ZIP Code 48856 in Middleton, MI

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Middleton, Michigan
County:Gratiot County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:7:33:28 PM
Population:830 [See All]
Area Code:989
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:43.2006, -84.7479
Land Area:27.941 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 48856 has 830 residents and 343 households (average 2.42 persons per household). The median age is 45.0 years, older than the state (40.1) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.0% male and 51.0% female, which is about the same as the state male share (49.3%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (89.6%, much higher than the state average of 73.9% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (9.9%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 9.9%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:830Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:842Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:687Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:29.7 people per sq mile
Average Income:$82,500Source: Census ACS
Households:343Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$141,900Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.42Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:2.72Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--9129389629778498381,028865817876833879842
Decennial Census966------------------830------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 45

Male Median Age: 45.1

Female Median Age: 44.8

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male1221222725322222202238463222101879
Female19262734312117211622283848182514711
Total314749615653394336446684804035321420
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:74485.71%
Black:00%
Hispanic:*829.45%
Asian:10.12%
American Indian:20.23%
Hawaiian:00%
Other:394.49%
Total:868100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:40749.04%45.1 years
Females:42350.96%44.8 years
Total:830100%45.0 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:80996.08%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:111.31%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:00.00%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:222.61%
Total Population:842100%
Total Native Population:82097.39%
Total Foreign-born Population:222.61%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2023, the Median household income is $82,500, which is much higher than the state median ($71,149), is up $39,444 (91.6%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $38,780. Family households earn a median of $88,393 versus $61,528 for nonfamily households (a difference of $26,865). By gender, male median income is $57,000 and female is $40,875, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $16,125 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 72.9%, which is much higher than the state rate (61.4%). The unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is below the state rate (5.8%). The largest occupation group is Sales (26.0%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$43,056$36,324$38,500$42,083$42,212$41,167$36,406$43,648$43,720$48,672$55,750$85,536$82,500
Median Family Income$44,236$47,500$52,813$50,625$55,875$54,219$46,528$56,667$54,444$64,500$72,000$87,024$88,393
Median NonFamily Income$27,083$29,375$28,036$29,167$27,143$26,172$27,125$31,250$27,417$41,875$46,202$57,639$61,528
Median Male Income$36,750$31,563$27,326$31,250$29,375$32,656$35,521$43,030$40,391$43,542$46,406$54,474$57,000
Median Female Income$27,750$29,375$28,750$27,875$28,125$27,917$17,292$30,625$34,583$36,786$36,154$36,563$40,875
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:43469.66%
Unemployed:203.21%
Not In Labor Force:16927.13%
Total:623100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:8018.43%
Service:8319.12%
Sales and Office:11326.04%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:9922.81%
Production, transportation, and material moving:5913.59%
Total Civilian Employed Population:434100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $141,900, which is considerably lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $53,800 (61.07%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $60,900. The median gross rent is $700, which is far less than the national median ($1,348), is down $155 (18.13%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $38. Of occupied housing, owners make up 79.45% (56.90% with a mortgage, 43.10% free-and-clear) and renters 20.55% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 13.35%, which is considerably higher than the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$88,100$81,700$81,900$79,200$90,400$89,200$80,000$80,500$81,000$84,700$97,500$133,900$141,900
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:610.00%
$500 to $999:4880.00%
$1,000 to $1,499:00.00%
$1,500 to $1,999:00.00%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:610.00%
Total:60100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$855$864$1,000$950$731$775$781$667$738$641$664$683$700
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):13245.21%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):10034.25%
Renter Occupied:6020.55%
Total Occupied Housing Units:292100%

Occupied Housing Units:29286.65%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):4513.35%
Total Housing Units:337100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:32195.25%
Multi-Family Units:30.89%
Other Units:133.86%
Total Housing Units:337100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 14.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 78.50%, which is markedly below the state rate (91.90%). The uninsured rate is 11.50%, which is on par with the state rate (5.00%). The share of people in poverty is 2.80%, which is markedly below the state rate (8.80%), down 11.90 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 13.10 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (53.54%). College enrollment is 4.72%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:5710.94%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:5510.56%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):16631.86%
Some college, no degree:13726.30%
Associate's degree:336.33%
Bachelor's degree:5610.75%
Graduate or professional degree:173.26%
Total:521100%
High school or higher:40978.50%
Bachelor's degree or higher:7314.01%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:45548.77%
Public Insurance:38140.84%
No Insurance:9710.40%
Total:933100%
Has Health Insurance:83689.60%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty14.7%14.8%12.7%15.1%9.0%10.0%31.3%15.6%15.9%16.5%4.4%2.7%2.8%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:145.51%
Kindergarten:00.00%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):13653.54%
High school (grades 9-12):9236.22%
College or graduate school:124.72%
Total:254100%
Early Childhood:145.51%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):22889.76%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 48856 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 22 business establishments, employing about 159 people with an annual payroll of $9,450,000. USPS data shows 284 residential mailboxes and 19 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:284Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:19Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:2,089Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:284Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:0Source: USPS
# of Businesses:22Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$2,039,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$9,450,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:159Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 48856 is located in Gratiot County, Michigan, within the Alma, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 10940) and Michigan's 2nd Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 41,478 people, about 2.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 48856. It covers 27.941 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.002 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Alma, MISource: Census
CBSA Number:10940Source: Census
CBSA Type:MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:41,478Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:27.941 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.002 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:02Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:3281.19 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:--Source: Census
Place Name:--Source: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


48857 | | 48855

Schools in ZIP Code 48856


ZIP Code 48856 is in the Fulton Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 4 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Fulton Middle School 8060 Ely Hwy
Middleton, MI 48856
District: Fulton Schools
Fulton Alternative Education 129 East George St
Middleton, MI 48856
District: Fulton Schools
Fulton High School 8060 Ely Hwy
Middleton, MI 48856
District: Fulton Schools
Fulton Elementary School 8060 Ely Hwy
Middleton, MI 48856
District: Fulton Schools
Countryside Christian School 4308 S Luce Rd
Ithaca, MI 48847
District: Private SchoolNearby
Fellowship Baptist Academy 8070 S Bloomer St
Carson City, MI 48811
District: Private SchoolNearby
Ithaca Sda School 937 N Pine River St
Ithaca, MI 48847
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 48856


Alma College 614 W Superior
Alma, MI 48801-1599
Type: Post Secondary
Montcalm Community College 2800 College Dr.
Sidney, MI 48885-9723
Type: Post Secondary
Calvin University - Handlon Campus 1728 W. Bluewater Highway
Ionia, MI 48846-9571
Type: Post Secondary
School Of Missionary Aviation Technology 84 E. Sprague Rd.
Ionia, MI 48846
Type: Post Secondary
Career Quest Learning Center-Mt. Pleasant 2116 South Mission Street
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858-4427
Type: Post Secondary
Central Michigan University 106 Warriner Hall
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on October 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov