Romulus, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
24,831
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,151/yr
-4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,280
3.7% year-over-year change

Romulus population

How many people live in Romulus

Romulus is home to 24,831 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.8% of Romulus locals are male, and 51.2% are female.

Total population
24,831
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.8%
12,124
Female
51.2%
12,707
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,124 48.8% 1.0%
Female 12,707 51.2% -1.8%
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 Romulus is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.8% are children under 15, then 14% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.3% of the population, while another 24.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.8%
15 to 24
14%
25 to 44
25.3%
45 to 64
24.1%
Over 65
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,165 20.8% -7.6%
15 to 24 3,481 14% -1.6%
25 to 44 6,289 25.3% -1.7%
45 to 64 5,977 24.1% 0.6%
Over 65 3,919 15.8% 12.4%
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 Romulus, 97.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 44.4% of locals are Caucasian, 44.6% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 24,177 97.4% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 409 1.6% -18.7%
Non-citizens 245 1% -19.4%
Racial breakdown
White
44.4%
Black or African American
44.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.8%
Other
0.9%
Value Percent
White 11,017 44.4%
Black or African American 11,075 44.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 35 0.1%
Asian 57 0.2%
Two or more races 2,427 9.8%
Other 220 0.9%

Households in Romulus

A peek inside Romulus households

Romulus has 9,452 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64.8% are families, while the remaining 35.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,452
3.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,332
Family households
6,120
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,332 35.2% 6.3%
Family households 6,120 64.8% 2.2%
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 Romulus

The housing landscape of Romulus

Romulus's housing consists of 10,280 units, with 67.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.5% 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 9.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,280
3.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,926 67.4%
1 unit, attached 668 6.5%
2 units 63 0.6%
3 or 4 units 138 1.3%
5 to 9 units 698 6.8%
10 to 19 units 327 3.2%
20 to 49 units 20 0.2%
50 or more units 433 4.2%
Mobile home 1,007 9.8%
Homes built since 2020
100
85.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Romulus

In Romulus, the median construction year is 1972. About 4.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 428 4.2% 11.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 736 7.2% 2.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,548 15.1% 5.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,027 19.7% 0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,816 17.7% -6.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 680 6.6% 40.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,032 10% -2.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,207 11.7% -1.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 706 6.9% 23.4%
Built in 2020 or later 100 1% 85.2%
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.

Romulus occupancy rates

Out of the 9,452 occupied housing units in Romulus, 69.9% are owner-occupied, while 30.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,452
3.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,841
Owner occupied
6,611
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,841 30.1% 6.6%
Owner occupied 6,611 69.9% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
8.1%
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.

Romulus housing costs

Housing costs in Romulus come to a median of $1,059 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,049.

Median housing costs per month
$1,059/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 Romulus
$1,049/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 Romulus

Romulus education at a glance

About 46% of the population in Romulus went to high school, while 28.7% pursued college studies. Another 8.7% earned an associate degree and 9.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 414 2.2% -6.5%
High school diploma 8,522 46% 0.7%
College diploma 5,325 28.7% 9.0%
Associate degree 1,608 8.7% 20.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,831 9.9% -11.8%
Graduate degree 834 4.5% 3.0%
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 Romulus

How much people earn in Romulus

The average annual household income in Romulus was $78,837 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $69,151, reflecting a -4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Romulus
$78,837/year
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Romulus
$69,151/year
-4.3% year-over-year change

Romulus income by age

In Romulus, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,040. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $81,214 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $80,875, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,543 in earnings. Overall, 86.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $80,875 5.2%
25 - 44 $73,040 -3.1%
45 - 64 $81,214 -1.9%
Over 65 $41,543 0.1%
Above poverty level
21,163
Below poverty level
3,321
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 21,163 86.4% -2.6%
Below poverty level 3,321 13.6% 24.5%

Average renter income in Romulus

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Romulus, their median household income was $41,676 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$41,676
Rent-to-income ratio
30.2%
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 Romulus

Workforce and job types in Romulus

The job market in Romulus is powered by 11,666 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.1% run their own businesses, 77.1% are employed by private companies, and 12% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
11,666
3.7% year-over-year change
White collar
7,899
Blue collar
3,767
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,899 67.7% 7.3%
Blue collar 3,767 32.3% -3.1%
Employer type
Self employees
5.1%
Private companies
77.1%
Governmental workers
12%
Not for profit companies
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 597 5.1% -2.6%
Private companies 8,996 77.1% 2.9%
Governmental workers 1,403 12% 11.6%
Not for profit companies 670 5.7% 4.7%
Unemployment rate
6.7%
-23.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Romulus stands at 6.7%, 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 Romulus

How people get around in Romulus

In Romulus, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,946 88.2% 6.6%
Taxicab 2 0% -98.1%
Walk 132 1.2% 16.8%
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 Romulus by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48174 32,211 12,362 $67,056 $79,171

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FAQs about Romulus demographics 

What is the total population of Romulus?

Romulus has a total population of 24,831 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Romulus?

The gender ratio in Romulus is as follows:
  • 48.8% males (12,124 residents)
  • 51.2% females (12,707 residents)

What is the median age in Romulus?

The median age in Romulus is 37.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Romulus?

The age distribution in Romulus is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.8% (5,165 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14% (3,481 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.3% (6,289 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.1% (5,977 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.8% (3,919 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Romulus?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Romulus is as follows:
  • White: 44.4% (11,017 residents)
  • Black or African American: 44.6% (11,075 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (35 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (57 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.8% (2,427 residents)
  • Other: 0.9% (220 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.4% of the population in Romulus.

How many housing units are there in Romulus?

There are 10,280 housing units in Romulus, reflecting a +3.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Romulus has a total of 9,452 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Romulus?

Romulus has a median household income of $69,151, representing a -4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.3% in Romulus, with a workforce of 11,666 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.7% (7,899 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.3% (3,767 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.1% (597 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.1% (8,996 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12% (1,403 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.7% (670 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