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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Lake County: 12.5% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 12,393 residents, Lake County is a county in Michigan.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $49,680, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 13.7%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $122,900, with typical rent around $863.
Lake County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 12.5% — below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.3%, and the average commute runs about 30 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+
Largest cities in Michigan
Other counties in Michigan
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.
Lake County, MI Climate
Lake County, MI has an average annual temperature of 7°C (45°F) and receives about 880 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7°C
Avg Temp
880
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 20° | 56 mm |
| February | -6° / 21° | 38 mm |
| March | -1° / 30° | 55 mm |
| April | 6° / 42° | 74 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 73 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 84 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 67 mm |
| August | 19° / 67° | 98 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 112 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 80 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 79 mm |
| December | -3° / 26° | 64 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 Lake County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Lake 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 -11°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lake County
Visiting or relocating to Lake County, MI? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Lake 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 Lake County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Lake 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.