Grayling city, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Grayling city, Michigan has a total population of 1,638, the 346th largest city in Michigan, with a median household income of $31,719, which is 55% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 25.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 55% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (25.8%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Grayling city Quick Facts
How Grayling city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 44 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Grayling city Rankings in Michigan
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Cities Similar to Grayling city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standish city | 1,616 | $35,114 | $86,000 | 12.9% | 22.6% |
| Evart city | 1,764 | $34,091 | $99,400 | 13.2% | 31.5% |
| Harbor Beach city | 1,576 | $39,844 | $104,200 | 17.3% | 17.1% |
| White Pigeon village | 1,637 | $44,063 | $143,100 | 9.3% | 24.7% |
| Olivet city | 1,633 | $44,940 | $137,300 | 24.7% | 16.6% |
Population Overview
Grayling city is a small community located in Michigan, within Crawford County. The total population is 1,638. It ranks as the 346th most populous out of 745 cities and towns in Michigan.
Age Demographics
The median age in Grayling city is 41.8 years. This is 4% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 12.6% 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 Grayling city is $31,719. This is 55% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 60% lower. The poverty rate stands at 25.8%. This is 97% 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 6.2%. This is 7% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $131,800. Housing costs are 39% lower than the state median of $217,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 45.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 38% lower than the state average of 72.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Grayling city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.7% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.1%. The Black or African American population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 13.2%. The Asian population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 3.3%.
Education
15.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 50% 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 85.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Grayling 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 Grayling city, Michigan?
Grayling city, Michigan has a population of 1,638 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Grayling city, MI?
The median household income in Grayling city is $31,719, which is 60% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Grayling city, MI?
The poverty rate in Grayling city is 25.8%. This means approximately 387 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Grayling city, Michigan?
Grayling city's population is 90.7% White, 0.9% Black, 6.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Grayling city, MI?
The median home value in Grayling city is $131,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
How educated is Grayling city, Michigan?
15.8% of adults (25+) in Grayling city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.