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Population Review

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.

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

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 a county in Michigan with a population of 36,448. It ranks #44 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 41.3, older than the national median. The population is 54.4% male and 45.6% female.

The median household income in Chippewa County is $60,631, below the US median of $74,580. 9.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $153,100, with monthly rent averaging $793. The homeownership rate of 73.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Chippewa County reflects 21.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.5 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%.

2012 · 39K20102024

36,253

Population (2024)

38,623

Population (2010)

39,006

Peak (2012)

-0.45%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201038,623
201138,904
201239,006
201338,587
201438,275
201537,998
201637,724
201737,699
201837,423
201937,287
202036,787
202135,861
202236,236
202336,340
202436,253

Race & Ethnicity

White68.0%
Black or African American5.8%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)20.2%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

41.3

Median Age

45.6%

Female

54.4%

Male

19.1%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.5%
5–9
4.8%
10–14
5.4%
15–19
6.4%
20–24
8.7%
25–34
13.1%
35–44
12.2%
45–54
12.2%
55–59
5.8%
60–64
7.7%
65–74
11.4%
75–84
5.6%
85+
2.1%

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 rate9.8%+1.0% vs state
Unemployment rate3.3%
Employment-to-population50.2%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
20.8%
Education & health care
14.6%
Public administration
11.1%
Construction
7.3%
Manufacturing
7.2%
Finance & real estate
7.1%
Retail trade
5.7%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.6%

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.

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

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