Ypsilanti, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Ypsilanti, Michigan had a total population of 19,857, the 60th largest city in Michigan, with a median household income of $46,588, which is 36% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 36% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 8.5% is notably above the national average.
Ypsilanti Quick Facts
How Ypsilanti 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 | 19,937 | 19,857 | -0.4% |
| Median household income | $44,141 | $46,588 | +5.5% |
| Median home value | $223,700 | $232,700 | +4.0% |
How Ypsilanti 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+)
Ypsilanti Rankings in Michigan
Explore Michigan Rankings
Other Cities in Washtenaw County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | 122,036 | $82,212 | 23.8% | $453,400 |
| Saline | 9,006 | $88,346 | 5.8% | $341,300 |
| Whitmore Lake | 7,878 | $86,779 | 5.0% | $287,700 |
| Milan | 5,987 | $96,949 | 10.4% | $247,100 |
| Chelsea | 5,426 | $72,098 | 4.1% | $312,700 |
| Dexter | 4,521 | $106,637 | 0.8% | $421,000 |
| Manchester | 2,522 | $87,614 | 7.3% | $232,000 |
| Barton Hills | 430 | $250,000+ | 0.5% | $1,410,000 |
Cities Similar to Ypsilanti
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian | 20,395 | $50,209 | $138,000 | 21.9% | 20.3% |
| Mount Pleasant | 21,236 | $44,706 | $173,100 | 42.9% | 31.4% |
| Monroe | 20,320 | $59,813 | $167,900 | 19.9% | 19.2% |
| Marquette | 21,325 | $55,613 | $274,700 | 48.0% | 22.4% |
| Cutlerville | 18,780 | $67,327 | $222,600 | 24.0% | 10.3% |
Population Overview
Ypsilanti is a small city located in Michigan, within Washtenaw County. The total population is 19,857. It ranks as the 60th most populous out of 745 Census-designated places in Michigan.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ypsilanti is 27.7 years. This is 31% lower than the state median of 40.2 years. Only 14.8% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Ypsilanti is $46,588. This is 36% lower than the state median of $72,875. It is also 42% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 24.8%. This is 88% 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 8.5%. This is 49% higher than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $232,700. Housing costs are about the same as the state median of $231,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x. 33.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 55% lower than the state average of 73.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ypsilanti is White (non-Hispanic), making up 54.9% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 23.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (23.9% vs 13.1%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (9.0% vs 5.9%).
Education
46.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 44% 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 94.2%. Notably, 21.7% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ypsilanti, 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 Ypsilanti, Michigan?
Ypsilanti, Michigan has a population of 19,857 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ypsilanti, MI?
The median household income in Ypsilanti is $46,588, which is 42% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Ypsilanti, MI?
The poverty rate in Ypsilanti is 24.8%. This means approximately 4,295 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ypsilanti, Michigan?
Ypsilanti's population is 54.9% White, 23.9% Black, 9.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 5.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ypsilanti, MI?
The median home value in Ypsilanti is $232,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x.
How educated is Ypsilanti, Michigan?
46.9% of adults (25+) in Ypsilanti hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 21.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.