Lake County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 72nd-largest in Michigan
The population of Lake County, Michigan is 12,393 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 72nd-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $49,680, the median home value is $122,900, and the median age is 50.3.
The population of Lake County has grown 12.9% since 2010 (11,514 → 13,005), a +0.87% annualized rate.
12,393
Population
+0.87%
Annual growth
22
People / sq mi
$49,680
Median Income
$122,900
Median Home Value
Lake County covers 568 sq mi of land at 21.8 people per square mile.
About Lake County, MI
Lake County is a county in Michigan with a population of 12,393. It ranks #72 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 50.3, older than the national median. The population is 54.3% male and 45.7% female.
The median household income in Lake County is $49,680, below the US median of $74,580. 13.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $122,900, with monthly rent averaging $863. The homeownership rate of 81.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Lake County reflects 12.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.3 minutes each way.
Lake County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lake County had a population of 11,514 in 2010 and 13,005 in 2024, a 12.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,005 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.88%.
13,005
Population (2024)
11,514
Population (2010)
13,005
Peak (2024)
0.88%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,514 |
| 2011 | 11,456 |
| 2012 | 11,462 |
| 2013 | 11,395 |
| 2014 | 11,399 |
| 2015 | 11,691 |
| 2016 | 11,861 |
| 2017 | 11,977 |
| 2018 | 11,850 |
| 2019 | 11,752 |
| 2020 | 12,098 |
| 2021 | 12,281 |
| 2022 | 12,665 |
| 2023 | 12,766 |
| 2024 | 13,005 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.1% |
| Black or African American | 8.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
50.3
Median Age
45.7%
Female
54.3%
Male
26.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 12.6% · Seniors (65+): 26.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,680$-21,469 vs state |
| Mean household income | $61,941 |
| Per-capita income | $27,369 |
| Poverty rate | 13.7%+4.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 39.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lake County is manufacturing, accounting for 19.1% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
2.6%
Carpool
78.5%
Public transit
7.3%
Work from home
30.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$122,900$-94,700 vs state
Median home value
$863
Median rent
81.2%
Homeownership rate
13,432
Total housing units
36.7%
Occupied
63.3%
Vacant
18.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.0%
With health insurance
90.2%
With broadband internet
17.4%
Foreign-born
8.4%
Veterans (18+)
25.7%
With a disability
95.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.6%
High School+
12.5%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Michigan
Metro areas in Michigan
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake County, Michigan has a population of 12,393 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 72nd-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 22 people per square mile.
The population of Lake County has grown 12.9% since 2010 (11,514 → 13,005), a +0.87% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lake County, Michigan is $49,680, with mean (average) household income of $61,941 and per-capita income of $27,369. 13.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lake County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (80.1%), Black or African American (8.7%), Hispanic or Latino (3.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lake County, Michigan is 50.3 years. Residents are 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
The median home value in Lake County is $122,900 and median monthly rent is $863. 81.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,432 total housing units, 63.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lake County, Michigan is manufacturing, employing 19.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Lake County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
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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.