At a Glance
Median Income
$43,547
$29,162 per capita
Home Value
$251,600
Zillow: $323,326
Median Rent
$1,122/mo
51.0% of income on rent
Violent Crime
222/100K
1,232/100K property
Bachelor's Degree+
67.4%
98.3% high school+
Unemployment
6.9%
7.5% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
38.0%
15.7% smoking rate
How East Lansing Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows East Lansing's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is East Lansing a Good Place to Live?
B
3.1 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
East Lansing residents earn a median household income of $43,547 , which is 42% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $29,162. The unemployment rate stands at 6.9% (92% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 6,868 business establishments, including 619 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in East Lansing is $251,600 , 11% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $323,326. Median rent is $1,122/month, with 51.0% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 96.2 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1975.
Safety & Crime
East Lansing reports 222 violent crimes per 100,000 residents
, which is 42% below the national average of 380/100K.
Property crime is 1,232/100K. The murder rate is 4.0/100K.
Education
67.4% of adults in East Lansing hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(100% above the national average).
98.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.3/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
East Lansing has an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C).
Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Data Overview
People
Population45,394
Median Age21.3 yrs
Density3,380/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Foreign Born10.8%
Veterans1.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$43,547
Per Capita$29,162
Unemployment6.9%
Poverty7.5%
County GDP$23,569M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,318
Housing
B
Home Value$251,600
Rent$1,122
Ownership38.9%
Zillow$323,326
Housing Units15,745
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent222/100K
Property1,232/100K
Murder4.0/100K
Assault166/100K
Burglary65/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Diabetes11.3%
Smoking15.7%
Heart Disease6.2%
Premature Death9,801/100K
Climate
Avg Temp49°F
Rain33.3 in/yr
AQI39 (Good)
Elevation853 ft
Education
A+
Bachelor's+67.4%
High School+98.3%
Graduate+37.3%
School Score5.3/10
Community
2024 VoteR 34% / D 64%
Commute17 min
Broadband87.8%
Internet Speed168 Mbps
EV Stations22
Libraries16
Did You Know?
East Lansing was founded in 1847.
The median home in East Lansing was built in 1975.
18.9% work from home.
The nearest airport is Capital Region International (6 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.476 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Moderate" by FEMA.
9.9% of the population has a disability.
10.8% of residents are foreign-born.
Average internet download speed is 168 Mbps.
There are 619 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 27 fatal vehicle crashes.