Mecosta County, Michigan Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Mecosta County is located in Michigan with a total population of 40,321. It is the 41st most populous county out of 83 in Michigan. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Mecosta County is 40.6 years. This is 1% higher than the state median of 40.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Mecosta County is $57,774. This is 19% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 26% lower. The poverty rate stands at 19.2%. This is 47% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. The unemployment rate is 5.0%. This is 14% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $169,900. Housing costs are 22% lower than the state median of $217,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Mecosta County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 75.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% higher than the state average of 72.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Mecosta County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.8%. The Black or African American population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 13.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.8%) is well below the state average of 5.7%. The Asian population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 3.3%.

Education

22.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 28% 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 91.7%.