Benzie County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 65th-largest in Michigan
The population of Benzie County, Michigan is 18,177 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 65th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $72,603, the median home value is $254,400, and the median age is 50.6.
The population of Benzie County has grown 5.9% since 2010 (17,495 → 18,520), a +0.41% annualized rate.
18,177
Population
+0.41%
Annual growth
57
People / sq mi
$72,603
Median Income
$254,400
Median Home Value
Benzie County covers 320 sq mi of land at 56.9 people per square mile.
About Benzie County, MI
Homeownership is the standout figure in Benzie County: 87.8% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Benzie County is a county in Michigan with a population of 18,177.
Median household income is $72,603, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 6.1%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $254,400, with typical rent around $974.
About 34.3% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.5%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Benzie County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Benzie County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Benzie County had a population of 17,495 in 2010 and 18,520 in 2024, a 5.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,520 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.41%.
18,520
Population (2024)
17,495
Population (2010)
18,520
Peak (2024)
0.41%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,495 |
| 2011 | 17,380 |
| 2012 | 17,319 |
| 2013 | 17,340 |
| 2014 | 17,466 |
| 2015 | 17,386 |
| 2016 | 17,523 |
| 2017 | 17,625 |
| 2018 | 17,748 |
| 2019 | 17,767 |
| 2020 | 17,993 |
| 2021 | 18,240 |
| 2022 | 18,336 |
| 2023 | 18,460 |
| 2024 | 18,520 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
50.6
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
27.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.9% · Seniors (65+): 27.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,603+$1,454 vs state |
| Mean household income | $96,668 |
| Per-capita income | $40,984 |
| Poverty rate | 6.1%-2.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Benzie County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
0.7%
Carpool
78.4%
Public transit
10.5%
Work from home
24.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$254,400+$36,800 vs state
Median home value
$974
Median rent
87.8%
Homeownership rate
12,231
Total housing units
61.0%
Occupied
39.0%
Vacant
12.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.2%
With health insurance
95.7%
With broadband internet
20.4%
Foreign-born
9.7%
Veterans (18+)
16.3%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.9%
High School+
34.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Michigan
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Benzie County, Michigan has a population of 18,177 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 65th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 57 people per square mile.
The population of Benzie County has grown 5.9% since 2010 (17,495 → 18,520), a +0.41% annualized rate.
The median household income in Benzie County, Michigan is $72,603, with mean (average) household income of $96,668 and per-capita income of $40,984. 6.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Benzie County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.1%), Hispanic or Latino (2.8%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Benzie County, Michigan is 50.6 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Benzie County is $254,400 and median monthly rent is $974. 87.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,231 total housing units, 39.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Benzie County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Benzie County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
Benzie County, MI Climate
Benzie County, MI has an average annual temperature of 7.4°C (45°F) and receives about 848 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
848
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 22° | 63 mm |
| February | -5° / 24° | 45 mm |
| March | -1° / 31° | 56 mm |
| April | 5° / 41° | 65 mm |
| May | 11° / 53° | 64 mm |
| June | 17° / 62° | 84 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 67 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 84 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 106 mm |
| October | 10° / 49° | 76 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 72 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 66 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 Benzie County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Benzie County, MI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Benzie County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.