South Lyon, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, South Lyon, Michigan had a total population of 11,950, the 87th largest city in Michigan, with a median household income of $92,467, which is 27% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.0% — among the lowest in Michigan.
South Lyon Quick Facts
How South Lyon 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 | 11,825 | 11,950 | +1.1% |
| Median household income | $83,822 | $92,467 | +10.3% |
| Median home value | $280,900 | $294,600 | +4.9% |
How South Lyon 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 Lyon Rankings in Michigan
Explore Michigan Rankings
Other Cities in Oakland County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy | 87,898 | $120,045 | 5.4% | $420,300 |
| Farmington Hills | 83,515 | $104,836 | 7.6% | $354,500 |
| Rochester Hills | 77,089 | $120,694 | 5.2% | $409,800 |
| Southfield | 76,236 | $68,166 | 10.3% | $236,200 |
| Novi | 66,717 | $110,723 | 5.4% | $421,900 |
| Pontiac | 62,104 | $44,329 | 24.4% | $121,700 |
| Royal Oak | 57,950 | $101,109 | 6.2% | $328,700 |
| Oak Park | 29,318 | $71,510 | 12.0% | $212,300 |
| Madison Heights | 28,419 | $69,503 | 10.8% | $199,100 |
| Auburn Hills | 25,105 | $84,375 | 11.1% | $245,000 |
Cities Similar to South Lyon
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmington | 11,504 | $97,750 | $297,200 | 62.4% | 4.8% |
| Clawson | 11,374 | $88,636 | $267,100 | 45.8% | 5.9% |
| Fenton | 11,906 | $80,000 | $235,900 | 39.2% | 6.9% |
| New Baltimore | 12,072 | $106,033 | $323,200 | 30.4% | 5.4% |
| Riverview | 12,186 | $73,468 | $215,100 | 21.3% | 7.3% |
Population Overview
South Lyon is a small city located in Michigan, within Oakland County. The total population is 11,950. It ranks as the 87th most populous out of 745 Census-designated places in Michigan.
Age Demographics
The median age in South Lyon is 41.8 years. This is 4% higher than the state median of 40.2 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in South Lyon is $92,467. This is 27% higher than the state median of $72,875. It is also 15% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 4.0%. This is 70% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 3.7%. This is 35% lower than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $294,600. Housing costs are 27% higher than the state median of $231,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x. 81.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% higher than the state average of 73.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
South Lyon has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.5%. The Black or African American population (2.0%) is well below the state average of 13.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.5%) is well below the state average of 5.9%.
Education
47.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 45% 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 97.0%. Notably, 18.7% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for South Lyon, 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 South Lyon, Michigan?
South Lyon, Michigan has a population of 11,950 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in South Lyon, MI?
The median household income in South Lyon is $92,467, which is 15% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in South Lyon, MI?
The poverty rate in South Lyon is 4.0%. This means approximately 474 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of South Lyon, Michigan?
South Lyon's population is 88.6% White, 2.0% Black, 2.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in South Lyon, MI?
The median home value in South Lyon is $294,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
How educated is South Lyon, Michigan?
47.2% of adults (25+) in South Lyon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 18.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.