Melvindale, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Melvindale, Michigan had a total population of 12,554, the 83rd largest city in Michigan, with a median household income of $42,185, which is 42% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 39.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 42% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (39.1%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Melvindale Quick Facts
How Melvindale Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,605 | 12,554 | -0.4% |
| Median household income | $41,356 | $42,185 | +2.0% |
| Median home value | $113,100 | $125,800 | +11.2% |
How Melvindale Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 45 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Melvindale Rankings in Michigan
Explore Michigan Rankings
Other Cities in Wayne County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | 638,530 | $39,938 | 32.7% | $83,900 |
| Dearborn | 107,423 | $65,324 | 24.3% | $218,800 |
| Livonia | 93,851 | $98,460 | 4.7% | $281,100 |
| Westland | 83,633 | $62,076 | 14.3% | $184,600 |
| Taylor | 62,081 | $61,081 | 18.4% | $152,600 |
| Dearborn Heights | 61,771 | $60,391 | 21.9% | $185,100 |
| Lincoln Park | 39,257 | $58,616 | 21.5% | $131,000 |
| Southgate | 29,366 | $66,118 | 9.4% | $173,600 |
| Allen Park | 27,925 | $81,655 | 6.9% | $183,700 |
| Hamtramck | 27,743 | $39,293 | 39.9% | $131,000 |
Cities Similar to Melvindale
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escanaba | 12,354 | $45,369 | $125,200 | 19.8% | 17.7% |
| Niles | 11,803 | $51,376 | $135,100 | 17.0% | 17.8% |
| Coldwater | 13,671 | $50,781 | $137,500 | 13.9% | 21.3% |
| Sault Ste. Marie | 13,335 | $55,328 | $139,400 | 27.0% | 17.8% |
| Ionia | 12,753 | $63,978 | $164,800 | 10.0% | 12.0% |
Population Overview
Melvindale is a small city located in Michigan, within Wayne County. The total population is 12,554. It ranks as the 83rd most populous out of 745 Census-designated places in Michigan.
Age Demographics
The median age in Melvindale is 31.3 years. This is 22% lower than the state median of 40.2 years. With 32.3% of the population under 18, Melvindale has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Melvindale is $42,185. This is 42% lower than the state median of $72,875. It is also 48% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 39.1%. This is 196% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. 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 6.1%. This is 8% higher than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $125,800. Housing costs are 46% lower than the state median of $231,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 60.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% lower than the state average of 73.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Melvindale is White (non-Hispanic), making up 58.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 26.5%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (26.5% vs 5.9%).
Education
14.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 57% lower than the state rate of 32.5%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 71.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Melvindale, Michigan is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. 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. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Melvindale, Michigan?
Melvindale, Michigan has a population of 12,554 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Melvindale, MI?
The median household income in Melvindale is $42,185, which is 48% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Melvindale, MI?
The poverty rate in Melvindale is 39.1%. This means approximately 4,885 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Melvindale, Michigan?
Melvindale's population is 58.7% White, 10.2% Black, 26.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Melvindale, MI?
The median home value in Melvindale is $125,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is Melvindale, Michigan?
14.0% of adults (25+) in Melvindale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.