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+
Largest cities in Michigan
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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.
Hillsdale County, MI Climate
Hillsdale County, MI has an average annual temperature of 8.5°C (47°F) and receives about 919 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.5°C
Avg Temp
919
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 48 mm |
| February | -4° / 24° | 43 mm |
| March | 1° / 35° | 68 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 84 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 94 mm |
| June | 19° / 67° | 101 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 91 mm |
| August | 20° / 69° | 90 mm |
| September | 16° / 61° | 91 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 69 mm |
| November | 4° / 38° | 75 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 65 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 Hillsdale County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Hillsdale County, MI are typically July, August 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 -10°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Hillsdale County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.