East Lansing, MI

Census Place

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2021 Population

47,427

2.09% 1-year decline

US Senator

Debbie Stabenow

Democratic Party

US Senator

Gary Peters

Democratic Party

2021 Median Age

21.4

0% 1-year change

2021 Poverty Rate

35.5%

6.39% 1-year decrease

2021 Median Household Income

$41,177

0.924% 1-year growth

2021 Median Property Value

$203,400

4.79% 1-year growth

2021 Employed Population

22,746

0.997% 1-year decline

About

In 2021, East Lansing, MI had a population of 47.4k people with a median age of 21.4 and a median household income of $41,177. Between 2020 and 2021 the population of East Lansing, MI declined from 48,437 to 47,427, a −2.09% decrease and its median household income grew from $40,800 to $41,177, a 0.924% increase.

The 5 largest ethnic groups in East Lansing, MI are White (Non-Hispanic) (74.9%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (9.32%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (6.8%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (3.84%), and White (Hispanic) (2.54%).

None of the households in East Lansing, MI reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

91.9% of the residents in East Lansing, MI are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in East Lansing, MI are Michigan State University (13,487 degrees awarded in 2021) and Douglas J Aveda Institute (766 degrees).

In 2021, the median property value in East Lansing, MI was $203,400, and the homeownership rate was 38.6%.

Most people in East Lansing, MI drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 16.3 minutes. The average car ownership in East Lansing, MI was 2 cars per household.

About the photo: Michigan State Capitol Rotunda, Lansing, MI

Photo by Jim Bowen

United States Michigan Clinton County, MI Ingham County, MI Lansing-East Lansing, MI Ingham County (South & East) PUMA, MI Ingham County (Northwest) PUMA, MI Eaton & Clinton Counties PUMA, MI

Population & Diversity

East Lansing, MI is home to a population of 47.4k people, from which 91.9% are citizens. As of 2021, 11.8% of East Lansing, MI residents were born outside of the country (5.58k people).

In 2021, there were 8.04 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (35.5k people) in East Lansing, MI than any other race or ethnicity. There were 4.42k Asian (Non-Hispanic) and 3.22k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

91.9%

2021 Citizenship

89.7%

2020 Citizenship

As of 2021, 91.9% of East Lansing, MI residents were US citizens, which is lower than the national average of 93.4%. In 2020, the percentage of US citizens in East Lansing, MI was 89.7%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been increasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in East Lansing, MI compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in East Lansing, MI

White (Non-Hispanic)
35.5k ± 892
Asian (Non-Hispanic)
4.42k ± 494
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
3.22k ± 564

4.81%

Hispanic Population

2.28k people

4.81% of the people in East Lansing, MI are hispanic (2.28k people).

The following chart shows the 7 races represented in East Lansing, MI as a share of the total population.

Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the Place level, so we are showing data for Michigan.

Most Common Origin

Mexico
79,412 ± 6,891 people
India
76,245 ± 6,753 people
Iraq
59,562 ± 5,974 people

In 2021, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Michigan was Mexico, the natal country of 79,412 Michigan residents, followed by India with 76,245 and Iraq with 59,562.

Foreign-Born Population

11.8%

2021 Foreign-Born Population

5.58k people

13.1%

2020 Foreign-Born Population

6.35k people

As of 2021, 11.8% of East Lansing, MI residents (5.58k people) were born outside of the United States, which is lower than the national average of 13.6%. In 2020, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in East Lansing, MI was 13.1%, meaning that the rate has been decreasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in East Lansing, MI compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Vietnam
374 ± 171
Korea
265 ± 222
Gulf War (2001-)
128 ± 72

East Lansing, MI has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.41 times greater than any other conflict.

Economy

The economy of East Lansing, MI employs 22.7k people. The largest industries in East Lansing, MI are Educational Services (8,290 people), Accommodation & Food Services (2,653 people), and Retail Trade (1,983 people), and the highest paying industries are Utilities ($91,786), Public Administration ($67,778), and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services ($50,561).

