| ZIP Code | 49686 |
|---|---|
| City | Traverse City |
| State | Michigan (MI) |
| County | Grand Traverse County |
| Area Code | 231 |
| Elevation | 684 ft |
| Latitude | 44.849403 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -85.542616 |
| Timezone | Detroit (DST) |
| FIPS | 26055 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 47.1 yrs ↑ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.10 |
| Below Poverty | 11.1% ▲ 11% above avg |
| College Grads | 56.5% ▲ 46% above avg |
| Unemployment | 3.1% ▼ 36% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 104 (0.6%) |
| HS Graduate | 3,522 (19.3%) |
| Some College | 1,670 (9.1%) |
| Associates | 2,657 (14.5%) |
| Bachelors | 1,858 (10.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 8,464 (46.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $71,198 ≈ Avg ↑ 9% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $295,500 ≈ Avg ↑ 29% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,209/mo ↑ 24% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 13,261 |
| Vacant Units | 1,574 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.10 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 13,261 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,574 |
| Owner Occupied | 71.1% |
| Renter Occupied | 28.9% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.10 |
ZIP code 49686 is located in Traverse City, Michigan, within Grand Traverse County. With a population of 25,181, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 47.1 years. Economically, 49686 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $71,198 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 49686 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $295,500 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,209 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 71.1% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 29% since 2019.
The population of 49686 is primarily White (90.61%). Residents are well-educated — 56.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 11.1%. Household income has grown by 9% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 49686 stands at 3.1%, which is below the national average. About 17% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 63%.
Overall, ZIP code 49686 in Traverse City, MI is characterized as solidly middle-class, well-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 25,181 residents, a median household income of $71,198, and a median home value of $295,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Michigan.