South Haven, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,998
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,239/yr
6.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,562
4.8% year-over-year change

South Haven population

How many people live in South Haven

South Haven is home to 3,998 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.9% of South Haven locals are male, and 54.1% are female.

Total population
3,998
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.9%
1,834
Female
54.1%
2,164
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,834 45.9% -2.3%
Female 2,164 54.1% 2.2%
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 South Haven is 62, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.8% are children under 15, then 7.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 14.7% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 41.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
61.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.8%
15 to 24
7.3%
25 to 44
14.7%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
41.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 470 11.8% -12.0%
15 to 24 291 7.3% -20.9%
25 to 44 586 14.7% -2.3%
45 to 64 979 24.5% 3.6%
Over 65 1,672 41.8% 8.1%
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 South Haven, 93.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.8% of locals are Caucasian, 7% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.1%
Non-citizens
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,746 93.7% -2.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 125 3.1% 123.2%
Non-citizens 127 3.2% 54.9%
Racial breakdown
White
80.8%
Black or African American
7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 3,229 80.8%
Black or African American 279 7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 25 0.6%
Asian 45 1.1%
Two or more races 361 9%
Other 59 1.5%

Households in South Haven

A peek inside South Haven households

South Haven has 2,047 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61% are families, while the remaining 39% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,047
6.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
799
Family households
1,248
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 799 39% 12.2%
Family households 1,248 61% 2.3%
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 South Haven

The housing landscape of South Haven

South Haven's housing consists of 3,562 units, with 69.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.9% 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 1.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,562
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,472 69.4%
1 unit, attached 210 5.9%
2 units 47 1.3%
3 or 4 units 161 4.5%
5 to 9 units 177 5%
10 to 19 units 129 3.6%
20 to 49 units 201 5.6%
50 or more units 104 2.9%
Mobile home 61 1.7%
Homes built since 2020
84
140.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Haven

In South Haven, the median construction year is 1965. About 28.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,002 28.1% -3.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 432 12.1% 6.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 251 7% -6.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 196 5.5% -23.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 284 8% 15.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 556 15.6% 24.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 372 10.4% 3.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 151 4.2% 0.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 234 6.6% 18.2%
Built in 2020 or later 84 2.4% 140.0%
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.

South Haven occupancy rates

Out of the 2,047 occupied housing units in South Haven, 70.7% are owner-occupied, while 29.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 42.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,047
6.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
599
Owner occupied
1,448
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 599 29.3% 14.1%
Owner occupied 1,448 70.7% 2.9%
Unoccupied housing units
42.5%
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.

South Haven housing costs

Housing costs in South Haven come to a median of $1,214 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $834.

Median housing costs per month
$1,214/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 South Haven
$834/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 South Haven

South Haven education at a glance

About 31.4% of the population in South Haven went to high school, while 16.7% pursued college studies. Another 9.5% earned an associate degree and 21.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 112 3.2% 51.4%
High school diploma 1,092 31.4% 3.9%
College diploma 581 16.7% -2.5%
Associate degree 330 9.5% 23.6%
Bachelor's degree 755 21.7% 2.4%
Graduate degree 607 17.5% 0.7%
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 South Haven

How much people earn in South Haven

The average annual household income in South Haven was $95,786 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,239, reflecting a +6.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Haven
$95,786/year
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Haven
$68,239/year
6.1% year-over-year change

South Haven income by age

In South Haven, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,636. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $69,583 overall. Overall, 84.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $68,636 9.2%
45 - 64 $69,583 -14.5%
Over 65 $70,938 12.3%
Above poverty level
3,268
Below poverty level
596
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,268 84.6% 7.1%
Below poverty level 596 15.4% -24.8%

Average renter income in South Haven

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in South Haven, their median household income was $29,152 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$29,152
Rent-to-income ratio
34.3%
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 South Haven

Workforce and job types in South Haven

The job market in South Haven is powered by 1,710 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 75.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 25.4% run their own businesses, 60.5% are employed by private companies, and 7.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,710
4.3% year-over-year change
White collar
1,295
Blue collar
415
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,295 75.7% 6.7%
Blue collar 415 24.3% -2.4%
Employer type
Self employees
25.4%
Private companies
60.5%
Governmental workers
7.4%
Not for profit companies
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 435 25.4% 0.2%
Private companies 1,035 60.5% 13.1%
Governmental workers 127 7.4% -15.3%
Not for profit companies 113 6.6% -19.3%
Unemployment rate
2.9%
-34.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in South Haven stands at 2.9%, 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 South Haven

How people get around in South Haven

Commuting methods vary: 75.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.7% 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 1,272 75.2% 4.2%
Subway or elevated 5 0.3% N/A
Bicycle 10 0.6% N/A
Walk 62 3.7% -31.1%
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 South Haven by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49090 13,250 5,996 $68,920 $95,327

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FAQs about South Haven demographics 

What is the total population of South Haven?

South Haven has a total population of 3,998 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Haven?

The gender ratio in South Haven is as follows:
  • 45.9% males (1,834 residents)
  • 54.1% females (2,164 residents)

What is the median age in South Haven?

The median age in South Haven is 61.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in South Haven?

The age distribution in South Haven is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.8% (470 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.3% (291 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 14.7% (586 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (979 residents)
  • Over 65: 41.8% (1,672 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Haven?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Haven is as follows:
  • White: 80.8% (3,229 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7% (279 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (25 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (45 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9% (361 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (59 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.7% of the population in South Haven.

How many housing units are there in South Haven?

There are 3,562 housing units in South Haven, reflecting a +4.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Haven has a total of 2,047 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Haven?

South Haven has a median household income of $68,239, representing a +6.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for South Haven?

The employment rate is 97.1% in South Haven, with a workforce of 1,710 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.7% (1,295 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.3% (415 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 25.4% (435 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.5% (1,035 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.4% (127 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.6% (113 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