Kalkaska County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 66th-largest in Michigan
The population of Kalkaska County, Michigan is 18,116 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 66th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $60,365, the median home value is $174,300, and the median age is 44.0.
The population of Kalkaska County has grown 8.6% since 2010 (17,146 → 18,618), a +0.59% annualized rate.
18,116
Population
+0.59%
Annual growth
32
People / sq mi
$60,365
Median Income
$174,300
Median Home Value
Kalkaska County covers 560 sq mi of land at 32.4 people per square mile.
About Kalkaska County, MI
Kalkaska County is a county in Michigan with a population of 18,116. It ranks #66 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 44.0, older than the national median. The population is 50.9% male and 49.1% female.
The median household income in Kalkaska County is $60,365, below the US median of $74,580. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $174,300, with monthly rent averaging $767. The homeownership rate of 87.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Kalkaska County reflects 18.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.7 minutes each way.
Kalkaska County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Kalkaska County had a population of 17,146 in 2010 and 18,618 in 2024, a 8.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,618 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.59%.
18,618
Population (2024)
17,146
Population (2010)
18,618
Peak (2024)
0.59%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,146 |
| 2011 | 17,175 |
| 2012 | 17,104 |
| 2013 | 17,296 |
| 2014 | 17,374 |
| 2015 | 17,254 |
| 2016 | 17,283 |
| 2017 | 17,582 |
| 2018 | 17,774 |
| 2019 | 17,984 |
| 2020 | 17,929 |
| 2021 | 17,994 |
| 2022 | 18,230 |
| 2023 | 18,422 |
| 2024 | 18,618 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.0
Median Age
49.1%
Female
50.9%
Male
21.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.7% · Seniors (65+): 21.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,365$-10,784 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,261 |
| Per-capita income | $32,904 |
| Poverty rate | 9.2%+0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Kalkaska County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
82.7%
Public transit
6.6%
Work from home
29.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$174,300$-43,300 vs state
Median home value
$767
Median rent
87.5%
Homeownership rate
11,655
Total housing units
66.2%
Occupied
33.8%
Vacant
12.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.1%
With health insurance
92.8%
With broadband internet
15.5%
Foreign-born
9.7%
Veterans (18+)
18.2%
With a disability
97.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.9%
High School+
18.2%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kalkaska County, Michigan has a population of 18,116 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 66th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 32 people per square mile.
The population of Kalkaska County has grown 8.6% since 2010 (17,146 → 18,618), a +0.59% annualized rate.
The median household income in Kalkaska County, Michigan is $60,365, with mean (average) household income of $76,261 and per-capita income of $32,904. 9.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Kalkaska County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.8%), Hispanic or Latino (2.0%), 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 Kalkaska County, Michigan is 44.0 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
The median home value in Kalkaska County is $174,300 and median monthly rent is $767. 87.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,655 total housing units, 33.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Kalkaska County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Kalkaska 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.