Arenac County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 68th-largest in Michigan
The population of Arenac County, Michigan is 15,054 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 68th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $56,989, the median home value is $129,000, and the median age is 50.1.
The population of Arenac County has declined 4.8% since 2010 (15,852 → 15,087), a -0.35% annualized rate.
15,054
Population
-0.35%
Annual growth
41
People / sq mi
$56,989
Median Income
$129,000
Median Home Value
Arenac County covers 363 sq mi of land at 41.5 people per square mile.
About Arenac County, MI
Arenac County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 8.7% of the population. Arenac County is a county in Michigan with a population of 15,054.
The typical household here earns about $56,989, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $129,000, with typical rent around $741.
College attainment is 15.8%, below the national 35.0%. About 6.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Arenac County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Arenac County had a population of 15,852 in 2010 and 15,087 in 2024, a -4.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,852 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.35%.
15,087
Population (2024)
15,852
Population (2010)
15,852
Peak (2010)
-0.35%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,852 |
| 2011 | 15,635 |
| 2012 | 15,500 |
| 2013 | 15,411 |
| 2014 | 15,317 |
| 2015 | 15,304 |
| 2016 | 15,126 |
| 2017 | 15,009 |
| 2018 | 15,033 |
| 2019 | 14,944 |
| 2020 | 15,009 |
| 2021 | 15,023 |
| 2022 | 15,115 |
| 2023 | 15,152 |
| 2024 | 15,087 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
50.1
Median Age
48.8%
Female
51.2%
Male
26.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.9% · Seniors (65+): 26.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,989$-14,160 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,907 |
| Per-capita income | $31,061 |
| Poverty rate | 8.8% |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Arenac County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
2.5%
Carpool
80.7%
Public transit
6.9%
Work from home
27.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$129,000$-88,600 vs state
Median home value
$741
Median rent
85.7%
Homeownership rate
9,536
Total housing units
67.3%
Occupied
32.7%
Vacant
14.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.7%
With health insurance
89.8%
With broadband internet
8.7%
Foreign-born
8.9%
Veterans (18+)
18.6%
With a disability
97.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.6%
High School+
15.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Michigan
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Arenac County, Michigan has a population of 15,054 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 68th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 41 people per square mile.
The population of Arenac County has declined 4.8% since 2010 (15,852 → 15,087), a -0.35% annualized rate.
The median household income in Arenac County, Michigan is $56,989, with mean (average) household income of $69,907 and per-capita income of $31,061. 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Arenac County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.9%), Hispanic or Latino (2.4%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Arenac County, Michigan is 50.1 years. Residents are 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
The median home value in Arenac County is $129,000 and median monthly rent is $741. 85.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,536 total housing units, 32.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Arenac County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Arenac County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
Arenac County, MI Climate
Arenac County, MI has an average annual temperature of 7.4°C (45°F) and receives about 734 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.4°C
Avg Temp
734
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 20° | 38 mm |
| February | -6° / 22° | 30 mm |
| March | -1° / 31° | 50 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 63 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 69 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 74 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 65 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 85 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 91 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 62 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 59 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 48 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 Arenac County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Arenac County, 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 -11°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Arenac County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.