Mecosta County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 41st-largest in Michigan
The population of Mecosta County, Michigan is 40,321 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 41st-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $57,774, the median home value is $169,900, and the median age is 40.6.
The population of Mecosta County has declined 2.1% since 2010 (42,851 → 41,947), a -0.15% annualized rate.
40,321
Population
-0.15%
Annual growth
73
People / sq mi
$57,774
Median Income
$169,900
Median Home Value
Mecosta County covers 555 sq mi of land at 72.6 people per square mile.
About Mecosta County, MI
Mecosta County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 15.3% of the population. With 40,321 residents, Mecosta County is a county in Michigan. It ranks #41 among counties in Michigan by population.
The typical household here earns about $57,774, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 10.8%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $169,900, with typical rent around $867.
22.7% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.7%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Mecosta County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mecosta County had a population of 42,851 in 2010 and 41,947 in 2024, a -2.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 43,583 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.13%.
41,947
Population (2024)
42,851
Population (2010)
43,583
Peak (2019)
-0.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 42,851 |
| 2011 | 43,454 |
| 2012 | 43,502 |
| 2013 | 43,266 |
| 2014 | 43,206 |
| 2015 | 43,013 |
| 2016 | 43,174 |
| 2017 | 43,271 |
| 2018 | 43,471 |
| 2019 | 43,583 |
| 2020 | 40,426 |
| 2021 | 40,692 |
| 2022 | 41,424 |
| 2023 | 41,722 |
| 2024 | 41,947 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.9% |
| Black or African American | 2.3% |
| Asian | 0.2% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.6
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
20.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.0% · Seniors (65+): 20.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,774$-13,375 vs state |
| Mean household income | $70,726 |
| Per-capita income | $28,744 |
| Poverty rate | 10.8%+2.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mecosta County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
5.0%
Carpool
78.0%
Public transit
6.7%
Work from home
23.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$169,900$-47,700 vs state
Median home value
$867
Median rent
75.9%
Homeownership rate
21,045
Total housing units
77.5%
Occupied
22.5%
Vacant
24.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.2%
With health insurance
92.6%
With broadband internet
15.3%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
17.0%
With a disability
94.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.7%
High School+
22.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Michigan
Other counties in Michigan
Part of Michigan
Metro areas in Michigan
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Mecosta County, Michigan has a population of 40,321 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 41st-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 73 people per square mile.
The population of Mecosta County has declined 2.1% since 2010 (42,851 → 41,947), a -0.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mecosta County, Michigan is $57,774, with mean (average) household income of $70,726 and per-capita income of $28,744. 10.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mecosta County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.9%), Black or African American (2.3%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mecosta County, Michigan is 40.6 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Mecosta County is $169,900 and median monthly rent is $867. 75.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,045 total housing units, 22.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mecosta County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Mecosta County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
Mecosta County, MI Climate
Mecosta County, MI has an average annual temperature of 7.3°C (45°F) and receives about 853 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.3°C
Avg Temp
853
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 20° | 50 mm |
| February | -6° / 22° | 36 mm |
| March | -1° / 31° | 58 mm |
| April | 6° / 44° | 74 mm |
| May | 13° / 56° | 77 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 82 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 67 mm |
| August | 19° / 67° | 99 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 100 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 77 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 73 mm |
| December | -4° / 26° | 60 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 Mecosta County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Mecosta County, MI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Mecosta County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.