Hartford city, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Hartford city, Michigan has a total population of 2,312, the 282nd largest city in Michigan, with a median household income of $39,868, which is 44% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 19.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 44% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Only 7.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.0%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x.
- Unemployment rate of 8.2% is notably above the national average.
Hartford city Quick Facts
How Hartford 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+)
Hartford city Rankings in Michigan
Explore Michigan Rankings
Other Cities in Van Buren County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Haven city | 3,994 | $64,338 | 20.4% | $372,200 |
| Bangor city | 2,113 | $50,714 | 15.6% | $106,800 |
| Gobles city | 598 | $39,931 | 22.7% | $100,000 |
Cities Similar to Hartford city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison city | 2,275 | $40,888 | $115,100 | 11.1% | 28.2% |
| Kalkaska village | 2,370 | $42,955 | $121,300 | 18.6% | 20.2% |
| West Branch city | 2,177 | $40,078 | $114,300 | 21.5% | 24.2% |
| Newaygo city | 2,486 | $41,934 | $102,900 | 11.8% | 21.0% |
| Bronson city | 2,183 | $46,607 | $93,900 | 10.5% | 16.9% |
Population Overview
Hartford city is a small community located in Michigan, within Van Buren County. The total population is 2,312. It ranks as the 282nd most populous out of 745 cities and towns in Michigan.
Age Demographics
The median age in Hartford city is 30.4 years. This is 24% lower than the state median of 40.1 years. With 33.6% of the population under 18, Hartford city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Hartford city is $39,868. This is 44% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 49% lower. The poverty rate stands at 19.1%. This is 47% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. The unemployment rate is 8.2%. This is 42% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $95,200. Housing costs are 56% lower than the state median of $217,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Hartford city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 65.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% lower than the state average of 72.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Hartford city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 61.1% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 33.6%. The Black or African American population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 13.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (33.6% vs 5.7%).
Education
7.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 77% 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 82.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Hartford 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 Hartford city, Michigan?
Hartford city, Michigan has a population of 2,312 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Hartford city, MI?
The median household income in Hartford city is $39,868, which is 49% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Hartford city, MI?
The poverty rate in Hartford city is 19.1%. This means approximately 439 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Hartford city, Michigan?
Hartford city's population is 61.1% White, 1.5% Black, 33.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Hartford city, MI?
The median home value in Hartford city is $95,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x.
How educated is Hartford city, Michigan?
7.2% of adults (25+) in Hartford city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.