Shields CDP, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026

Population Overview

Shields CDP is a small city located in Michigan. The total population is 7,276. It ranks as the 139th most populous out of 745 cities and towns in Michigan.

Age Demographics

The median age in Shields CDP is 48.6 years. This is 21% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 12.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Shields CDP is $83,986. This is 18% higher than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 7% higher. The poverty rate stands at 13.2%. This is 1% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. The unemployment rate is 4.1%. This is 29% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $173,300. Housing costs are 20% lower than the state median of $217,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Shields CDP is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 83.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 72.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Shields CDP has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 89.9% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.5%. The Black or African American population (1.3%) is well below the state average of 13.2%. The Asian population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 3.3%.

Education

32.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is about average 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 92.9%. Notably, 16.5% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Shields CDP, 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.