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Population Review

Berrien County, Michigan Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 16th-largest in Michigan

The population of Berrien County, Michigan is 153,411 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 16th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $63,152, the median home value is $211,400, and the median age is 42.6.

The population of Berrien County has declined 2.6% since 2010 (156,740 → 152,703), a -0.19% annualized rate.

Berrien County within Michigan · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

153,411

Population

-0.19%

Annual growth

270

People / sq mi

$63,152

Median Income

$211,400

Median Home Value

Berrien County covers 568 sq mi of land at 270.2 people per square mile.

About Berrien County, MI

Berrien County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 270 people per square mile. With 153,411 residents, Berrien County is a county in Michigan. It ranks #16 among counties in Michigan by population.

Median household income is $63,152, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.9%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $211,400, with typical rent around $923.

College attainment is above the local norm at 30.2%, below the national 35.0%. About 10.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.

That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Berrien County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.

Berrien County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Berrien County had a population of 156,740 in 2010 and 152,703 in 2024, a -2.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 156,911 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.19%.

2011 · 157K20102024
Berrien County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

152,703

Population (2024)

156,740

Population (2010)

156,911

Peak (2011)

-0.19%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010156,740
2011156,911
2012156,669
2013156,205
2014156,074
2015155,136
2016154,451
2017154,264
2018153,892
2019153,352
2020154,426
2021153,598
2022153,064
2023152,651
2024152,703

Race & Ethnicity

White75.0%
Black or African American13.5%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.8%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

42.6

Median Age

50.8%

Female

49.2%

Male

20.8%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.4%
5–9
6.2%
10–14
6.1%
15–19
6.2%
20–24
5.7%
25–34
11.3%
35–44
11.8%
45–54
11.9%
55–59
6.7%
60–64
7.7%
65–74
12.3%
75–84
5.5%
85+
3.0%

Children (under 15): 17.7% · Seniors (65+): 20.8%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$63,152$-7,997 vs state
Mean household income$88,982
Per-capita income$37,747
Poverty rate10.9%+2.1% vs state
Unemployment rate3.9%
Employment-to-population56.5%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
23.6%
Manufacturing
19.5%
Education & health care
9.2%
Finance & real estate
8.1%
Retail trade
6.7%
Construction
5.3%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.3%
Information
4.5%

The largest employment sector in Berrien County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.6% of workers.

How residents commute

0.3%

Drive alone

2.7%

Carpool

77.4%

Public transit

10.2%

Work from home

20.9 min

Avg commute

Housing

$211,400$-6,200 vs state

Median home value

$923

Median rent

72.8%

Homeownership rate

77,127

Total housing units

82.5%

Occupied

17.5%

Vacant

27.2%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

93.8%

With health insurance

93.0%

With broadband internet

33.8%

Foreign-born

6.1%

Veterans (18+)

13.8%

With a disability

92.4%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

92.3%

High School+

30.2%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Michigan

Other counties in Michigan

Part of Michigan

Metro areas in Michigan

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Berrien County, Michigan has a population of 153,411 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 16th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 270 people per square mile.

The population of Berrien County has declined 2.6% since 2010 (156,740 → 152,703), a -0.19% annualized rate.

The median household income in Berrien County, Michigan is $63,152, with mean (average) household income of $88,982 and per-capita income of $37,747. 10.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Berrien County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (75.0%), Black or African American (13.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Berrien County, Michigan is 42.6 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.

The median home value in Berrien County is $211,400 and median monthly rent is $923. 72.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 77,127 total housing units, 17.5% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Berrien County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.

Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Berrien County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.