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).
Traverse City city, MI Climate
Traverse City city, MI has an average annual temperature of 7.5°C (46°F) and receives about 764 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.5°C
Avg Temp
764
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 52 mm |
| February | -5° / 22° | 36 mm |
| March | -1° / 30° | 43 mm |
| April | 6° / 42° | 60 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 62 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 77 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 66 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 76 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 100 mm |
| October | 10° / 49° | 70 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 66 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 56 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Traverse City city, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Traverse City city, MI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Traverse City
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.