Grand Traverse County

Draws praise from residents looking for a place where they can keep active all year round

Overview for Grand Traverse County, MI

15,263 people live in Grand Traverse County, where the median age is 40.4 and the average individual income is $41,461. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

15,263

Total Population

40.4 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$41,461

Average individual Income

Welcome to Traverse City

 
Growing, energetic coastal village with cherry orchards and incredible wineries
 
Traverse City is a vibrant and gorgeous town in Northern Michigan. This town is home to vineyards, freshwater beaches, beautiful woodlands, a booming agricultural industry (the leading producer of cherries in America), and a tiny year-round population. Part-time residents come to Traverse City in summer for boating and swimming, and some come for skiing in the winter. One of Michigan’s most scenic towns, Traverse City, draws praise from residents looking for a place where they can keep active all year round.

What to Love

 
  • Waterfront living
  • Fresh, juicy cherries
  • Beautiful scenery

Local Lifestyle

 
Traverse City is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts since it has several attractions and tourist sites. Life is also more laid-back here compared to other Michigan metros. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers breathtaking views, towering dunes, and several recreational activities. Traverse City has a network of cemented hiking trails that nature lovers love to use. Residents also get to enjoy pristine beaches like Haserot Beach.  
 
Known as the world’s cherry capital, Traverse City is the leading cherry producer in America. This town holds the National Cherry Festival in the first week of July to celebrate the harvest. 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

 
Though downtown Traverse City is small, it is packed with local shopping gems. Visit Warehouse Market for everything from clothing, jewelry, and accessories to restaurants and coffee shops. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, a former 19th-century state psychiatric hospital, offers a unique shopping experience. The architecture alone is enough to draw you in, and the merchants throughout the grounds provide high-quality goods. Other notable markets include Maxbauer’s Meat Market.
 
Farm Club is another favorite amongst the residents of Traverse City. This farm/restaurant /market/brewery features fresh food from the farm on the property and spacious indoor and outdoor seating. 
The Burrow TC offers a beautiful dining experience whether you are coming in for lunch or dinner. The mussels, in particular, are a must-have. Head to Artisan Restaurant for delicious seafood or Barrio for signature and build-your-own tacos. Red Ginger is known for its salmon. The staff is friendly, and you’ll enjoy the pleasant, refined atmosphere. Other notable restaurants include The Cook’s HouseSugar-2-SaltRaduno, and The Little Fleet

Things to Do

 
Traverse City features a wide range of family-friendly activities. Dennos Museum Center is one of the most popular attractions in Traverse City because it is the town’s most prestigious cultural center. This museum is known for its traditional and contemporary Inuit art collection. 
 
Families can head to Great Lakes Children’s Museum, which is jam-packed with activities to engage, challenge, and teach their children. Ensure you book your tickets in advance; otherwise, you might be denied entry.
 
Located on the waterfront, Clinch Park is one of the best places to visit in the city. This park features a splash pad for kids and has a beach on the east side of the marina. There’s a concession stand, and the park is wheelchair accessible. Traverse City has some impressive wineries and breweries. One of the most famous wineries is Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery. If you visit this winery, you’ll get to buy bottles of wine, participate in wine tastings, and have some cheese and charcuterie with your wine.
 
Traverse City also hosts several fun events, such as the National Cherry Festival held in the first week of July. The festival features an air show with civilian and military aircraft and performances by the US Navy Blue Angels from the US Coast Guard Air Station at Traverse City. Mark your calendars for the Traverse City Film Festival (held at the end of July), the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, and UpNorth Pride Week. 
 
 

Demographics and Employment Data for Grand Traverse County, MI

Grand Traverse County has 6,844 households, with an average household size of 2.14. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Grand Traverse County do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 15,263 people call Grand Traverse County home. The population density is 1,844.26 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

15,263

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

40.4

Median Age

47.77 / 52.23%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
6,844

Total Households

2.14

Average Household Size

$41,461

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Grand Traverse County, MI

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Grand Traverse County. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Eastern Elementary School
PUBLIC
PreK - 5th
4/5
PUBLIC
8th - 12th
5/5
Willow Hill Elementary School
PUBLIC
PreK - 5th
4/5
TBA Independent School District Traverse Heights
PUBLIC
PreK - 12th
No rating available
PUBLIC
PreK - 5th
4/5
PUBLIC
K - 12th
No rating available
Trinity Lutheran School
PRIVATE
PreK - 8th
No rating available
Traverse Heights Elementary School
PUBLIC
PreK - 5th
1/5
TBA Career Technical Center
PUBLIC
11th - 12th
No rating available
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
No rating available
Holy Angels Elementary School
PRIVATE
PreK - 3rd
No rating available
TCAPS Montessori School
PUBLIC
PreK - 7th
4/5
TBA Independent School District Oak Park Special Education
PUBLIC
PreK - 12th
No rating available
Immaculate Conception Elementary School
PRIVATE
4th - 5th
No rating available
Traverse Bay Mennonite School
PRIVATE
1st - 12th
No rating available
PRIVATE
9th - 12th
No rating available

Around Grand Traverse County, MI

There's plenty to do around Grand Traverse County, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

66
Somewhat Walkable
Walking Score
81
Very Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Slabtown Cookies, Cracked, and Oryana 10th Street.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 2.02 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 1.02 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $$$ 0.69 miles 17 reviews 4.9/5 stars
Dining 2.99 miles 8 reviews 4.9/5 stars
Dining 1.17 miles 7 reviews 4.9/5 stars
Dining 0.47 miles 6 reviews 4.8/5 stars
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