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.
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%.
152,703
Population (2024)
156,740
Population (2010)
156,911
Peak (2011)
-0.19%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 156,740 |
| 2011 | 156,911 |
| 2012 | 156,669 |
| 2013 | 156,205 |
| 2014 | 156,074 |
| 2015 | 155,136 |
| 2016 | 154,451 |
| 2017 | 154,264 |
| 2018 | 153,892 |
| 2019 | 153,352 |
| 2020 | 154,426 |
| 2021 | 153,598 |
| 2022 | 153,064 |
| 2023 | 152,651 |
| 2024 | 152,703 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 75.0% |
| Black or African American | 13.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.6
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
20.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 10.9%+2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
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
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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.
Berrien County, MI Climate
Berrien County, MI has an average annual temperature of 9.7°C (49°F) and receives about 980 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.7°C
Avg Temp
980
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 54 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 44 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 71 mm |
| April | 9° / 47° | 91 mm |
| May | 15° / 58° | 86 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 103 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 92 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 96 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 98 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 79 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 89 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 77 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 Berrien County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Berrien County, MI are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -8°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Berrien County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.