Branch County, Michigan Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Branch County is located in Michigan with a total population of 44,914. It is the 38th most populous county out of 83 in Michigan. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Branch County is 40.8 years. This is 2% higher than the state median of 40.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Branch County is $61,958. This is 13% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 21% lower. The poverty rate stands at 15.4%. This is 18% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. The unemployment rate is 5.2%. This is 11% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $147,500. Housing costs are 32% lower than the state median of $217,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Branch County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 77.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 72.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Branch County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.3%. The Black or African American population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 13.2%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.3%.

Education

16.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 47% lower than the state rate of 31.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.6%.