South Lyon city, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, South Lyon city, Michigan has a total population of 11,825, the 89th largest city in Michigan, with a median household income of $83,822, which is 18% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.8%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.8% — among the lowest in Michigan.
South Lyon city Quick Facts
How South Lyon city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 44 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
South Lyon city Rankings in Michigan
Explore Michigan Rankings
Other Cities in Oakland County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy city | 87,307 | $119,299 | 5.3% | $396,800 |
| Farmington Hills city | 83,316 | $101,863 | 6.3% | $333,200 |
| Rochester Hills city | 76,086 | $119,054 | 4.9% | $377,400 |
| Southfield city | 76,025 | $65,848 | 11.2% | $226,900 |
| Novi city | 66,224 | $110,938 | 4.7% | $399,100 |
| Pontiac city | 61,914 | $42,791 | 25.6% | $110,600 |
| Royal Oak city | 57,880 | $95,182 | 5.9% | $305,900 |
| Oak Park city | 29,370 | $65,882 | 14.2% | $198,500 |
| Madison Heights city | 28,411 | $66,726 | 11.3% | $190,300 |
| Auburn Hills city | 24,911 | $78,727 | 11.2% | $233,900 |
Cities Similar to South Lyon city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fenton city | 11,950 | $83,077 | $211,700 | 34.8% | 6.3% |
| Clawson city | 11,314 | $86,630 | $250,800 | 44.0% | 5.4% |
| Woodhaven city | 12,761 | $83,291 | $221,200 | 25.4% | 12.1% |
| Farmington city | 11,472 | $94,115 | $273,000 | 60.8% | 4.0% |
| New Baltimore city | 12,060 | $97,027 | $309,800 | 27.2% | 4.9% |
Population Overview
South Lyon city is a small city located in Michigan, within Oakland County. The total population is 11,825. It ranks as the 89th most populous out of 745 cities and towns in Michigan.
Age Demographics
The median age in South Lyon city is 41.8 years. This is 4% higher than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in South Lyon city is $83,822. 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 4.8%. This is 63% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 3.7%. This is 36% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $280,900. Housing costs are 29% higher than the state median of $217,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x. 79.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% higher than the state average of 72.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
South Lyon city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 89.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.5%. The Black or African American population (1.5%) is well below the state average of 13.2%.
Education
45.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 42% higher 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 97.4%. Notably, 19.1% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for South Lyon city, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of South Lyon city, Michigan?
South Lyon city, Michigan has a population of 11,825 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in South Lyon city, MI?
The median household income in South Lyon city is $83,822, which is 7% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in South Lyon city, MI?
The poverty rate in South Lyon city is 4.8%. This means approximately 566 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of South Lyon city, Michigan?
South Lyon city's population is 89.0% White, 1.5% Black, 3.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in South Lyon city, MI?
The median home value in South Lyon city is $280,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
How educated is South Lyon city, Michigan?
45.0% of adults (25+) in South Lyon city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 19.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.