Chippewa County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 44th-largest in Michigan
The population of Chippewa County, Michigan is 36,448 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 44th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $60,631, the median home value is $153,100, and the median age is 41.3.
The population of Chippewa County has declined 6.1% since 2010 (38,623 → 36,253), a -0.45% annualized rate.
36,448
Population
-0.45%
Annual growth
23
People / sq mi
$60,631
Median Income
$153,100
Median Home Value
Chippewa County covers 1,559 sq mi of land at 23.4 people per square mile.
About Chippewa County, MI
Chippewa County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 15.9% of the population. With 36,448 residents, Chippewa County is a county in Michigan. It ranks #44 among counties in Michigan by population.
The typical household here earns about $60,631, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $153,100, with typical rent around $793.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, 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 19 minutes each way.
Chippewa County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Chippewa County had a population of 38,623 in 2010 and 36,253 in 2024, a -6.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 39,006 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.45%.
36,253
Population (2024)
38,623
Population (2010)
39,006
Peak (2012)
-0.45%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 38,623 |
| 2011 | 38,904 |
| 2012 | 39,006 |
| 2013 | 38,587 |
| 2014 | 38,275 |
| 2015 | 37,998 |
| 2016 | 37,724 |
| 2017 | 37,699 |
| 2018 | 37,423 |
| 2019 | 37,287 |
| 2020 | 36,787 |
| 2021 | 35,861 |
| 2022 | 36,236 |
| 2023 | 36,340 |
| 2024 | 36,253 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 68.0% |
| Black or African American | 5.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 20.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.3
Median Age
45.6%
Female
54.4%
Male
19.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.7% · Seniors (65+): 19.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,631$-10,518 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,181 |
| Per-capita income | $30,609 |
| Poverty rate | 9.8%+1.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Chippewa County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
3.5%
Carpool
76.8%
Public transit
6.9%
Work from home
18.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$153,100$-64,500 vs state
Median home value
$793
Median rent
73.7%
Homeownership rate
20,340
Total housing units
68.2%
Occupied
31.8%
Vacant
26.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.4%
With health insurance
91.2%
With broadband internet
15.9%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
17.7%
With a disability
95.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.8%
High School+
21.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Michigan
Other counties in Michigan
Part of Michigan
Metro areas in Michigan
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Chippewa County, Michigan has a population of 36,448 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 44th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 23 people per square mile.
The population of Chippewa County has declined 6.1% since 2010 (38,623 → 36,253), a -0.45% annualized rate.
The median household income in Chippewa County, Michigan is $60,631, with mean (average) household income of $77,181 and per-capita income of $30,609. 9.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Chippewa County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (68.0%), Hispanic or Latino (20.2%), Black or African American (5.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Chippewa County, Michigan is 41.3 years. Residents are 45.6% female and 54.4% male.
The median home value in Chippewa County is $153,100 and median monthly rent is $793. 73.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 20,340 total housing units, 31.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Chippewa County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Chippewa County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
Chippewa County, MI Climate
Chippewa County, MI has an average annual temperature of 4.8°C (41°F) and receives about 845 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.8°C
Avg Temp
845
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 13° | 56 mm |
| February | -9° / 16° | 41 mm |
| March | -4° / 25° | 49 mm |
| April | 4° / 39° | 61 mm |
| May | 11° / 51° | 73 mm |
| June | 15° / 60° | 78 mm |
| July | 18° / 65° | 77 mm |
| August | 18° / 64° | 85 mm |
| September | 13° / 56° | 106 mm |
| October | 7° / 45° | 76 mm |
| November | 1° / 33° | 81 mm |
| December | -6° / 21° | 62 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 Chippewa County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Chippewa County, MI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 25°C high). The coldest is January (near -15°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Chippewa County
Visiting or relocating to Chippewa County, MI? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Chippewa County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Chippewa County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Chippewa County, MI by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Michigan
Population 1,773,767
Population 1,272,294
Population 877,624
Population 658,844
Full rankings of Michigan counties
Statewide data for Michigan
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Michigan
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.