Sanilac County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 40th-largest in Michigan
The population of Sanilac County, Michigan is 40,574 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 40th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $59,074, the median home value is $162,200, and the median age is 45.3.
The population of Sanilac County has declined 6.5% since 2010 (43,087 → 40,293), a -0.48% annualized rate.
40,574
Population
-0.48%
Annual growth
42
People / sq mi
$59,074
Median Income
$162,200
Median Home Value
Sanilac County covers 963 sq mi of land at 42.2 people per square mile.
About Sanilac County, MI
Sanilac County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 9.1% of the population. With 40,574 residents, Sanilac County is a county in Michigan. It ranks #40 among counties in Michigan by population.
Median household income is $59,074, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $162,200, with typical rent around $814.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 16.0%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Sanilac County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Sanilac County had a population of 43,087 in 2010 and 40,293 in 2024, a -6.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 43,087 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.48%.
40,293
Population (2024)
43,087
Population (2010)
43,087
Peak (2010)
-0.48%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 43,087 |
| 2011 | 42,704 |
| 2012 | 42,306 |
| 2013 | 41,902 |
| 2014 | 41,663 |
| 2015 | 41,463 |
| 2016 | 41,438 |
| 2017 | 41,257 |
| 2018 | 41,233 |
| 2019 | 41,220 |
| 2020 | 40,504 |
| 2021 | 40,545 |
| 2022 | 40,536 |
| 2023 | 40,434 |
| 2024 | 40,293 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.3
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
22.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.2% · Seniors (65+): 22.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,074$-12,075 vs state |
| Mean household income | $76,203 |
| Per-capita income | $32,523 |
| Poverty rate | 9.4%+0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Sanilac County is manufacturing, accounting for 21.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
3.9%
Carpool
77.3%
Public transit
8.0%
Work from home
28.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$162,200$-55,400 vs state
Median home value
$814
Median rent
81.7%
Homeownership rate
21,751
Total housing units
80.2%
Occupied
19.8%
Vacant
18.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.9%
With health insurance
91.5%
With broadband internet
9.1%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
17.2%
With a disability
94.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.7%
High School+
16.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Michigan
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sanilac County, Michigan has a population of 40,574 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 40th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 42 people per square mile.
The population of Sanilac County has declined 6.5% since 2010 (43,087 → 40,293), a -0.48% annualized rate.
The median household income in Sanilac County, Michigan is $59,074, with mean (average) household income of $76,203 and per-capita income of $32,523. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Sanilac County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%), 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 Sanilac County, Michigan is 45.3 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Sanilac County is $162,200 and median monthly rent is $814. 81.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,751 total housing units, 19.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Sanilac County, Michigan is manufacturing, employing 21.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Sanilac County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
Sanilac County, MI Climate
Sanilac County, MI has an average annual temperature of 7.7°C (46°F) and receives about 810 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.7°C
Avg Temp
810
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 49 mm |
| February | -5° / 22° | 41 mm |
| March | 0° / 32° | 56 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 65 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 67 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 79 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 69 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 81 mm |
| September | 16° / 61° | 96 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 71 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 72 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 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 Sanilac County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Sanilac 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 -10°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Sanilac County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.