Southfield, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
76,236
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,166/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
38,305
0.8% year-over-year change

Southfield population

How many people live in Southfield

Southfield is home to 76,236 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46% of Southfield locals are male, and 54% are female.

Total population
76,236
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46%
35,108
Female
54%
41,128
Value Percent YoY change
Male 35,108 46% -1.4%
Female 41,128 54% 1.7%
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 Southfield is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.8% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.1% of the population, while another 24.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.8%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
26.1%
45 to 64
24.7%
Over 65
22.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,301 14.8% -1.4%
15 to 24 8,939 11.7% -3.5%
25 to 44 19,920 26.1% 3.5%
45 to 64 18,863 24.7% -3.9%
Over 65 17,213 22.6% 4.8%
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 Southfield, 91.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 24.6% of locals are Caucasian, 65% are African American and 2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.5%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 69,819 91.6% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,201 5.5% 2.1%
Non-citizens 2,216 2.9% -19.3%
Racial breakdown
White
24.6%
Black or African American
65%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.7%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 18,792 24.6%
Black or African American 49,542 65%
American Indian and Alaska Native 37 0%
Asian 1,547 2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 20 0%
Two or more races 5,885 7.7%
Other 413 0.5%

Households in Southfield

A peek inside Southfield households

Southfield has 34,860 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.3% are families, while the remaining 48.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
34,860
-0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
16,969
Family households
17,891
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 16,969 48.7% -2.4%
Family households 17,891 51.3% 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 Southfield

The housing landscape of Southfield

Southfield's housing consists of 38,305 units, with 46.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
38,305
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,981 46.9%
1 unit, attached 2,916 7.6%
2 units 242 0.6%
3 or 4 units 1,957 5.1%
5 to 9 units 3,904 10.2%
10 to 19 units 2,022 5.3%
20 to 49 units 2,137 5.6%
50 or more units 7,045 18.4%
Mobile home 11 0%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 90 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
60
106.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Southfield

In Southfield, the median construction year is 1969. About 4.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,626 4.2% 6.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,882 4.9% -7.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,377 19.3% 7.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 9,108 23.8% -3.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 10,148 26.5% -4.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,833 10% 4.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,788 4.7% 4.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,054 5.4% 13.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 429 1.1% 27.7%
Built in 2020 or later 60 0.2% 106.9%
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.

Southfield occupancy rates

Out of the 34,860 occupied housing units in Southfield, 53.4% are owner-occupied, while 46.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
34,860
-0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
16,242
Owner occupied
18,618
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 16,242 46.6% -3.8%
Owner occupied 18,618 53.4% 2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
9.0%
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.

Southfield housing costs

Housing costs in Southfield come to a median of $1,365 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,340.

Median housing costs per month
$1,365/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 Southfield
$1,340/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 Southfield

Southfield education at a glance

About 24.3% of the population in Southfield went to high school, while 27.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 20.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,157 1.9% -16.8%
High school diploma 15,098 24.3% -3.5%
College diploma 17,307 27.8% 0.3%
Associate degree 5,074 8.2% 1.5%
Bachelor's degree 12,950 20.8% 5.0%
Graduate degree 10,638 17.1% 3.9%
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 Southfield

How much people earn in Southfield

The average annual household income in Southfield was $87,568 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,166, reflecting a +3.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Southfield
$87,568/year
4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Southfield
$68,166/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Southfield income by age

In Southfield, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,430. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $81,294 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,220, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $54,566 in earnings. Overall, 89.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,220 5.3%
25 - 44 $74,430 8.1%
45 - 64 $81,294 3.6%
Over 65 $54,566 2.3%
Above poverty level
66,323
Below poverty level
7,558
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 66,323 89.8% 1.3%
Below poverty level 7,558 10.2% -7.2%

Average renter income in Southfield

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Southfield, their median household income was $46,116 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,116
Rent-to-income ratio
34.9%
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 Southfield

Workforce and job types in Southfield

The job market in Southfield is powered by 36,671 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.4% run their own businesses, 68% are employed by private companies, and 13.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
36,671
0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
29,570
Blue collar
7,101
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 29,570 80.6% 0.3%
Blue collar 7,101 19.4% 1.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6.4%
Private companies
68%
Governmental workers
13.7%
Not for profit companies
11.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,332 6.4% -14.0%
Private companies 24,928 68% -0.9%
Governmental workers 5,036 13.7% 11.9%
Not for profit companies 4,375 11.9% 6.8%
Unemployment rate
6.9%
0.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Southfield stands at 6.9%, 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 Southfield

How people get around in Southfield

Commuting methods vary: 77.4% 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.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 27,770 77.4% -2.9%
Taxicab 51 0.1% -44.6%
Bus or trolleybus 649 1.8% 13.9%
Subway or elevated 10 0% N/A
Motorcycle 27 0.1% N/A
Bicycle 18 0% 5.9%
Walk 699 2% 20.3%
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 Southfield by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48033 17,277 8,485 $61,016 $78,955
48034 14,796 7,752 $62,938 $82,113
48075 22,841 9,685 $65,384 $84,205
48076 25,405 10,558 $90,058 $110,542

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FAQs about Southfield demographics 

What is the total population of Southfield?

Southfield has a total population of 76,236 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 Southfield?

The gender ratio in Southfield is as follows:
  • 46% males (35,108 residents)
  • 54% females (41,128 residents)

What is the median age in Southfield?

The median age in Southfield is 42.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Southfield?

The age distribution in Southfield is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.8% (11,301 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (8,939 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.1% (19,920 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.7% (18,863 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.6% (17,213 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Southfield?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Southfield is as follows:
  • White: 24.6% (18,792 residents)
  • Black or African American: 65% (49,542 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (37 residents)
  • Asian: 2% (1,547 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (20 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.7% (5,885 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (413 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.6% of the population in Southfield.

How many housing units are there in Southfield?

There are 38,305 housing units in Southfield, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Southfield has a total of 34,860 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Southfield?

Southfield has a median household income of $68,166, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.1% in Southfield, with a workforce of 36,671 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.6% (29,570 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.4% (7,101 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.4% (2,332 residents)
  • Private companies: 68% (24,928 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.7% (5,036 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.9% (4,375 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