East Lansing, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of East Lansing, Michigan is 45,394 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 27th-largest city in Michigan. The median household income is $43,547, the median home value is $251,600, and the median age is 21.3.
The population has grown 0.8% since 2010 (48,585 → 48,964).
45,394
Population
3380
People / sq mi
$43,547
Median Income
$251,600
Median Home Value
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East Lansing covers 13.4 sq mi of land at 3380 people per square mile.
About East Lansing, MI
Age is the most distinctive thing about East Lansing: a median age of 21.3, younger than the national median. With 45,394 residents, East Lansing is a city in Michigan. It ranks #27 among cities in Michigan by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $43,547, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.5%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $251,600, with typical rent around $1,122.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US cities: 67.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. About 18.9% of workers primarily work from home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
East Lansing city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of East Lansing city had a population of 48,585 in 2010 and 48,964 in 2024, a 0.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 49,160 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.78%.
48,964
Population (2024)
48,585
Population (2010)
49,160
Peak (2023)
0.78%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 48,585 |
| 2011 | 48,684 |
| 2012 | 48,752 |
| 2013 | 48,502 |
| 2014 | 48,358 |
| 2015 | 48,517 |
| 2016 | 48,995 |
| 2017 | 49,058 |
| 2018 | 47,863 |
| 2019 | 48,145 |
| 2020 | 48,021 |
| 2021 | 34,848 |
| 2022 | 47,702 |
| 2023 | 49,160 |
| 2024 | 48,964 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 73.8% |
| Black or African American | 7.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$43,547
Median Household Income
$29,162
Per Capita Income
7.5%
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$251,600
Median Home Value
$1,122
Median Rent
38.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
98.3%
High School+
67.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
5.9%
Drive Alone
47.4%
Public Transit
18.9%
Work From Home
16.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
25.1%
Foreign Born
84.5%
Non-English at Home
1.8%
Veterans
9.9%
With Disability
93.8%
Health Insurance
98.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 42.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 14.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.7% |
| Information | 5.2% |
| Manufacturing | 4.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.2% |
| Public Administration | 3.1% |
| Construction | 2.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.1% |
| Retail Trade | 1.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Michigan
Largest counties in Michigan
Part of Michigan
Metro areas in Michigan
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
East Lansing, Michigan has a population of 45,394 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 27th-largest city in Michigan.
The median household income in East Lansing, Michigan is $43,547, with 7.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in East Lansing, Michigan is $251,600, with median monthly rent at $1,122 and a homeownership rate of 38.9%.
The median age in East Lansing, Michigan is 21.3 years. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
The population has grown 0.8% since 2010 (48,585 → 48,964).
Where to stay in East Lansing
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.