rate
10.8%
-6.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Niles stands at 10.8%, 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 Niles

How people get around in Niles

Commuting methods vary: 90.5% 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 4,792 90.5% -4.3%
Bus or trolleybus 5 0.1% -72.2%
Subway or elevated 16 0.3% N/A
Bicycle 9 0.2% 0.0%
Walk 170 3.2% 68.3%
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 Niles by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49120 36,495 14,425 $65,148 $86,703

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FAQs about Niles demographics 

What is the total population of Niles?

Niles has a total population of 11,803 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 Niles?

The gender ratio in Niles is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (5,842 residents)
  • 50.5% females (5,961 residents)

What is the median age in Niles?

The median age in Niles is 39.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Niles?

The age distribution in Niles is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.1% (2,022 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.6% (1,722 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.5% (3,133 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.2% (2,498 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.6% (2,428 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Niles?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Niles is as follows:
  • White: 74.7% (8,818 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.9% (1,638 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (61 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (727 residents)
  • Other: 4.7% (550 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.3% of the population in Niles.

How many housing units are there in Niles?

There are 5,431 housing units in Niles, reflecting a -0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Niles has a total of 5,016 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Niles?

Niles has a median household income of $51,376, representing a +7.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 89.2% in Niles, with a workforce of 5,328 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.8% (3,665 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.2% (1,663 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.3% (284 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.4% (3,909 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.5% (452 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.8% (683 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