Males in Michigan have an average income that is 1.36 times higher than the average income of females, which is $53,616. The income inequality in Michigan (measured using the Gini index) is 0.468, which is lower than than the national average.

Employment

Occupations

22.7k

2021 Value

± 1,114

−0.997%

1 Year decline

± 6.98%

From 2020 to 2021, employment in East Lansing, MI declined at a rate of −0.997%, from 23k employees to 22.7k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in East Lansing, MI, are Education Instruction, & Library Occupations (3,710 people), Office & Administrative Support Occupations (2,863 people), and Sales & Related Occupations (2,347 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of East Lansing, MI.

Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for false.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Michigan (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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Industries

Employment by Industries

22.7k

2021 Value

± 1,114

−0.997%

1 Year decline

± 6.98%

From 2020 to 2021, employment in East Lansing, MI declined at a rate of −0.997%, from 23k employees to 22.7k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in East Lansing, MI, are Educational Services (8,290 people), Accommodation & Food Services (2,653 people), and Retail Trade (1,983 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of East Lansing, MI, though some of these residents may live in East Lansing, MI and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Median Earnings by Industry

$16,905

Median earning men ± $3,135

$10,942

Median earning women ± $1,657

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2021 are Public Administration ($66,083), Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting, & Mining ($50,385), and Manufacturing ($42,772).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2021 are Public Administration ($77,656), Construction ($63,080), and Professional, Scientific, & Management, & Administrative & Waste Management Services ($37,864).

Employment by Industry Sector

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for false.

Y-Axis

2.75%

Year-over-year growth

Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

As of February 2023, there are 155M people employed in Michigan. This represents a 2.75% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Michigan.

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Domestic Trade

Domestic Production & Consumption

Domestic production and consumption consists of products and services shipped from Michigan to other states, or from other states to Michigan.

Top Domestic Production in Dollars

In 2020, the top outbound Michigan product (by dollars) was Motorized vehicles with $217B, followed by Machinery ($58.2B) and Mixed freight ($51.2B).

The following chart shows the share of these products in relation to all outbound Michigan products.

Domestic Trade Growth

Showing data for Michigan.

$667B

2020 Value in Michigan

$1.16T

Projected 2050 Value in Michigan

74% growth

In 2020, total outbound Michigan trade was $667B. This is expected to increase 74% to $1.16T by 2050.

The following chart shows how the domestic outbound Michigan trade is projected to change in comparison to its neighboring states.

Interstate Trade

Interstate trade consists of products and services shipped from Michigan to other states, or from other states to Michigan.

Most Common Trade Partners

Ohio
$37.2B
Indiana
$33.2B
Texas
$31.6B

In 2020, the top outbound Michigan domestic partner for goods and services (by dollars) was Ohio with $37.2B, followed by Indiana with $33.2B and Texas and $31.6B.

The following map shows the amount of trade that Michigan shares with each state (excluding itself).

Civics

In the 2020 presidential election, the popular vote in Michigan went to Joseph R Biden Jr. with 50.6% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (47.8%), followed by Jo Jorgensen (1.09%).

Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters are the senators currently representing the state of Michigan. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

Michigan is currently represented by 13 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Elections

Presidential Popular Vote Over Time

Voting results are not available for East Lansing, MI. Showing the available data for Michigan.

2020 Election Results

Joseph R Biden Jr. (50.6%)
Democratic Party
Donald J. Trump (47.8%)
Republican Party
Jo Jorgensen (1.09%)
Libertarian Party

In the 2020 presidential election, the popular vote in Michigan went to Joseph R Biden Jr. with 50.6% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (47.8%), followed by Jo Jorgensen (1.09%).

The following chart shows the popular vote results in Michigan for each registered party from 1976 to 2020.

Senator Elections

US Senators from Michigan

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Michigan.

