East Lansing city, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, East Lansing city, Michigan has a total population of 45,394, the 27th largest city in Michigan, with a median household income of $43,547, which is 39% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 34.2%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 39% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (34.2%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- 67.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Michigan.
East Lansing city Quick Facts
How East Lansing city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 44 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
East Lansing city Rankings in Michigan
Explore Michigan Rankings
Other Cities in Ingham County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lansing city | 112,546 | $52,170 | 19.9% | $119,400 |
| Mason city | 8,239 | $79,521 | 6.5% | $194,600 |
| Williamston city | 3,800 | $73,902 | 8.3% | $215,000 |
| Leslie city | 2,167 | $67,355 | 13.1% | $124,100 |
Cities Similar to East Lansing city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saginaw city | 43,879 | $37,298 | $54,000 | 11.7% | 33.5% |
| Roseville city | 47,240 | $61,222 | $142,700 | 15.3% | 11.8% |
| Battle Creek city | 52,392 | $51,699 | $127,600 | 22.1% | 18.0% |
| Muskegon city | 37,203 | $46,342 | $121,800 | 15.8% | 20.2% |
| Lincoln Park city | 39,511 | $57,183 | $117,400 | 11.3% | 22.1% |
Population Overview
East Lansing city is a mid-sized community located in Michigan, within Ingham County. The total population is 45,394. It ranks as the 27th most populous out of 745 cities and towns in Michigan.
Age Demographics
The median age in East Lansing city is 21.3 years. This is 47% lower than the state median of 40.1 years. Only 9.0% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in East Lansing city is $43,547. This is 39% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 45% lower. The poverty rate stands at 34.2%. This is 162% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 6.9%. This is 18% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $251,600. Housing costs are 16% higher than the state median of $217,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x. 38.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 47% lower than the state average of 72.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in East Lansing city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 71.9% of the population. Asian residents account for 9.2%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (9.2% vs 3.3%).
Education
67.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places East Lansing city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 112% higher 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 98.4%. Notably, 37.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for East Lansing city, Michigan is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Michigan state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 745 Census-designated places in Michigan. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of East Lansing city, Michigan?
East Lansing city, Michigan has a population of 45,394 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in East Lansing city, MI?
The median household income in East Lansing city is $43,547, which is 45% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in East Lansing city, MI?
The poverty rate in East Lansing city is 34.2%. This means approximately 10,352 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of East Lansing city, Michigan?
East Lansing city's population is 71.9% White, 7.6% Black, 6.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 9.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in East Lansing city, MI?
The median home value in East Lansing city is $251,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x.
How educated is East Lansing city, Michigan?
67.3% of adults (25+) in East Lansing city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 37.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.