Grand Traverse County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 22nd-largest in Michigan
The population of Grand Traverse County, Michigan is 95,757 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 22nd-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $79,486, the median home value is $296,200, and the median age is 43.1.
The population of Grand Traverse County has grown 11.1% since 2010 (86,975 → 96,625), a +0.75% annualized rate.
95,757
Population
+0.75%
Annual growth
206
People / sq mi
$79,486
Median Income
$296,200
Median Home Value
Grand Traverse County covers 464 sq mi of land at 206.2 people per square mile.
About Grand Traverse County, MI
Grand Traverse County is defined demographically by education — 40.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. Grand Traverse County is a county in Michigan with a population of 95,757. It ranks #22 among counties in Michigan by population.
The typical household earns $79,486 a year, near the US median of $78,538. Only 5.4% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $296,200, with typical rent around $1,215.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 40.3% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 13.7% of workers primarily work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Grand Traverse County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Grand Traverse County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Grand Traverse County had a population of 86,975 in 2010 and 96,625 in 2024, a 11.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 96,625 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.76%.
96,625
Population (2024)
86,975
Population (2010)
96,625
Peak (2024)
0.76%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 86,975 |
| 2011 | 88,362 |
| 2012 | 89,238 |
| 2013 | 90,149 |
| 2014 | 90,908 |
| 2015 | 91,610 |
| 2016 | 92,076 |
| 2017 | 91,914 |
| 2018 | 92,587 |
| 2019 | 93,032 |
| 2020 | 95,427 |
| 2021 | 95,985 |
| 2022 | 96,337 |
| 2023 | 96,457 |
| 2024 | 96,625 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.1
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
21.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.0% · Seniors (65+): 21.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $79,486+$8,337 vs state |
| Mean household income | $102,115 |
| Per-capita income | $43,501 |
| Poverty rate | 5.4%-3.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Grand Traverse County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
71.3%
Public transit
13.7%
Work from home
21.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$296,200+$78,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,215
Median rent
76.5%
Homeownership rate
46,435
Total housing units
85.3%
Occupied
14.7%
Vacant
23.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.7%
With health insurance
95.5%
With broadband internet
19.6%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
12.6%
With a disability
97.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.1%
High School+
40.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Michigan
Other counties in Michigan
Part of Michigan
Metro areas in Michigan
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Grand Traverse County, Michigan has a population of 95,757 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 22nd-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 206 people per square mile.
The population of Grand Traverse County has grown 11.1% since 2010 (86,975 → 96,625), a +0.75% annualized rate.
The median household income in Grand Traverse County, Michigan is $79,486, with mean (average) household income of $102,115 and per-capita income of $43,501. 5.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Grand Traverse County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), Black or African American (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Grand Traverse County, Michigan is 43.1 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Grand Traverse County is $296,200 and median monthly rent is $1,215. 76.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 46,435 total housing units, 14.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Grand Traverse County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Grand Traverse County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
Grand Traverse County, MI Climate
Grand Traverse County, MI has an average annual temperature of 7.2°C (45°F) and receives about 769 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.2°C
Avg Temp
769
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 20° | 50 mm |
| February | -6° / 21° | 35 mm |
| March | -1° / 30° | 44 mm |
| April | 6° / 42° | 60 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 61 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 79 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 68 mm |
| August | 20° / 67° | 77 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 102 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 72 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 66 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 55 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 Grand Traverse County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Grand Traverse County, MI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Grand Traverse County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.