Elk Rapids, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Elk Rapids, Michigan had a total population of 1,624, the 346th largest village in Michigan, with a median household income of $70,938, which is 3% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 3.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 3.7% — among the lowest in Michigan.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%.
Elk Rapids Quick Facts
How Elk Rapids 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 | 1,558 | 1,624 | +4.2% |
| Median household income | $78,472 | $70,938 | -9.6% |
| Median home value | $348,400 | $393,400 | +12.9% |
How Elk Rapids 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 less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 45 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Elk Rapids Rankings in Michigan
Explore Michigan Rankings
Other Cities in Antrim County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakes of the North | 1,524 | $82,188 | 9.3% | $232,100 |
| Mancelona | 1,476 | $51,691 | 16.8% | $131,400 |
| Central Lake | 1,051 | $63,269 | 8.7% | $167,100 |
| Bellaire | 1,008 | $55,789 | 14.0% | $230,100 |
| Eastport | 311 | $55,761 | 14.8% | $331,300 |
| Alba | 282 | $100,870 | 1.8% | N/A |
| Ellsworth | 265 | $61,000 | 8.7% | $160,200 |
| Alden | 133 | $56,250 | 0.0% | $311,400 |
Cities Similar to Elk Rapids
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morrice | 1,550 | $66,071 | $121,900 | 9.6% | 17.1% |
| Fennville | 1,623 | $59,167 | $150,400 | 6.2% | 24.9% |
| Bellevue | 1,552 | $63,750 | $118,100 | 14.2% | 16.1% |
| Ravenna | 1,540 | $77,857 | $204,300 | 25.6% | 6.3% |
| Three Oaks | 1,503 | $66,985 | $215,700 | 27.6% | 9.1% |
Population Overview
Elk Rapids is a small community located in Michigan, within Antrim County. The total population is 1,624. It ranks as the 346th most populous out of 745 Census-designated places in Michigan.
Age Demographics
The median age in Elk Rapids is 57.7 years. This is 44% higher than the state median of 40.2 years. Only 12.4% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 17.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Elk Rapids is $70,938. This is 3% lower than the state median of $72,875. It is also 12% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 3.7%. This is 72% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 1.3%. This is 77% lower than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $393,400. Housing costs are 70% higher than the state median of $231,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x. 75.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% higher than the state average of 73.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
Elk Rapids has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.1%.
Education
45.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 40% higher than the state rate of 32.5%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 98.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Elk Rapids, Michigan 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 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. 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 Elk Rapids, Michigan?
Elk Rapids, Michigan has a population of 1,624 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Elk Rapids, MI?
The median household income in Elk Rapids is $70,938, which is 12% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Elk Rapids, MI?
The poverty rate in Elk Rapids is 3.7%. This means approximately 60 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Elk Rapids, Michigan?
Elk Rapids's population is 90.3% White, 0.0% Black, 3.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Elk Rapids, MI?
The median home value in Elk Rapids is $393,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x.
How educated is Elk Rapids, Michigan?
45.4% of adults (25+) in Elk Rapids hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 15.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.