County · Michigan
Kalkaska County, Michigan
Kalkaska County, Michigan. Kalkaska County had 18,693 residents in 2025 by the Census Bureau's estimate, up 4.2% since 2020, faster than Michigan (+0.5%). It holds 17 places (1 city, village or borough, 12 towns and townships and 4 census-designated) and 6 census tracts. GEOID 26079.
Kalkaska County is one of the 4 counties of the Traverse City, MI metropolitan statistical area (the Census Bureau's July 2023 delineation).
Residents, July 2025 estimate
18,693
Census Bureau estimate (no margin published)
2020 Census count: 17,939 · ACS 2020-2024: 18,239
Median household income
$68,578
±$3,573 (90% margin)
Michigan: $72,875
Median home value
$188,900
±$7,800 (90% margin)
Michigan: $231,600
Median gross rent
$853
±$115 (90% margin)
Michigan: $1,129
How many people live in Kalkaska County, and is it growing?
The 2020 Census counted 17,939 residents in Kalkaska County. The Census Bureau estimates 18,693 for July 1, 2025, up 4.2% since 2020, faster than Michigan (+0.5%). The 2020-2024 American Community Survey puts the population at 18,239 over 560 square miles of land.
| Measure | Kalkaska County | Michigan | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 18,239 | 10,077,761 | +654 |
| Households | 7,789±210 | 4,076,369 | +644 |
| Average household size | 2.32±0.06 | 2.42 | −0.12 |
| Housing units | 11,690±47 | 4,622,236 | −680 |
Kalkaska County's population since 2000
From 16,571 in 2000 to 18,693 in 2025: up 12.8%. The 2000, 2010 and 2020 figures are census counts. The 2005 figure is the Census Bureau's intercensal estimate, revised to fit the 2000 and 2010 counts and drawn on 2010 boundaries; 2015 and 2025 are July 1 estimates made from the census before them.
Source: The 2000, 2010 and 2020 Census counts and the Census Bureau's population estimates (intercensal 2000-2010, Vintage 2020, Vintage 2025) · Census population estimates
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); PEP Vintage 2025 (CO-EST2025); 2020 Census · Check it at data.census.gov
What cities and towns are in Kalkaska County?
Kalkaska County holds 17 places: 1 city, village or borough (an incorporated place), 12 towns and townships (county subdivisions with their own government) and 4 census-designated places. The largest is Kalkaska Township with 5,207 residents (2025 estimate). Places that cross a county line are listed with the share of their 2020 residents who live in this county.
| Kalkaska Township | 5,027 | $64,253 |
|---|---|---|
| Clearwater Township | 2,497 | $74,663 |
| Kalkaska | 2,132 | $57,143 |
| Springfield Township | 1,562 | $49,167 |
| Coldsprings Township | 1,551 | $61,198 |
| Boardman Township | 1,479 | $83,510 |
| Rapid City | 1,357 | $73,021 |
| Orange Township, Kalkaska County | 1,250 | $70,313 |
| Rapid River Township | 1,245 | $72,273 |
| Excelsior Township | 991 | $66,250 |
| Garfield Township, Kalkaska County | 984 | $70,417 |
| Bear Lake Township, Kalkaska County | 668 | $68,889 |
| South Boardman | 509 | $83,750 |
| Manistee Lake | 465 | $56,250 |
| Blue Lake Township, Kalkaska County | 393 | $68,750 |
| Bear Lake, Kalkaska CountyGEOID 2606430 | 366 | $67,188 |
| Oliver Township, Kalkaska County | 292 | $54,375 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026); 2020 place-by-county parts · Check it at data.census.gov
Who lives in Kalkaska County?
The median resident of Kalkaska County is 44.4 years old; 20.1% are under 18 and 21.7% are 65 or older. The largest group is non-Hispanic white residents at 92.3%, then non-Hispanic residents of two or more races at 3.7%. 1.4% of residents were born outside the United States.
| Measure | Kalkaska County | Michigan | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 44.4±0.4 | 40.2 | no clear change |
| Under 18 years | 20.1%±0.3 pts | 21.2% | – |
| 65 years and over | 21.7%±0.3 pts | 18.6% | – |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% | 5.9% | +0.3 pts |
| White alone, not Hispanic | 92.3%±0.3 pts | 72.4% | −1.8 pts |
| Black or African American alone, not Hispanic | 0.8%±0.3 pts | 13.1% | no clear change |
| Asian alone, not Hispanic | 0.5%±0.2 pts | 3.4% | no clear change |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, not Hispanic | 0.2%±0.1 pts | 0.3% | – |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, not Hispanic | 0.0%±0.2 pts | 0.0% | – |
| Two or more races, not Hispanic | 3.7%±0.4 pts | 4.5% | – |
| Some other race alone, not Hispanic | 0.1%±0.1 pts | 0.5% | – |
| Born outside the United States | 1.4%±0.4 pts | 7.2% | no clear change |
| Speak a language other than English at home (age 5+) | 2.7%±0.8 pts | 10.4% | – |
| Civilian veterans (age 18+) | 9.5%±1.0 pts | 5.8% | – |
| With a disability | 18.7%±1.6 pts | 14.3% | – |
| No health insurance coverage | 6.1%±1.1 pts | 4.9% | −3.6 pts |
| High school graduate or higher (age 25+) | 90.5%±1.2 pts | 92.1% | – |
| Bachelor's degree or higher (age 25+) | 19.0%±1.8 pts | 32.4% | +7.1 pts |
| Graduate or professional degree (age 25+) | 6.9%±1.0 pts | 12.7% | – |
| Moved from another state in the past year | 2.0%±0.7 pts | 1.4% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profiles DP02, DP05) · Check it at data.census.gov
What do households in Kalkaska County earn?
