Pontiac, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
62,104
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,329/yr
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
28,325
0.2% year-over-year change

Pontiac population

How many people live in Pontiac

Pontiac is home to 62,104 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.7% of Pontiac locals are male, and 50.3% are female.

Total population
62,104
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.7%
30,886
Female
50.3%
31,218
Value Percent YoY change
Male 30,886 49.7% 2.1%
Female 31,218 50.3% -1.4%
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 Pontiac is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.5% of the population, while another 26% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
29.5%
45 to 64
26%
Over 65
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,676 18.8% -7.3%
15 to 24 7,745 12.5% -5.8%
25 to 44 18,296 29.5% 4.2%
45 to 64 16,178 26% 4.3%
Over 65 8,209 13.2% 2.3%
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 Pontiac, 86.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 25.6% of locals are Caucasian, 42.9% are African American and 4.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 19.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.2%
Non-citizens
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 53,450 86.1% -1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,196 5.2% 3.8%
Non-citizens 5,458 8.8% 16.6%
Racial breakdown
White
25.6%
Black or African American
42.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
4.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
19.7%
Other
6.9%
Value Percent
White 15,890 25.6%
Black or African American 26,624 42.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 390 0.6%
Asian 2,679 4.3%
Two or more races 12,237 19.7%
Other 4,284 6.9%

Households in Pontiac

A peek inside Pontiac households

Pontiac has 25,617 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.5% are families, while the remaining 49.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
25,617
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
12,679
Family households
12,938
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,679 49.5% 1.5%
Family households 12,938 50.5% -1.3%
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 Pontiac

The housing landscape of Pontiac

Pontiac's housing consists of 28,325 units, with 61.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5% 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 1.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
28,325
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,397 61.4%
1 unit, attached 1,413 5%
2 units 1,324 4.7%
3 or 4 units 1,333 4.7%
5 to 9 units 1,398 4.9%
10 to 19 units 1,728 6.1%
20 to 49 units 1,564 5.5%
50 or more units 1,643 5.8%
Mobile home 421 1.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 104 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
209
57.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pontiac

In Pontiac, the median construction year is 1961. About 19.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,644 19.9% -2.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,870 10.1% -5.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,259 18.6% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,765 13.3% 7.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,780 13.4% -3.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,494 5.3% 6.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,009 7.1% 14.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,706 9.6% 1.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 589 2.1% -0.7%
Built in 2020 or later 209 0.7% 57.1%
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.

Pontiac occupancy rates

Out of the 25,617 occupied housing units in Pontiac, 46.6% are owner-occupied, while 53.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
25,617
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
13,677
Owner occupied
11,940
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 13,677 53.4% -4.2%
Owner occupied 11,940 46.6% 5.4%
Unoccupied housing units
9.6%
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.

Pontiac housing costs

Housing costs in Pontiac come to a median of $1,014 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,063.

Median housing costs per month
$1,014/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 Pontiac
$1,063/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 Pontiac

Pontiac education at a glance

About 49.2% of the population in Pontiac went to high school, while 23.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.4% earned an associate degree and 10.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,851 5.9% 5.3%
High school diploma 23,771 49.2% 6.2%
College diploma 11,504 23.8% -4.2%
Associate degree 3,104 6.4% 5.8%
Bachelor's degree 5,015 10.4% 3.2%
Graduate degree 2,085 4.3% -0.1%
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 Pontiac

How much people earn in Pontiac

The average annual household income in Pontiac was $60,069 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,329, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pontiac
$60,069/year
5.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pontiac
$44,329/year
3.6% year-over-year change

Pontiac income by age

In Pontiac, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $43,737. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $49,831 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $38,750, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,219 in earnings. Overall, 75.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $38,750 19.3%
25 - 44 $43,737 8.6%
45 - 64 $49,831 -1.9%
Over 65 $40,219 1.4%
Above poverty level
45,189
Below poverty level
14,678
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 45,189 75.5% 2.0%
Below poverty level 14,678 24.5% -3.8%

Average renter income in Pontiac

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Pontiac, their median household income was $31,479 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,479
Rent-to-income ratio
40.5%
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 Pontiac

Workforce and job types in Pontiac

The job market in Pontiac is powered by 27,534 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 76.6% are employed by private companies, and 8.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
27,534
2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
18,052
Blue collar
9,482
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 18,052 65.6% 1.3%
Blue collar 9,482 34.4% 3.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
76.6%
Governmental workers
8.6%
Not for profit companies
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,130 7.7% 2.3%
Private companies 21,090 76.6% 0.2%
Governmental workers 2,366 8.6% 22.2%
Not for profit companies 1,948 7.1% 2.5%
Unemployment rate
10.1%
-3.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pontiac stands at 10.1%, 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 Pontiac

How people get around in Pontiac

In Pontiac, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
-2.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 23,450 90.4% 2.3%
Taxicab 181 0.7% 61.6%
Bus or trolleybus 162 0.6% -44.9%
Motorcycle 9 0% 12.5%
Bicycle 102 0.4% 4.1%
Walk 519 2% -35.0%
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 Pontiac by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48340 25,669 11,037 $47,891 $59,756
48341 18,924 7,730 $51,390 $68,656
48342 17,564 6,878 $35,253 $51,078

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FAQs about Pontiac demographics 

What is the total population of Pontiac?

Pontiac has a total population of 62,104 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 Pontiac?

The gender ratio in Pontiac is as follows:
  • 49.7% males (30,886 residents)
  • 50.3% females (31,218 residents)

What is the median age in Pontiac?

The median age in Pontiac is 36.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pontiac?

The age distribution in Pontiac is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (11,676 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (7,745 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.5% (18,296 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26% (16,178 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.2% (8,209 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pontiac?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pontiac is as follows:
  • White: 25.6% (15,890 residents)
  • Black or African American: 42.9% (26,624 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (390 residents)
  • Asian: 4.3% (2,679 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 19.7% (12,237 residents)
  • Other: 6.9% (4,284 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86.1% of the population in Pontiac.

How many housing units are there in Pontiac?

There are 28,325 housing units in Pontiac, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pontiac has a total of 25,617 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pontiac?

Pontiac has a median household income of $44,329, 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 Pontiac?

The employment rate is 89.9% in Pontiac, with a workforce of 27,534 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.6% (18,052 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.4% (9,482 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (2,130 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.6% (21,090 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.6% (2,366 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.1% (1,948 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