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

Total population
40,462
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,863/yr
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
21,756
0.0% year-over-year change

Sanilac County population

How many people live in Sanilac County

Sanilac County is home to 40,462 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Sanilac County locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
40,462
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
20,403
Female
49.6%
20,059
Value Percent YoY change
Male 20,403 50.4% -0.3%
Female 20,059 49.6% -0.3%
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 Sanilac County is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.8% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.3% of the population, while another 27.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.8%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
21.3%
45 to 64
27.3%
Over 65
23.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,806 16.8% -1.9%
15 to 24 4,613 11.4% 0.6%
25 to 44 8,604 21.3% -0.2%
45 to 64 11,033 27.3% -1.9%
Over 65 9,406 23.2% 2.5%
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 Sanilac County, 98% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 39,640 98% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 613 1.5% -7.7%
Non-citizens 209 0.5% -14.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93.3%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.6%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 37,745 93.3%
Black or African American 165 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 48 0.1%
Asian 115 0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0%
Two or more races 1,879 4.6%
Other 502 1.2%

Households in Sanilac County

A peek inside Sanilac County households

Sanilac County has 17,516 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64% are families, while the remaining 36% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
17,516
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,309
Family households
11,207
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,309 36% 3.2%
Family households 11,207 64% -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 Sanilac County

The housing landscape of Sanilac County

Sanilac County's housing consists of 21,756 units, with 82.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% 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 9.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
21,756
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,876 82.2%
1 unit, attached 323 1.5%
2 units 222 1%
3 or 4 units 266 1.2%
5 to 9 units 405 1.9%
10 to 19 units 240 1.1%
20 to 49 units 262 1.2%
50 or more units 52 0.2%
Mobile home 2,075 9.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 35 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
136
248.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sanilac County

In Sanilac County, the median construction year is 1971. About 21% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,560 21% 1.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,591 7.3% -4.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,589 11.9% -3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,974 9.1% 2.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,065 14.1% -6.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,290 10.5% 0.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,545 11.7% -1.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,003 9.2% 3.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,003 4.6% 12.6%
Built in 2020 or later 136 0.6% 248.7%
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.

Sanilac County occupancy rates

Out of the 17,516 occupied housing units in Sanilac County, 82.6% are owner-occupied, while 17.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
17,516
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,051
Owner occupied
14,465
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,051 17.4% -4.7%
Owner occupied 14,465 82.6% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
19.5%
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.

Sanilac County housing costs

Housing costs in Sanilac County come to a median of $812 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $807.

Median housing costs per month
$812/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 Sanilac County
$807/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 Sanilac County

Sanilac County education at a glance

About 48.4% of the population in Sanilac County went to high school, while 21.5% pursued college studies. Another 10.9% earned an associate degree and 9.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,209 3.8% 13.3%
High school diploma 15,495 48.4% -2.1%
College diploma 6,878 21.5% -1.8%
Associate degree 3,478 10.9% 4.8%
Bachelor's degree 3,110 9.7% 0.0%
Graduate degree 1,820 5.7% 10.7%
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 Sanilac County

How much people earn in Sanilac County

The average annual household income in Sanilac County was $77,878 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,863, reflecting a -0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sanilac County
$77,878/year
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sanilac County
$58,863/year
-0.4% year-over-year change

Sanilac County income by age

In Sanilac County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,127. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,598 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $53,059, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,561 in earnings. Overall, 84.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $53,059 2.7%
25 - 44 $74,127 5.8%
45 - 64 $70,598 1.4%
Over 65 $44,561 0.1%
Above poverty level
33,566
Below poverty level
6,053
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 33,566 84.7% -1.7%
Below poverty level 6,053 15.3% 9.7%

Employment in Sanilac County

Workforce and job types in Sanilac County

The job market in Sanilac County is powered by 17,053 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.1% run their own businesses, 66.2% are employed by private companies, and 12.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
17,053
-1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
10,886
Blue collar
6,167
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,886 63.8% -2.0%
Blue collar 6,167 36.2% -1.5%
Employer type
Self employees
14.1%
Private companies
66.2%
Governmental workers
12.9%
Not for profit companies
6.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,412 14.1% -4.0%
Private companies 11,288 66.2% -2.5%
Governmental workers 2,206 12.9% 0.9%
Not for profit companies 1,147 6.7% 5.3%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
-4.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sanilac County stands at 6%, 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 Sanilac County

How people get around in Sanilac County

Commuting methods vary: 87.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.1% 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 14,571 87.2% -1.2%
Taxicab 18 0.1% 200.0%
Bus or trolleybus 14 0.1% -56.2%
Railroad 24 0.1% N/A
Ferryboat 13 0.1% -7.1%
Bicycle 43 0.3% 19.4%
Walk 522 3.1% -21.9%
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 Sanilac County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48032 1,871 752 $96,875 $96,277
48097 5,418 2,184 $63,659 $78,760
48401 1,323 623 $70,536 $79,635
48416 4,996 1,902 $66,474 $80,385
48419 2,268 975 $59,485 $79,882
48422 6,094 2,643 $57,899 $73,592
48426 1,317 427 $62,169 $84,504
48427 2,861 1,204 $56,842 $73,392
48434 136 77 $40,938 $71,153
48450 4,320 2,412 $52,962 $72,432

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FAQs about Sanilac County demographics 

What is the total population of Sanilac County?

Sanilac County has a total population of 40,462 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 Sanilac County?

The gender ratio in Sanilac County is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (20,403 residents)
  • 49.6% females (20,059 residents)

What is the median age in Sanilac County?

The median age in Sanilac County is 45.5.

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

The age distribution in Sanilac County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.8% (6,806 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (4,613 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.3% (8,604 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.3% (11,033 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.2% (9,406 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sanilac County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sanilac County is as follows:
  • White: 93.3% (37,745 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (165 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (48 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (115 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.6% (1,879 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (502 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98% of the population in Sanilac County.

How many housing units are there in Sanilac County?

There are 21,756 housing units in Sanilac County, reflecting a +0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sanilac County has a total of 17,516 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sanilac County?

Sanilac County has a median household income of $58,863, representing a -0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94% in Sanilac County, with a workforce of 17,053 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.8% (10,886 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.2% (6,167 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.1% (2,412 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.2% (11,288 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.9% (2,206 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.7% (1,147 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