South Haven, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, South Haven, Michigan had a total population of 3,998, the 209th largest city in Michigan, with a median household income of $68,239, which is 6% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 15.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
South Haven Quick Facts
How South Haven 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 | 3,994 | 3,998 | +0.1% |
| Median household income | $64,338 | $68,239 | +6.1% |
| Median home value | $372,200 | $454,100 | +22.0% |
How South Haven 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 less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 45 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
South Haven Rankings in Michigan
Explore Michigan Rankings
Other Cities in Allegan County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allegan | 5,172 | $52,925 | 13.9% | $176,600 |
| Wayland | 4,457 | $74,464 | 9.9% | $207,400 |
| Otsego | 4,074 | $74,156 | 5.3% | $160,500 |
| Plainwell | 3,763 | $66,525 | 10.4% | $220,500 |
| Dorr | 3,702 | $97,519 | 3.0% | $277,600 |
| Fennville | 1,623 | $59,167 | 24.9% | $150,400 |
| Douglas | 1,427 | $81,627 | 4.4% | $426,400 |
| Hopkins | 773 | $75,417 | 20.3% | $241,700 |
| Saugatuck | 766 | $121,178 | 11.0% | $650,800 |
| Martin | 579 | $60,357 | 5.0% | $176,000 |
Cities Similar to South Haven
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marine City | 4,028 | $67,683 | $159,800 | 18.4% | 7.6% |
| Paw Paw Lake | 3,889 | $67,674 | $191,700 | 26.1% | 17.8% |
| Vicksburg | 3,934 | $72,656 | $231,500 | 29.0% | 5.0% |
| Otsego | 4,074 | $74,156 | $160,500 | 13.5% | 5.3% |
| Belleville | 3,910 | $62,991 | $148,300 | 35.2% | 5.5% |
Population Overview
South Haven is a small community located in Michigan, within Allegan County. The total population is 3,998. It ranks as the 209th most populous out of 745 Census-designated places in Michigan.
Age Demographics
The median age in South Haven is 61.7 years. This is 53% higher than the state median of 40.2 years. Only 13.0% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 19.1% 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 South Haven is $68,239. This is 6% lower than the state median of $72,875. It is also 15% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 15.8%. This is 19% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 2.9%. This is 49% lower than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $454,100. Housing costs are 96% higher than the state median of $231,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.7x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 70.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% lower than the state average of 73.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in South Haven is White (non-Hispanic), making up 80.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 7.0%. The Asian population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 3.4%.
Education
41.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 27% higher 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 92.8%. Notably, 18.8% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for South Haven, 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.
Free data download: Get all Michigan city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of South Haven, Michigan?
South Haven, Michigan has a population of 3,998 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in South Haven, MI?
The median household income in South Haven is $68,239, which is 15% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in South Haven, MI?
The poverty rate in South Haven is 15.8%. This means approximately 614 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of South Haven, Michigan?
South Haven's population is 80.5% White, 7.0% Black, 6.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in South Haven, MI?
The median home value in South Haven is $454,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x.
How educated is South Haven, Michigan?
41.2% of adults (25+) in South Haven hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 18.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.