Leelanau County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 63rd-largest in Michigan
The population of Leelanau County, Michigan is 22,607 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 63rd-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $91,943, the median home value is $406,900, and the median age is 55.3.
The population of Leelanau County has grown 5.3% since 2010 (21,718 → 22,871), a +0.37% annualized rate.
22,607
Population
+0.37%
Annual growth
65
People / sq mi
$91,943
Median Income
$406,900
Median Home Value
Leelanau County covers 347 sq mi of land at 65.1 people per square mile.
About Leelanau County, MI
Leelanau County is a county in Michigan with a population of 22,607. It ranks #63 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 55.3, older than the national median. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.
The median household income in Leelanau County is $91,943, above the US median of $74,580. 4.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $406,900, with monthly rent averaging $1,223. The homeownership rate of 90.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Leelanau County reflects 49.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 15.1% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.5 minutes each way.
Leelanau County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Leelanau County had a population of 21,718 in 2010 and 22,871 in 2024, a 5.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,970 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.37%.
22,871
Population (2024)
21,718
Population (2010)
22,970
Peak (2023)
0.37%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,718 |
| 2011 | 21,428 |
| 2012 | 21,380 |
| 2013 | 21,475 |
| 2014 | 21,596 |
| 2015 | 21,633 |
| 2016 | 21,508 |
| 2017 | 21,638 |
| 2018 | 21,662 |
| 2019 | 21,692 |
| 2020 | 22,308 |
| 2021 | 22,630 |
| 2022 | 22,891 |
| 2023 | 22,970 |
| 2024 | 22,871 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
55.3
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
33.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 12.4% · Seniors (65+): 33.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $91,943+$20,794 vs state |
| Mean household income | $127,724 |
| Per-capita income | $53,601 |
| Poverty rate | 4.2%-4.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Leelanau County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
75.5%
Public transit
15.1%
Work from home
23.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$406,900+$189,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,223
Median rent
90.6%
Homeownership rate
15,630
Total housing units
60.4%
Occupied
39.6%
Vacant
9.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.9%
With health insurance
96.9%
With broadband internet
23.7%
Foreign-born
7.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.4%
With a disability
95.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
96.6%
High School+
49.9%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Leelanau County, Michigan has a population of 22,607 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 63rd-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 65 people per square mile.
The population of Leelanau County has grown 5.3% since 2010 (21,718 → 22,871), a +0.37% annualized rate.
The median household income in Leelanau County, Michigan is $91,943, with mean (average) household income of $127,724 and per-capita income of $53,601. 4.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Leelanau County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.4%), Hispanic or Latino (4.3%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Leelanau County, Michigan is 55.3 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Leelanau County is $406,900 and median monthly rent is $1,223. 90.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,630 total housing units, 39.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Leelanau County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Leelanau 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.