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 a county in Michigan with a population of 40,574. It ranks #40 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 45.3, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Sanilac County is $59,074, below the US median of $74,580. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $162,200, with monthly rent averaging $814. The homeownership rate of 81.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Sanilac County reflects 16.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.2 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+
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.