Hillsdale County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 37th-largest in Michigan
The population of Hillsdale County, Michigan is 45,658 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 37th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $60,869, the median home value is $170,500, and the median age is 42.8.
The population of Hillsdale County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (46,646 → 45,590), a -0.16% annualized rate.
45,658
Population
-0.16%
Annual growth
76
People / sq mi
$60,869
Median Income
$170,500
Median Home Value
Hillsdale County covers 598 sq mi of land at 76.3 people per square mile.
About Hillsdale County, MI
Homeownership is the standout figure in Hillsdale County: 81.0% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 45,658 residents, Hillsdale County is a county in Michigan. It ranks #37 among counties in Michigan by population.
The typical household here earns about $60,869, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $170,500, with typical rent around $801.
Roughly 20.6% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.9%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Hillsdale County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Hillsdale County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hillsdale County had a population of 46,646 in 2010 and 45,590 in 2024, a -2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 46,646 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.16%.
45,590
Population (2024)
46,646
Population (2010)
46,646
Peak (2010)
-0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 46,646 |
| 2011 | 46,602 |
| 2012 | 46,270 |
| 2013 | 46,138 |
| 2014 | 45,937 |
| 2015 | 45,894 |
| 2016 | 45,789 |
| 2017 | 45,831 |
| 2018 | 45,709 |
| 2019 | 45,548 |
| 2020 | 45,730 |
| 2021 | 45,622 |
| 2022 | 45,714 |
| 2023 | 45,616 |
| 2024 | 45,590 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.8
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
20.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.6% · Seniors (65+): 20.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,869$-10,280 vs state |
| Mean household income | $78,710 |
| Per-capita income | $31,996 |
| Poverty rate | 10.1%+1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hillsdale County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
4.6%
Carpool
77.1%
Public transit
7.9%
Work from home
24.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$170,500$-47,100 vs state
Median home value
$801
Median rent
81.0%
Homeownership rate
21,490
Total housing units
83.1%
Occupied
16.9%
Vacant
19.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.0%
With health insurance
89.3%
With broadband internet
24.1%
Foreign-born
7.7%
Veterans (18+)
15.8%
With a disability
96.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.5%
High School+
20.6%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hillsdale County, Michigan has a population of 45,658 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 37th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 76 people per square mile.
The population of Hillsdale County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (46,646 → 45,590), a -0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hillsdale County, Michigan is $60,869, with mean (average) household income of $78,710 and per-capita income of $31,996. 10.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hillsdale County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hillsdale County, Michigan is 42.8 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Hillsdale County is $170,500 and median monthly rent is $801. 81.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,490 total housing units, 16.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hillsdale County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Hillsdale County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.