Traverse City, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Traverse City, Michigan is 15,491 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 71st-largest city in Michigan. The median household income is $71,731, the median home value is $367,600, and the median age is 42.2.
The population has grown 7.2% since 2010 (14,724 → 15,782).
15,491
Population
1872
People / sq mi
$71,731
Median Income
$367,600
Median Home Value
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Traverse City covers 8.3 sq mi of land at 1872 people per square mile.
About Traverse City, MI
Traverse City skews on age — the median resident is 42.2, older than the national median. Traverse City is a city in Michigan with a population of 15,491.
Median household income is $71,731, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 4.9%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $367,600, with typical rent around $983.
College attainment is above the local norm at 47.0%, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is above the national 14.0% at 15.7%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Traverse City — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Traverse City city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Traverse City city had a population of 14,724 in 2010 and 15,782 in 2024, a 7.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,782 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.50%.
15,782
Population (2024)
14,724
Population (2010)
15,782
Peak (2024)
0.50%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,724 |
| 2011 | 14,880 |
| 2012 | 14,974 |
| 2013 | 15,058 |
| 2014 | 15,202 |
| 2015 | 15,332 |
| 2016 | 15,437 |
| 2017 | 15,506 |
| 2018 | 15,656 |
| 2019 | 15,738 |
| 2020 | 15,674 |
| 2021 | 15,625 |
| 2022 | 15,683 |
| 2023 | 15,718 |
| 2024 | 15,782 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$71,731
Median Household Income
$53,630
Per Capita Income
4.9%
Poverty Rate
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$367,600
Median Home Value
$983
Median Rent
60.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
95.7%
High School+
47.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
3.0%
Drive Alone
59.7%
Public Transit
15.7%
Work From Home
18.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
22.0%
Foreign Born
95.2%
Non-English at Home
5.0%
Veterans
11.5%
With Disability
95.5%
Health Insurance
95.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 29.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 11.5% |
| Manufacturing | 10.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.5% |
| Information | 9.3% |
| Construction | 4.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.2% |
| Public Administration | 2.3% |
| Retail Trade | 2.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.6% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Traverse City, Michigan has a population of 15,491 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 71st-largest city in Michigan.
The median household income in Traverse City, Michigan is $71,731, with 4.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Traverse City, Michigan is $367,600, with median monthly rent at $983 and a homeownership rate of 60.9%.
The median age in Traverse City, Michigan is 42.2 years. The population is 48.3% male and 51.7% female.
The population has grown 7.2% since 2010 (14,724 → 15,782).
Where to stay in Traverse City
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.