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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Leelanau County: 90.6% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 22,607 residents, Leelanau County is a county in Michigan.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $91,943, above the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 4.2%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $406,900, with typical rent around $1,223.
Leelanau County is among the best-educated US counties: 49.9% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 15.1% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Leelanau County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
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+
Largest cities in Michigan
Other counties in Michigan
Part of Michigan
Metro areas in Michigan
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.
Leelanau County, MI Climate
Leelanau County, MI has an average annual temperature of 6.9°C (44°F) and receives about 789 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.9°C
Avg Temp
789
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 22° | 53 mm |
| February | -5° / 23° | 37 mm |
| March | -1° / 30° | 52 mm |
| April | 4° / 40° | 61 mm |
| May | 11° / 51° | 66 mm |
| June | 16° / 60° | 77 mm |
| July | 19° / 67° | 65 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 82 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 99 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 73 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 68 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 56 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 Leelanau County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Leelanau County, MI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 25°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Leelanau County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.