Living in East Lansing, Michigan
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of East Lansing · Census data 2020–2024
East Lansing has 45,758 residents with a median age of 21.3. The median household income is $45,687 (37% lower than the Michigan median), the median home value is $270,800, the median rent is $1,171/month.
East Lansing at a glance
- Population
- 45,758
- Median age
- 21.3State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $45,687State: $72,875
- Median home value
- $270,800State: $231,600
- Median rent
- $1,171/moState: $1,129
- Homeowners
- 38.5%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 66.6%
- Average commute
- 16 min
Is East Lansing a good place to live?
Pros: An average commute of 16 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 37% lower than the Michigan median; home values 17% higher than the state median; unemployment of 6.6%; a poverty rate of 33%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in East Lansing
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In East Lansing the median home value is $270,800, 19% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,171 per month, which is 51% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,940 a month in housing costs.
East Lansing median household income
The median household income in East Lansing is $45,687 and the income per person is $30,335. 33% of residents live below the poverty line (Michigan: 13.2%).
Housing in East Lansing: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 15,638
- Owner-occupied
- 38.5%
- Renter-occupied
- 61.5%
- Vacant
- 11.4%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1975
- Average household size
- 2.18
East Lansing demographics
- Population
- 45,758
- Median age
- 21.3
- Under 18
- 9.2%
- 65 and older
- 9%
- Households
- 13,850
- Foreign-born
- 11.5%
- Veterans
- 1.9%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of East Lansing ›
Education in East Lansing
66.6% of adults 25 and older in East Lansing have a bachelor's degree or higher (Michigan: 32.4%), and 39.2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in East Lansing
- Unemployment rate
- 6.6%State: 5.7%
- Average commute
- 16 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 21%
- Drive alone
- 47.7%
- Public transit
- 4.7%
- Walk to work
- 16.6%
- Homes with broadband
- 88.5%
East Lansing vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Lansing | 45,758 | $45,687 | $270,800 | $1,171 |
| Haslett | 18,559 | $74,031 | $286,100 | $1,125 |
| Okemos | 26,396 | $102,612 | $359,200 | $1,298 |
| Lansing | 113,023 | $54,382 | $128,700 | $993 |
| Bath | 2,896 | $60,417 | $205,800 | $1,268 |
| Edgemont Park | 2,551 | $62,543 | $162,400 | $774 |
| Waverly | 23,575 | $75,700 | $234,600 | $1,170 |
| Holt | 25,316 | $86,472 | $226,400 | $1,317 |
| DeWitt | 4,777 | $110,341 | $309,900 | $1,072 |
More for people moving to East Lansing
East Lansing ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in East Lansing: FAQ
What is the median household income in East Lansing, MI?
The median household income in East Lansing is $45,687, 37% lower than the Michigan median of $72,875 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in East Lansing?
The median home value in East Lansing is $270,800, compared with $231,600 in Michigan.
How much is rent in East Lansing?
The median gross rent in East Lansing is $1,171 per month, about 51% of household income.
Is East Lansing, MI a good place to live?
Pluses: an average commute of 16 minutes. Minuses: median household income 37% lower than the Michigan median; home values 17% higher than the state median; unemployment of 6.6%; a poverty rate of 33%.
What is the median age in East Lansing?
The median age in East Lansing is 21.3 years (Michigan: 40.2).
How long is the commute in East Lansing?
The average commute to work in East Lansing is 16 minutes; 21% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in East Lansing?
The unemployment rate in East Lansing is 6.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is East Lansing?
66.6% of adults in East Lansing have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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