Traverse City, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
15,593
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$74,087/yr
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,479
-1.2% year-over-year change

Traverse City population

How many people live in Traverse City

Traverse City is home to 15,593 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Traverse City locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
15,593
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
7,698
Female
50.6%
7,895
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,698 49.4% 2.9%
Female 7,895 50.6% -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 Traverse City is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.8% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.1% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.8%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
28.1%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
23.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,159 13.8% 2.3%
15 to 24 1,769 11.3% 3.6%
25 to 44 4,377 28.1% -2.5%
45 to 64 3,559 22.8% -2.2%
Over 65 3,729 23.9% 5.3%
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 Traverse City, 96.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 1.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.3%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,019 96.3% 1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 513 3.3% -10.0%
Non-citizens 61 0.4% -61.9%
Racial breakdown
White
89%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.9%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 13,878 89%
Black or African American 197 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 37 0.2%
Asian 165 1.1%
Two or more races 1,227 7.9%
Other 89 0.6%

Households in Traverse City

A peek inside Traverse City households

Traverse City has 7,191 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50% are families, while the remaining 50% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,191
-1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,598
Family households
3,593
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,598 50% -7.7%
Family households 3,593 50% 5.3%
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 Traverse City

The housing landscape of Traverse City

Traverse City's housing consists of 8,479 units, with 62.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
8,479
-1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,336 62.9%
1 unit, attached 375 4.4%
2 units 328 3.9%
3 or 4 units 334 3.9%
5 to 9 units 500 5.9%
10 to 19 units 784 9.2%
20 to 49 units 352 4.2%
50 or more units 470 5.5%
Homes built since 2020
100
203.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Traverse City

In Traverse City, the median construction year is 1964. About 31.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,665 31.4% -6.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 366 4.3% -11.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 960 11.3% -10.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 568 6.7% -1.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,156 13.6% -5.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 584 6.9% 50.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 433 5.1% -8.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 786 9.3% -5.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 861 10.2% 17.0%
Built in 2020 or later 100 1.2% 203.0%
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.

Traverse City occupancy rates

Out of the 7,191 occupied housing units in Traverse City, 63.7% are owner-occupied, while 36.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,191
-1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,613
Owner occupied
4,578
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,613 36.3% -8.6%
Owner occupied 4,578 63.7% 2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
15.2%
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.

Traverse City housing costs

Housing costs in Traverse City come to a median of $1,205 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $995.

Median housing costs per month
$1,205/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 Traverse City
$995/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 Traverse City

Traverse City education at a glance

About 21.3% of the population in Traverse City went to high school, while 24.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.3% earned an associate degree and 22.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 20.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 141 1.1% 13.7%
High school diploma 2,773 21.3% -3.8%
College diploma 3,196 24.6% 0.7%
Associate degree 1,345 10.3% 6.8%
Bachelor's degree 2,897 22.3% -4.4%
Graduate degree 2,657 20.4% 6.5%
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 Traverse City

How much people earn in Traverse City

The average annual household income in Traverse City was $113,200 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $74,087, reflecting a +3.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Traverse City
$113,200/year
3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Traverse City
$74,087/year
3.3% year-over-year change

Traverse City income by age

In Traverse City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $76,840. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $86,250 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $27,326, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $66,380 in earnings. Overall, 87.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $27,326 -2.8%
25 - 44 $76,840 7.7%
45 - 64 $86,250 -4.8%
Over 65 $66,380 8.0%
Above poverty level
13,125
Below poverty level
1,814
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,125 87.9% -2.9%
Below poverty level 1,814 12.1% 34.9%

Employment in Traverse City

Workforce and job types in Traverse City

The job market in Traverse City is powered by 7,836 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.8% run their own businesses, 62.3% are employed by private companies, and 9.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,836
-4.0% year-over-year change
White collar
6,731
Blue collar
1,105
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,731 85.9% -1.6%
Blue collar 1,105 14.1% -16.3%
Employer type
Self employees
13.8%
Private companies
62.3%
Governmental workers
9.4%
Not for profit companies
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,080 13.8% 11.8%
Private companies 4,879 62.3% -9.0%
Governmental workers 734 9.4% -20.7%
Not for profit companies 1,143 14.6% 26.7%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
12.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Traverse City stands at 5.2%, 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 Traverse City

How people get around in Traverse City

In Traverse City, the average commute time is 17 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 64.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
17 min
-8.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,966 64.7% -6.7%
Taxicab 16 0.2% 45.5%
Bus or trolleybus 85 1.1% -64.3%
Bicycle 487 6.4% 4.5%
Walk 450 5.9% -16.2%
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 Traverse City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49684 21,585 9,429 $80,788 $120,421
49686 25,492 12,007 $71,609 $105,577

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FAQs about Traverse City demographics 

What is the total population of Traverse City?

Traverse City has a total population of 15,593 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 +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Traverse City?

The gender ratio in Traverse City is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (7,698 residents)
  • 50.6% females (7,895 residents)

What is the median age in Traverse City?

The median age in Traverse City is 42.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Traverse City?

The age distribution in Traverse City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.8% (2,159 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (1,769 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.1% (4,377 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (3,559 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.9% (3,729 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Traverse City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Traverse City is as follows:
  • White: 89% (13,878 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (197 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (37 residents)
  • Asian: 1.1% (165 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.9% (1,227 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (89 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.3% of the population in Traverse City.

How many housing units are there in Traverse City?

There are 8,479 housing units in Traverse City, reflecting a -1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Traverse City has a total of 7,191 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Traverse City?

Traverse City has a median household income of $74,087, representing a +3.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Traverse City?

The employment rate is 94.8% in Traverse City, with a workforce of 7,836 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.9% (6,731 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.1% (1,105 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.8% (1,080 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.3% (4,879 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.4% (734 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.6% (1,143 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