Demographics
Pontiac is proud to have a wonderfully diverse population of approximately 60,000 residents! Black or African American residents make up the largest percentage of the population at 49.6% (compared to only 13.3% in Oakland County, followed by 34.9% of residents identifying as White (making up 73.8% of Oakland County residents). The percent of Hispanic residents has been increasing, and most recently is estimated at 19.1% of the population (compared to only 4.3% in Oakland County.
- Data: 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates: View online
Pontiac has a much younger population, with a median age of 33.6 years old, compared to a median age of 41.0 years in Oakland County. This indicates many young adults and families, which may indicate the need for supports for early childhood learning, K-12 education, career training and opportunities, and parenting support.
- Data: 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates: View online
The Age Breakdown shows a higher percentage of Pontiac residents through age 44, indicating many young adults and families in the area.
- Data: 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates: View online
Both Pontiac and Oakland County have similar percents of male and female residents.
- Data: 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates: View online
Pontiac residents have an overall lower level of educational attainment than Oakland County. Pontiac has more than 3x as many residents with less than a high school diploma. Oakland County has 3.5x as many residents with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher than Pontiac, indicating a significant educational attainment gap.
- Data: 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates: View online
The median income in Oakland County is nearly 2.5x larger than Pontiac. Households with lower incomes may struggle to meet basic household needs.
- Data: 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates: View online
The majority of residents in Pontiac earn less than $50,000 a year. Lower income levels can indicate a higher chance to not being able to meet basic household needs.
- Data: 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates: View online
Poverty rates in Pontiac are 3.5x higher than in Oakland County. Nearly 40% of children in Pontiac live in poverty compared to only 9% in Oakland County.
- Data: 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates: View online
Pontiac has a higher percent of households single parents and single adult households.