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

Total population
301,203
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,502/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
117,604
1.2% year-over-year change

Ottawa County population

How many people live in Ottawa County

Ottawa County is home to 301,203 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Ottawa County locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
301,203
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
149,412
Female
50.4%
151,791
Value Percent YoY change
Male 149,412 49.6% 0.8%
Female 151,791 50.4% 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 Ottawa County is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 17.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.6% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
17.1%
25 to 44
24.6%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
16.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 56,590 18.8% -0.9%
15 to 24 51,638 17.1% 0.4%
25 to 44 74,091 24.6% 1.6%
45 to 64 68,564 22.8% -0.2%
Over 65 50,320 16.7% 3.8%
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 Ottawa County, 94.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84% of locals are Caucasian, 1.6% are African American and 2.7% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.3%
Non-citizens
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 283,895 94.2% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9,903 3.3% -2.0%
Non-citizens 7,405 2.5% 6.2%
Racial breakdown
White
84%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
7.5%
Other
3.6%
Value Percent
White 253,027 84%
Black or African American 4,821 1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,563 0.5%
Asian 8,146 2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 207 0.1%
Two or more races 22,713 7.5%
Other 10,726 3.6%

Households in Ottawa County

A peek inside Ottawa County households

Ottawa County has 111,322 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.6% are families, while the remaining 29.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
111,322
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
32,700
Family households
78,622
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 32,700 29.4% 1.3%
Family households 78,622 70.6% 1.1%
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 Ottawa County

The housing landscape of Ottawa County

Ottawa County's housing consists of 117,604 units, with 69.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.8% 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 5.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
117,604
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 81,984 69.7%
1 unit, attached 9,184 7.8%
2 units 2,592 2.2%
3 or 4 units 4,011 3.4%
5 to 9 units 4,478 3.8%
10 to 19 units 4,271 3.6%
20 to 49 units 2,295 2%
50 or more units 2,481 2.1%
Mobile home 6,308 5.4%
Homes built since 2020
3,147
63.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ottawa County

In Ottawa County, the median construction year is 1988. About 8.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,398 8.8% -2.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,524 3.8% 8.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,682 6.5% -4.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 9,557 8.1% -3.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 15,334 13% 6.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 14,136 12% -3.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 20,690 17.6% -0.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 17,386 14.8% -0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 14,750 12.5% 4.5%
Built in 2020 or later 3,147 2.7% 63.1%
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.

Ottawa County occupancy rates

Out of the 111,322 occupied housing units in Ottawa County, 79.3% are owner-occupied, while 20.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
111,322
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
23,074
Owner occupied
88,248
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 23,074 20.7% -2.5%
Owner occupied 88,248 79.3% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
5.3%
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.

Ottawa County housing costs

Housing costs in Ottawa County come to a median of $1,235 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,211.

Median housing costs per month
$1,235/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 Ottawa County
$1,211/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 Ottawa County

Ottawa County education at a glance

About 30.4% of the population in Ottawa County went to high school, while 24.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.3% earned an associate degree and 22.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,432 1.9% -0.8%
High school diploma 70,632 30.4% -1.4%
College diploma 55,932 24.1% -1.3%
Associate degree 21,513 9.3% 3.3%
Bachelor's degree 53,080 22.9% 5.2%
Graduate degree 26,339 11.4% 5.9%
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 Ottawa County

How much people earn in Ottawa County

The average annual household income in Ottawa County was $115,371 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,502, reflecting a +3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ottawa County
$115,371/year
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ottawa County
$90,502/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Ottawa County income by age

In Ottawa County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $101,834. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $115,011 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $53,069, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $61,502 in earnings. Overall, 91.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $53,069 3.1%
25 - 44 $101,834 4.0%
45 - 64 $115,011 2.5%
Over 65 $61,502 3.9%
Above poverty level
264,111
Below poverty level
23,871
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 264,111 91.7% 0.6%
Below poverty level 23,871 8.3% 2.9%

Employment in Ottawa County

Workforce and job types in Ottawa County

The job market in Ottawa County is powered by 155,354 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 69.9% are employed by private companies, and 9.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
155,354
0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
116,917
Blue collar
38,437
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 116,917 75.3% 1.8%
Blue collar 38,437 24.7% -3.7%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
69.9%
Governmental workers
9.5%
Not for profit companies
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 13,904 9% 3.7%
Private companies 108,582 69.9% -0.5%
Governmental workers 14,730 9.5% 5.2%
Not for profit companies 18,138 11.7% -0.1%
Unemployment rate
3.5%
-2.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ottawa County stands at 3.5%, 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 Ottawa County

How people get around in Ottawa County

Commuting methods vary: 85.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% 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 130,628 85.5% -0.6%
Taxicab 44 0% 4.8%
Bus or trolleybus 617 0.4% 1.6%
Subway or elevated 53 0% N/A
Motorcycle 146 0.1% 2.1%
Bicycle 490 0.3% -11.7%
Walk 4,155 2.7% 3.9%
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 Ottawa County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49401 29,674 8,987 $74,880 $90,707
49403 2,467 872 $85,000 $106,365
49404 9,117 3,286 $86,096 $100,539
49417 33,878 14,009 $83,405 $107,763
49418 31,913 12,774 $84,846 $114,306
49423 47,060 17,939 $81,858 $104,426
49424 49,810 19,418 $85,478 $114,646
49426 40,523 13,727 $112,234 $131,004
49315 27,091 9,515 $113,346 $142,351
49318 1,604 518 $81,591 $97,080

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FAQs about Ottawa County demographics 

What is the total population of Ottawa County?

Ottawa County has a total population of 301,203 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ottawa County?

The gender ratio in Ottawa County is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (149,412 residents)
  • 50.4% females (151,791 residents)

What is the median age in Ottawa County?

The median age in Ottawa County is 36.5.

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

The age distribution in Ottawa County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (56,590 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.1% (51,638 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.6% (74,091 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (68,564 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.7% (50,320 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ottawa County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ottawa County is as follows:
  • White: 84% (253,027 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (4,821 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (1,563 residents)
  • Asian: 2.7% (8,146 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (207 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.5% (22,713 residents)
  • Other: 3.6% (10,726 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.2% of the population in Ottawa County.

How many housing units are there in Ottawa County?

There are 117,604 housing units in Ottawa County, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ottawa County has a total of 111,322 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ottawa County?

Ottawa County has a median household income of $90,502, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.5% in Ottawa County, with a workforce of 155,354 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.3% (116,917 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.7% (38,437 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (13,904 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.9% (108,582 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.5% (14,730 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.7% (18,138 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