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Harper Woods city, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026

Very AffordableHome value to income ratio of 2.3x is exceptionally low

As of 2026, Harper Woods city, Michigan has a total population of 15,205, the 73rd largest city in Michigan, with a median household income of $61,446, which is 14% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 19.8%.

Key Takeaways

Harper Woods city Quick Facts

Population 15,205
Median Household Income $61,446
Median Home Value $143,600
Poverty Rate 19.8%
Unemployment Rate 7.2%
Median Age 37.1 years
Homeownership Rate 66.0%
Affordability Ratio 2.3x
Bachelor's Degree or Higher 25.0%
High School Graduation Rate 93.4%
Diversity Index 50/100
Population 15,205 73rd of 745
Median Income $61,446 average
Poverty Rate 19.8% 59% higher national
Median Home Value $143,600 average

How Harper Woods city Compares

Economy & Housing

Employment

7.2% Unemployment Rate State: 5.8% | National: 5.2%
64.1% Labor Force Participation

Housing Overview

Owner 66.0%
Renter 34.0%
Affordability Index Very Affordable
2.3x home value to income ratio

People & Demographics

Diversity Index

50out of 100
Moderate Diversity

Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.

State average: 44 | National average: 60

Education

Harper Woods city Rankings in Michigan

#73 Population of 745
#338 Median Income of 745
#275 Education of 745
#387 Home Value of 745

Other Cities in Wayne County

CityPopulationMedian IncomePovertyHome Value
Detroit city 636,644 $39,575 31.5% $76,800
Dearborn city 107,846 $65,192 24.3% $205,900
Livonia city 94,058 $96,317 4.7% $265,300
Westland city 84,155 $62,216 13.3% $176,500
Taylor city 62,405 $59,537 16.7% $141,200
Dearborn Heights city 62,099 $61,035 20.4% $174,900
Lincoln Park city 39,511 $57,183 22.1% $117,400
Southgate city 29,551 $64,635 9.8% $165,400
Allen Park city 28,128 $80,045 6.0% $174,500
Hamtramck city 27,830 $40,103 38.2% $116,400

Cities Similar to Harper Woods city

These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueBachelor's+Poverty
Hazel Park city14,945$62,878$141,20025.1%13.6%
Fraser city14,604$61,118$193,60021.1%10.3%
Mount Clemens city15,567$57,663$169,00017.8%14.3%
Traverse City city15,491$71,731$367,60047.0%9.1%
Owosso city14,658$53,702$121,50019.8%15.6%

Population Overview

Harper Woods city is a small city located in Michigan, within Wayne County. The total population is 15,205. It ranks as the 73rd most populous out of 745 cities and towns in Michigan.

Age Demographics

The median age in Harper Woods city is 37.1 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Harper Woods city is $61,446. This is 14% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 22% lower. The poverty rate stands at 19.8%. This is 52% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. The unemployment rate is 7.2%. This is 25% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $143,600. Housing costs are 34% lower than the state median of $217,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.3x, Harper Woods city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 66.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% lower than the state average of 72.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Harper Woods city is Black or African American, making up 63.8% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 29.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (29.8%) is well below the state average of 73.0%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (63.8% vs 13.2%). The Hispanic or Latino population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 5.7%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.3%.

Education

25.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 21% 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 93.4%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Harper Woods 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 Harper Woods city, Michigan?

Harper Woods city, Michigan has a population of 15,205 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.

What is the median household income in Harper Woods city, MI?

The median household income in Harper Woods city is $61,446, which is 22% lower the national median of $78,538.

What is the poverty rate in Harper Woods city, MI?

The poverty rate in Harper Woods city is 19.8%. This means approximately 2,970 residents live below the federal poverty line.

What is the racial makeup of Harper Woods city, Michigan?

Harper Woods city's population is 29.8% White, 63.8% Black, 1.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.4% Asian.

What is the median home value in Harper Woods city, MI?

The median home value in Harper Woods city is $143,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x.

How educated is Harper Woods city, Michigan?

25.0% of adults (25+) in Harper Woods city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.