Onaway, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
674
-3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$41,622/yr
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
448
-5.9% year-over-year change

Onaway population

How many people live in Onaway

Onaway is home to 674 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.2% of Onaway locals are male, and 54.8% are female.

Total population
674
-3.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.2%
305
Female
54.8%
369
Value Percent YoY change
Male 305 45.2% -1.3%
Female 369 54.8% -5.9%
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 Onaway is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 11% are children under 15, then 14.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.1% of the population, while another 28.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
50.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
11%
15 to 24
14.4%
25 to 44
21.1%
45 to 64
28.9%
Over 65
24.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 74 11% 0.0%
15 to 24 97 14.4% -7.6%
25 to 44 142 21.1% 9.2%
45 to 64 195 28.9% -9.3%
Over 65 166 24.6% -6.2%
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 Onaway, 97.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 660 97.9% -4.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8 1.2% 33.3%
Non-citizens 6 0.9% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
86.9%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.4%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 586 86.9%
Black or African American 1 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 7 1%
Asian 9 1.3%
Two or more races 70 10.4%
Other 1 0.2%

Households in Onaway

A peek inside Onaway households

Onaway has 375 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.7% are families, while the remaining 41.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
375
-6.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
155
Family households
220
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 155 41.3% -24.0%
Family households 220 58.7% 11.7%
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 Onaway

The housing landscape of Onaway

Onaway's housing consists of 448 units, with 75.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% 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 7.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
448
-5.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 337 75.2%
1 unit, attached 6 1.3%
2 units 14 3.1%
3 or 4 units 3 0.7%
5 to 9 units 15 3.4%
10 to 19 units 9 2%
20 to 49 units 12 2.7%
50 or more units 17 3.8%
Mobile home 35 7.8%
Homes built since 2020
1
-50.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Onaway

In Onaway, the median construction year is 1953. About 39.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 176 39.3% -7.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 42 9.4% -38.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 20 4.5% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 58 13% 31.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 34 7.6% 54.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 50 11.2% -23.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 34 7.6% -5.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 24 5.4% 14.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 9 2% 12.5%
Built in 2020 or later 1 0.2% -50.0%
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.

Onaway occupancy rates

Out of the 375 occupied housing units in Onaway, 65.6% are owner-occupied, while 34.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
375
-6.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
129
Owner occupied
246
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 129 34.4% -5.8%
Owner occupied 246 65.6% -6.8%
Unoccupied housing units
16.3%
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.

Onaway housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$546/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.

Education in Onaway

Onaway education at a glance

About 60.4% of the population in Onaway went to high school, while 23.4% pursued college studies. Another 5.9% earned an associate degree and 4.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 20 3.4% -33.3%
High school diploma 356 60.4% 18.3%
College diploma 138 23.4% -25.4%
Associate degree 35 5.9% -39.7%
Bachelor's degree 27 4.6% 0.0%
Graduate degree 13 2.2% -35.0%
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 Onaway

How much people earn in Onaway

The average annual household income in Onaway was $50,293 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $41,622, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Onaway
$50,293/year
5.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Onaway
$41,622/year
3.6% year-over-year change

Onaway income by age

In Onaway, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $42,083. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $43,947 overall. Overall, 76.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $42,083 -15.4%
45 - 64 $43,947 5.5%
Over 65 $26,979 9.9%
Above poverty level
507
Below poverty level
157
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 507 76.4% -7.1%
Below poverty level 157 23.6% 4.0%

Average renter income in Onaway

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Onaway, their median household income was $19,485 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$19,485
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
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 Onaway

Workforce and job types in Onaway

The job market in Onaway is powered by 215 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 52.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 47.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 76.3% are employed by private companies, and 5.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
215
-18.9% year-over-year change
White collar
112
Blue collar
103
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 112 52.1% -37.8%
Blue collar 103 47.9% 21.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
76.3%
Governmental workers
5.6%
Not for profit companies
9.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 19 8.8% -20.8%
Private companies 164 76.3% -12.8%
Governmental workers 12 5.6% -53.9%
Not for profit companies 20 9.3% -25.9%
Unemployment rate
14.7%
94.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Onaway stands at 14.7%, 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 Onaway

How people get around in Onaway

Commuting methods vary: 91.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% 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 197 91.6% -18.9%
Walk 6 2.8% -25.0%
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 Onaway by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49765 4,333 1,866 $57,404 $72,020

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FAQs about Onaway demographics 

What is the total population of Onaway?

Onaway has a total population of 674 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 -3.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Onaway?

The gender ratio in Onaway is as follows:
  • 45.2% males (305 residents)
  • 54.8% females (369 residents)

What is the median age in Onaway?

The median age in Onaway is 50.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Onaway?

The age distribution in Onaway is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11% (74 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.4% (97 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.1% (142 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.9% (195 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.6% (166 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Onaway?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Onaway is as follows:
  • White: 86.9% (586 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (7 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (9 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.4% (70 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (1 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.9% of the population in Onaway.

How many housing units are there in Onaway?

There are 448 housing units in Onaway, reflecting a -5.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Onaway has a total of 375 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Onaway?

Onaway has a median household income of $41,622, representing a +3.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 85.3% in Onaway, with a workforce of 215 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 52.1% (112 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 47.9% (103 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (19 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.3% (164 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5.6% (12 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.3% (20 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