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Population Review

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.

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

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

Hillsdale County is a county in Michigan with a population of 45,658. It ranks #37 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 42.8, older than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.

The median household income in Hillsdale County is $60,869, below the US median of $74,580. 10.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $170,500, with monthly rent averaging $801. The homeownership rate of 81.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Hillsdale County reflects 20.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.6 minutes each way.

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%.

2010 · 47K20102024

45,590

Population (2024)

46,646

Population (2010)

46,646

Peak (2010)

-0.16%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201046,646
201146,602
201246,270
201346,138
201445,937
201545,894
201645,789
201745,831
201845,709
201945,548
202045,730
202145,622
202245,714
202345,616
202445,590

Race & Ethnicity

White94.4%
Black or African American0.7%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.3%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

42.8

Median Age

49.8%

Female

50.2%

Male

20.8%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.5%
5–9
5.5%
10–14
6.6%
15–19
7.0%
20–24
6.4%
25–34
10.5%
35–44
10.8%
45–54
12.0%
55–59
6.7%
60–64
8.2%
65–74
12.8%
75–84
6.0%
85+
2.0%

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 rate10.1%+1.3% vs state
Unemployment rate2.6%
Employment-to-population54.7%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
27.3%
Manufacturing
21.3%
Education & health care
6.8%
Construction
5.6%
Retail trade
5.4%
Finance & real estate
5.0%
Arts, entertainment & food
3.8%
Public administration
3.7%

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

Other counties in Michigan

Part of Michigan

Metro areas in Michigan

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.

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

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