Michigan City, Indiana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Michigan City, Indiana had a total population of 31,814, the 33rd largest city in Indiana, with a median household income of $53,089, which is 26% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 19.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Unemployment rate of 9.1% is notably above the national average.
Michigan City Quick Facts
How Michigan City Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 31,894 | 31,814 | -0.3% |
| Median household income | $52,979 | $53,089 | +0.2% |
| Median home value | $129,000 | $143,100 | +10.9% |
How Michigan City Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 41 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Michigan City Rankings in Indiana
Explore Indiana Rankings
Other Cities in LaPorte County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Porte | 22,449 | $59,307 | 16.4% | $157,500 |
| Westville | 5,279 | $60,794 | 11.4% | $139,300 |
| Trail Creek | 2,351 | $77,635 | 6.6% | $191,800 |
| Kingsford Heights | 1,358 | $57,830 | 26.7% | $120,500 |
| Hudson Lake | 1,347 | $98,253 | 7.2% | $241,200 |
| Wanatah | 1,178 | $68,409 | 5.9% | $195,100 |
| Long Beach | 1,111 | $121,827 | 3.8% | $672,300 |
| Fish Lake | 684 | $80,976 | 7.9% | $190,800 |
| La Crosse | 651 | $74,107 | 12.6% | $140,700 |
| Hanna | 529 | $39,097 | 44.6% | $155,100 |
Cities Similar to Michigan City
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goshen | 34,420 | $59,184 | $184,900 | 23.7% | 17.1% |
| New Albany | 37,581 | $54,710 | $180,500 | 23.7% | 18.9% |
| Richmond | 35,581 | $45,399 | $114,400 | 20.1% | 25.4% |
| Valparaiso | 34,733 | $69,872 | $267,300 | 40.6% | 14.9% |
| Marion | 27,531 | $43,343 | $85,300 | 16.9% | 29.6% |
Population Overview
Michigan City is a mid-sized community located in Indiana, within LaPorte County. The total population is 31,814. It ranks as the 33rd most populous out of 967 Census-designated places in Indiana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Michigan City is 38.8 years. This is 2% higher than the state median of 38.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Michigan City is $53,089. This is 26% lower than the state median of $71,957. It is also 34% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 19.8%. This is 60% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.3%. The unemployment rate is 9.1%. This is 112% higher than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $143,100. Housing costs are 34% lower than the state median of $218,200. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Michigan City is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 58.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% lower than the state average of 70.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Michigan City is White (non-Hispanic), making up 61.0% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 23.8%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (23.8% vs 9.1%). The Asian population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 2.6%.
Education
20.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 31% lower than the state rate of 29.5%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Michigan City, Indiana is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Indiana state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 967 Census-designated places in Indiana. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Michigan City, Indiana?
Michigan City, Indiana has a population of 31,814 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Michigan City, IN?
The median household income in Michigan City is $53,089, which is 34% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Michigan City, IN?
The poverty rate in Michigan City is 19.8%. This means approximately 5,707 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Michigan City, Indiana?
Michigan City's population is 61.0% White, 23.8% Black, 8.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Michigan City, IN?
The median home value in Michigan City is $143,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x.
How educated is Michigan City, Indiana?
20.3% of adults (25+) in Michigan City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.