Debbie Stabenow

Senator from Michigan

Assumed office on January 3, 2001

Gary Peters

Senator from Michigan

Assumed office on January 3, 2015

Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters are the senators currently representing Michigan.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in Michigan over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

US Representative Elections

US Representatives from Michigan

Michigan is currently represented by 13 members in the U.S. house.

Members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms, and the following chart shows the how the members for Michigan have changed over time starting in 2008.

Education

In 2021, universities in East Lansing, MI awarded 14,253 degrees. The student population of East Lansing, MI in 2021 is skewed towards women, with 23,423 male students and 27,125 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in East Lansing, MI are White (9,611 and 75.8%), followed by Black or African American (989 and 7.8%), Asian (816 and 6.44%), and Hispanic or Latino (632 and 4.99%).

The largest universities in East Lansing, MI by number of degrees awarded are Michigan State University (13,487 and 94.6%) and Douglas J Aveda Institute (766 and 5.37%).

The most popular majors in East Lansing, MI are Advertising (570 and 4%), General Biological Sciences (478 and 3.35%), and Logistics, Materials, & Supply Chain Management (447 and 3.14%).

The median tuition cost in East Lansing, MI for a public four year colleges is $15,966 for in-state students and $41,290 for out-of-state students.

Admissions & Enrollments

Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

University

Measure

In 2021 in East Lansing, MI, the percentage of applicants admitted was 83.3%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 21.9%. The number of students enrolled in 2021 was 50,548 (46.3% men and 53.7% women).

The line chart shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

Enrollments by Gender and Races

Universities

In 2021 there were 50,548 students enrolled in East Lansing, MI, 46.3% men and 53.7% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 33,375 records, of which 54.2% were women and 45.8% men.

Completions

Concentrations

Most Common

General Psychology
402 degree-majors awarded
Advertising
565 degree-majors awarded
General Biological Sciences
477 degree-majors awarded

In 2021, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in East Lansing, MI was General Psychology with 402 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in East Lansing, MI according to their major.

Universities

Gender

Race

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

Michigan State University
13,487 degrees awarded
Douglas J Aveda Institute
766 degrees awarded

In 2021, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Michigan State University with 13,487 degrees awarded.

Student Diversity

University

In 2021, 6,161 men were awarded degrees from institutions in East Lansing, MI, which is 0.761 times less than the 8,092 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2021 the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 9,611 degrees mean that there were 9.72 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Black or African American, with 989 degrees awarded.

Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Universities

Public, 4-year or above ($15,966) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2021.

Public, 4-year or above ($1,154) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

Working Population

Educational Pyramid

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Michigan.

Measure

In 2021, 0.763% of men over 25 years of age had not completed any academic degree (no schooling), while 0.76% of women were in the same situation.

This visualization shows the gender distribution of the population according to the academic level reached.

Educational Attainment

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Michigan.

Race

The most common educational levels obtained by the working population in 2021 were High School or Equivalent (2.3M), Some college (1.94M), and Bachelors Degree (1.38M).

This visualization illustrates the percentage distribution of the population according to the highest educational level reached. You can filter the data by race by using the selector above.

Housing & Living

The median property value in East Lansing, MI was $203,400 in 2021, which is 0.831 times smaller than the national average of $244,900. Between 2020 and 2021 the median property value increased from $194,100 to $203,400, a 4.79% increase. The homeownership rate in East Lansing, MI is 38.6%, which is approximately the same as the national average of 64.6%.

People in East Lansing, MI have an average commute time of 16.3 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in East Lansing, MI is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

Median household income in East Lansing, MI is $41,177. In 2021, the place with the highest median household income in East Lansing, MI was Census Tract 38.01 with a value of $85,568, followed by Census Tract 101.04 and Census Tract 31.03, with respective values of $64,375 and $59,011.

