Hillsdale County, Michigan Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Hillsdale County is located in Michigan with a total population of 45,658. It is the 37th most populous county out of 83 in Michigan. The county encompasses 4 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Hillsdale County is 42.8 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 40.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Hillsdale County is $60,869. 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 15.5%. This is 19% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. The unemployment rate is 4.5%. This is 23% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $170,500. Housing costs are 22% lower than the state median of $217,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.8x, Hillsdale County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 81.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% higher than the state average of 72.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Hillsdale County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.7%. The Black or African American population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 13.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.7%) is well below the state average of 5.7%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 3.3%.

Education

20.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 35% 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 90.5%.