Ypsilanti, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
19,857
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,588/yr
5.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,491
1.5% year-over-year change

Ypsilanti population

How many people live in Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti is home to 19,857 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Ypsilanti locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
19,857
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
9,830
Female
50.5%
10,027
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,830 49.5% 1.2%
Female 10,027 50.5% -1.9%
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 Ypsilanti is 28, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.3% are children under 15, then 31.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31% of the population, while another 15.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
27.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.3%
15 to 24
31.4%
25 to 44
31%
45 to 64
15.6%
Over 65
9.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,446 12.3% -6.8%
15 to 24 6,245 31.4% -3.0%
25 to 44 6,154 31% 2.8%
45 to 64 3,094 15.6% 1.6%
Over 65 1,918 9.7% 4.1%
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 Ypsilanti, 87.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57.3% of locals are Caucasian, 24.9% are African American and 5.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.6%
Non-citizens
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,430 87.8% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,310 6.6% -13.8%
Non-citizens 1,117 5.6% 4.7%
Racial breakdown
White
57.3%
Black or African American
24.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
5.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
10.3%
Other
1.8%
Value Percent
White 11,370 57.3%
Black or African American 4,951 24.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 45 0.2%
Asian 1,023 5.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 77 0.4%
Two or more races 2,042 10.3%
Other 349 1.8%

Households in Ypsilanti

A peek inside Ypsilanti households

Ypsilanti has 8,790 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 37.2% are families, while the remaining 62.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,790
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,524
Family households
3,266
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,524 62.8% -1.5%
Family households 3,266 37.2% 6.0%
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 Ypsilanti

The housing landscape of Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti's housing consists of 9,491 units, with 37.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% 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 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,491
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,519 37.1%
1 unit, attached 286 3%
2 units 595 6.3%
3 or 4 units 1,208 12.7%
5 to 9 units 1,272 13.4%
10 to 19 units 770 8.1%
20 to 49 units 892 9.4%
50 or more units 893 9.4%
Mobile home 56 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
40
700.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ypsilanti

In Ypsilanti, the median construction year is 1956. About 32.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,062 32.3% 1.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,104 11.6% -0.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 898 9.5% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,177 12.4% -13.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,379 14.5% 0.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 675 7.1% 6.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 544 5.7% 29.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 449 4.7% 11.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 163 1.7% 87.4%
Built in 2020 or later 40 0.4% 700.0%
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.

Ypsilanti occupancy rates

Out of the 8,790 occupied housing units in Ypsilanti, 33.2% are owner-occupied, while 66.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,790
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,871
Owner occupied
2,919
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,871 66.8% 1.3%
Owner occupied 2,919 33.2% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
7.4%
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.

Ypsilanti housing costs

Housing costs in Ypsilanti come to a median of $1,106 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,080.

Median housing costs per month
$1,106/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 Ypsilanti
$1,080/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 Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti education at a glance

About 17.6% of the population in Ypsilanti went to high school, while 39.4% pursued college studies. Another 4.7% earned an associate degree and 22% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 292 1.7% -6.1%
High school diploma 2,986 17.6% 10.8%
College diploma 6,665 39.4% -1.2%
Associate degree 789 4.7% -12.6%
Bachelor's degree 3,729 22% 5.6%
Graduate degree 2,459 14.5% -4.3%
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 Ypsilanti

How much people earn in Ypsilanti

The average annual household income in Ypsilanti was $62,957 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,588, reflecting a +5.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ypsilanti
$62,957/year
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ypsilanti
$46,588/year
5.5% year-over-year change

Ypsilanti income by age

In Ypsilanti, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $50,143. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,538 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,573, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,339 in earnings. Overall, 75.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,573 13.3%
25 - 44 $50,143 1.7%
45 - 64 $53,538 6.4%
Over 65 $44,339 -0.8%
Above poverty level
12,942
Below poverty level
4,157
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,942 75.7% 0.7%
Below poverty level 4,157 24.3% -3.8%

Average renter income in Ypsilanti

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ypsilanti, their median household income was $30,684 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,684
Rent-to-income ratio
42.2%
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 Ypsilanti

Workforce and job types in Ypsilanti

The job market in Ypsilanti is powered by 10,459 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 66.1% are employed by private companies, and 15.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,459
2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
8,671
Blue collar
1,788
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,671 82.9% 3.2%
Blue collar 1,788 17.1% -3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
66.1%
Governmental workers
15.7%
Not for profit companies
10.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 814 7.8% 8.4%
Private companies 6,910 66.1% 3.7%
Governmental workers 1,641 15.7% -9.1%
Not for profit companies 1,094 10.5% 5.9%
Unemployment rate
8.5%
11.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ypsilanti stands at 8.5%, 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 Ypsilanti

How people get around in Ypsilanti

In Ypsilanti, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 66.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
2.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,716 66.5% 0.3%
Taxicab 28 0.3% 460.0%
Bus or trolleybus 843 8.4% 9.3%
Motorcycle 18 0.2% 12.5%
Bicycle 50 0.5% 4.2%
Walk 587 5.8% -24.4%
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 Ypsilanti by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48167 24,713 10,593 $124,630 $177,527
48168 25,038 9,058 $187,589 $229,191
48170 40,076 17,308 $114,278 $153,595
48197 66,525 27,559 $73,737 $94,075
48198 39,244 16,471 $63,326 $80,274
48105 37,048 15,689 $94,774 $151,453

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FAQs about Ypsilanti demographics 

What is the total population of Ypsilanti?

Ypsilanti has a total population of 19,857 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ypsilanti?

The gender ratio in Ypsilanti is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (9,830 residents)
  • 50.5% females (10,027 residents)

What is the median age in Ypsilanti?

The median age in Ypsilanti is 27.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ypsilanti?

The age distribution in Ypsilanti is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.3% (2,446 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 31.4% (6,245 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31% (6,154 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 15.6% (3,094 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.7% (1,918 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ypsilanti?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ypsilanti is as follows:
  • White: 57.3% (11,370 residents)
  • Black or African American: 24.9% (4,951 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (45 residents)
  • Asian: 5.2% (1,023 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (77 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.3% (2,042 residents)
  • Other: 1.8% (349 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.8% of the population in Ypsilanti.

How many housing units are there in Ypsilanti?

There are 9,491 housing units in Ypsilanti, reflecting a +1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ypsilanti has a total of 8,790 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ypsilanti?

Ypsilanti has a median household income of $46,588, representing a +5.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 91.5% in Ypsilanti, with a workforce of 10,459 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.9% (8,671 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.1% (1,788 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (814 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.1% (6,910 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.7% (1,641 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.5% (1,094 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