US ZIP Code
49685

Traverse City, MI

Grand Traverse County  ·  Michigan

● Active
👥 21,297 Population
💰 $82,639 Median HH Income
▲ 8% above avg
🎂 39.6 Median Age
🏠 $309,200 Median Home Value
▲ 11% above avg
🎓 51.3% College Grads
▲ 33% above avg
📊 3.2% Unemployment
▼ 34% below avg
ZIP Code Details
ZIP Code49685
CityTraverse City
StateMichigan (MI)
CountyGrand Traverse County
Area Code231
Elevation596 ft
Latitude44.699632
Longitude-85.700684
TimezoneDetroit (DST)
FIPS26055
ZIP TypeStandard
StatusActive
People & Population (ACS 2023)
♂ Male 50.3% (10,721) Female 49.7% (10,576) ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 92.5%Hispanic: 2%Black: 0.9%Asian: 0.8%Other: 3.2%Race
White92.5%
Hispanic2.0%
Black0.9%
Asian0.8%
Other3.2%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
6%
5–17
16%
18–24
8%
25–44
27%
45–64
28%
65+
8%

Key Indicators

Median Age39.6 yrs
Avg Household Size2.54
Below Poverty8.7% ▼ 13% below avg
College Grads51.3% ▲ 33% above avg
Unemployment3.2% ▼ 34% below avg
No HS Diploma92 (0.6%)
HS Graduate3,051 (21.2%)
Some College1,588 (11%)
Associates2,279 (15.8%)
Bachelors1,925 (13.4%)
Graduate Degree5,472 (38%)

Education

No HS: 0.6%HS Grad: 21.2%Some College: 11%Associates: 15.8%Bachelors: 13.4%Graduate: 38%Edu
No HS0.6%
HS Grad21.2%
Some College11.0%
Associates15.8%
Bachelors13.4%
Graduate38.0%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 80%Renter: 20%Tenure
Owner80.0%
Renter20.0%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
6%
$50k–100k
3%
$100k–150k
4%
$150k–200k
8%
$200k–300k
27%
$300k–500k
35%
Over $500k
16%

Financials

Median HH Income$82,639 ▲ 8% above avg
Median Home Value$309,200 ▲ 11% above avg
Home/Income Ratio3.7x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$1,338/mo
Total Units9,395
Vacant Units1,034
Avg HH Size2.54

Income Distribution

Under $25k
11%
$25k–50k
12%
$50k–75k
19%
$75k–100k
18%
$100k–150k
23%
$150k–200k
11%
Over $200k
7%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
87%
Public Transit
0%
Walked
1%
Work From Home
12%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
33%
15–30 min
53%
30–45 min
9%
Over 45 min
5%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
1%
1940s–1950s
4%
1960s–1970s
17%
1980s–1990s
21%
2000+
58%

Summary

Total Units9,395
Vacant1,034
Owner Occupied80.0%
Renter Occupied20.0%
Avg HH Size2.54
Frequently Asked Questions
ZIP code 49685 is in Traverse City, MI, in Grand Traverse County.
ZIP code 49685 is located in Michigan (MI).
ZIP code 49685 is in Grand Traverse County, MI.
ZIP 49685 observes the Detroit timezone. Daylight Saving Time is observed.
The estimated population of ZIP code 49685 is 21,297 people (ACS 2023).
The median household income in ZIP code 49685 is $82,639 (ACS 2023).
The median home value in ZIP 49685 is $309,200 (ACS 2023).
About ZIP Code 49685

ZIP code 49685 is located in Traverse City, Michigan, within Grand Traverse County. With a population of 21,297, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 39.6 years. Economically, 49685 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $82,639 is near the national average.

Real estate in ZIP code 49685 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $309,200 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,338 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 80.0% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community.

The population of 49685 is primarily White (92.45%). Residents are well-educated — 51.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 8.7%.

The unemployment rate in 49685 stands at 3.2%, which is below the national average. About 11% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 80%.

Overall, ZIP code 49685 in Traverse City, MI is characterized as middle-income, well-educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 21,297 residents, a median household income of $82,639, and a median home value of $309,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Michigan.