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 a county in Michigan with a population of 40,321. It ranks #41 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 40.6, older than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Mecosta County is $57,774, below the US median of $74,580. 10.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $169,900, with monthly rent averaging $867. The homeownership rate of 75.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Mecosta County reflects 22.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.9 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.
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.