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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Kalkaska County: 87.5% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 18,116 residents, Kalkaska County is a county in Michigan.
The typical household here earns about $60,365, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.2%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $174,300, with typical rent around $767.
18.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 6.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Kalkaska County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
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+
Largest cities in Michigan
Other counties in Michigan
Part of Michigan
Metro areas in Michigan
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.
Kalkaska County, MI Climate
Kalkaska County, MI has an average annual temperature of 6.4°C (44°F) and receives about 805 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.4°C
Avg Temp
805
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 18° | 43 mm |
| February | -7° / 19° | 33 mm |
| March | -2° / 28° | 42 mm |
| April | 5° / 41° | 63 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 67 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 82 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 73 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 86 mm |
| September | 15° / 58° | 107 mm |
| October | 9° / 47° | 83 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 71 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 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 Kalkaska County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Kalkaska 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 -12°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kalkaska County
Visiting or relocating to Kalkaska County, MI? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Kalkaska County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Kalkaska County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Kalkaska County, MI by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Michigan
Population 1,773,767
Population 1,272,294
Population 877,624
Population 658,844
Full rankings of Michigan counties
Statewide data for Michigan
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Michigan
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.