Housing

Property

$203,400

Median Property Value 2021

±$12,216

$5,563

Median Property Taxes

±$558

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In East Lansing, MI the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in East Lansing, MI compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

Rent vs Own

38.6%

Homeownership

2021

66.7%

Homeowners with Mortgage

2021

In 2021, 38.6% of the housing units in East Lansing, MI were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 39.5%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in East Lansing, MI compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

Equity

Income by Location

Use the dropdown to filter by race/ethnicity.

Race/Ethnicity

Highest Median Household Income (Total)

Census Tract 38.01
Census Tract 101.04
Census Tract 31.03

In 2021, the place with the highest Median Household Income (Total) in East Lansing, MI was Census Tract 38.01 with a value of $85,568, followed by Census Tract 101.04 and Census Tract 31.03, with respective values of $64,375 and $59,011.

The following map shows all of the places in East Lansing, MI colored by their Median Household Income (Total).

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$41,177

Median Household Income

± $3,450

14.4k

Number of Households

± 978

In 2021, the median household income of the 14.4k households in East Lansing, MI grew to $41,177 from the previous year's value of $40,800.

The following chart displays the households in East Lansing, MI distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the < $10k range.

Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for East Lansing, MI is from Michigan.

0.468

2021 Wage GINI in Michigan

0.471

2020 Wage GINI in Michigan

In 2021, the income inequality in Michigan was 0.468 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.592% decline from 2020 to 2021, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Michigan was lower than than the national average of 0.478. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Michigan in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in Michigan across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2021

Drove Alone (50.8%)
Walked (17.9%)
Worked At Home (13.8%)

In 2021, 50.8% of workers in East Lansing, MI drove alone to work, followed by those who walked to work (17.9%) and those who worked at home (13.8%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

Commute Time

16.3 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in East Lansing, MI have a shorter commute time (16.3 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.8 minutes). Additionally, 1.23% of the workforce in East Lansing, MI have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in East Lansing, MI compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Car Ownership

2 cars

Average Number

The following chart displays the households in East Lansing, MI distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in East Lansing, MI have 2 cars.

Poverty

Poverty & Diversity

35.5% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in East Lansing, MI (11.5k out of 32.5k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.6%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Males 18 - 24, followed by Females 18 - 24 and then Males 25 - 34.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in East Lansing, MI is White, followed by Asian and Black.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

Social Needs

Data only available at the state level.

Most prevalent states

California
35,798 individuals
New York
5,087 individuals
Florida
4,915 individuals

In 2017, California had the highest estimated number of chronically homeless individuals in the nation, at 35,798. New York has the second highest (5,087), followed by Florida (4,915).

The following map shows the estimated number of chronically homeless individuals by state over multiple years.

Health

94.3% of the population of East Lansing, MI has health coverage, with 62.7% on employee plans, 7.7% on Medicaid, 6.46% on Medicare, 17.1% on non-group plans, and 0.356% on military or VA plans.

Primary care physicians in Ingham County, MI see 952 patients per year on average, which represents a 0.833% decrease from the previous year (960 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1315 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 237 patients per year.

Coverage

Patient to Clinician Ratios

Data is only available at the country level. Showing data for Ingham County, MI.

952 to 1

Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Ingham County, MI

Primary care physicians in Ingham County, MI see an average of 952 patients per year. This represents a 0.833% decrease from the previous year (960 patients).

The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Ingham County, MI in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

Health Care Diversity

In 2021, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 20.3% under 18 years, 56.5% between 18 and 34 years, 14.6% between 35 and 64 years, and 8.56% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.5% were men and 50.5% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

Uninsured People

5.66%

Uninsured

62.7%

Employer Coverage

7.7%

Medicaid

6.46%

Medicare

17.1%

Non-Group

0.356%

Military or VA

Between 2020 and 2021, the percent of uninsured citizens in East Lansing, MI grew by 33.5% from 4.24% to 5.66%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in East Lansing, MI changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.