Half of Kalkaska County's 7,789 households earn less than $68,578 a year (±$3,573), against $72,875 in Michigan. In 2015-2019 the median was $57,717 in 2024 dollars, so it rose by $10,861 after inflation. 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Kalkaska County | Michigan | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $68,578±$3,573 | $72,875 | +$10,861 |
| Mean household income | $81,688±$4,868 | $98,700 | – |
| Per capita income | $34,934±$1,983 | $40,735 | +$4,957 |
| People below the poverty line | 12.2%±1.9 pts | 13.2% | −4.5 pts |
| Children under 18 below the poverty line | 16.7%±5.2 pts | 17.6% | no clear change |
| Households receiving SNAP | 15.6%±2.1 pts | 13.5% | – |
| Households with a broadband subscription | 87.4%±1.7 pts | 90.5% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What does housing cost in Kalkaska County?
Owners occupy 88.2% of Kalkaska County's occupied homes and renters 11.8%. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $188,900 by its owner (±$7,800). The median renter pays $853 a month including utilities, and 31.5% of renters pay 35% or more of their income on rent.
| Measure | Kalkaska County | Michigan | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value (owner-occupied) | $188,900±$7,800 | $231,600 | +$46,263 |
| Median gross rent | $853±$115 | $1,129 | no clear change |
| Renters paying 35% or more of income on rent | 31.5%±10.6 pts | 41.4% | no clear change |
| Median monthly owner costs, with a mortgage | $1,223±$43 | $1,569 | – |
| Owner-occupied homes | 88.2%±1.9 pts | 73.2% | +5.6 pts |
| Housing units | 11,690±47 | 4,622,236 | −680 |
| Homeowner vacancy rate | 0.5%±0.4 pts | 0.8% | – |
| Rental vacancy rate | 1.5%±2.3 pts | 5.1% | – |
| Single-family detached homes | 82.0%±1.7 pts | 72.0% | – |
| Mobile homes | 14.3%±1.5 pts | 5.0% | – |
| Built 2020 or later | 0.8%±0.3 pts | 1.0% | – |
| Built 1939 or earlier | 6.3%±1.3 pts | 14.6% | – |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP04) · Check it at data.census.gov
How many new homes is Kalkaska County building?
Builders took permits for 38 new housing units across Kalkaska County in 2025 (38 single-family), 2.0 per 1,000 residents.
Source: Building Permits Survey, annual county files 2019-2025, U.S. Census Bureau · Census Building Permits Survey
How do people in Kalkaska County get to work?
80.2% of Kalkaska County's workers drive alone and 7.4% work from home. The average trip to work takes 29.7 minutes. The unemployment rate in 2020-2024 averaged 3.8%.
| Measure | Kalkaska County | Michigan | Change since 2015-2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the labor force (age 16+) | 55.5%±1.8 pts | 61.3% | – |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8%±0.7 pts | 5.7% | −3.6 pts |
| Drove alone to work | 80.2%±3.0 pts | 74.3% | – |
| Carpooled | 10.4%±2.2 pts | 7.9% | – |
| Public transportation | 0.0%±0.1 pts | 0.9% | – |
| Walked | 1.1%±0.5 pts | 2.0% | – |
| Worked from home | 7.4%±1.7 pts | 13.5% | +4.7 pts |
| Mean travel time to work | 29.7 min±1.7 | 24.2 min | no clear change |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) (Data Profile DP03) · Check it at data.census.gov
What are Kalkaska County's census tracts?
Kalkaska County is divided into 6 census tracts. Among those with a reliable estimate, median household income runs from $62,303 (Tract 9506.02) to $73,654 (Tract 9502.01).
| Tract 9502.0126079950201 | 2,285±102 | $73,654 |
|---|---|---|
| Tract 9502.0226079950202 | 3,157±301 | $71,349 |
| Tract 950326079950300 | 5,000±337 | $66,688 |
| Tract 950426079950400 | 3,759±312 | $70,887 |
| Tract 9506.0126079950601 | 2,289±213 | $63,000 |
| Tract 9506.0226079950602 | 1,749±147 | $62,303 |
Source: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) · Check it at data.census.gov
How does Kalkaska County compare with Michigan's other counties?
| Measure | Rank |
|---|---|
| Population | 66th of 83 |
| Growth 2020-2025 | 8th of 83 |
| Residents per square mile | 64th of 83 |
| Median household income | 25th of 83 |
| Median home value | 35th of 83 |
| Median gross rent | 49th of 83 |
| Poverty rate | 52nd of 83 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 60th of 83 |
| Median age | 40th of 83 |
Source: PlainCities ranks from the American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates, U.S. Census Bureau (released January 2026) and PEP Vintage 2025 · How ranks are computed
How these figures are made: methodology and release checks · reading a margin of error · every state · corrections
Not on this page: crime, weather and schools for Kalkaska County are other agencies' records. Crime: the FBI's Crime Data Explorer · climate: NOAA's U.S. Climate Normals · schools: the National Center for Education Statistics' school search.