The greater Lansing region is comprised of the tri-counties of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton. The area has seen a gradual population increase equal to the rest of the state of Michigan (approximately 190/year) and currently stands at 456,000. In addition, Michigan State University is home to about 45,000 students. Like most Midwestern cities, there has been a shift of population from the city of Lansing to newer developing suburban towns. The largest percentage of ages are in the 25-34 years and 35-44 year groups at 14.4% and 14.2% respectively with the remainder of age groups in a bell curve distribution around these brackets. Per capita annual income is just above $22,000 compared to the national average of $21,500.

The area is ethnically diverse. Minority populations include African American (9%), Hispanic (4%) and Asian (3%). In addition, there is a very large and diverse international student population, especially at the graduate student level. In East Lansing, 31% of the adult population holds a Bachelor’s degree and 39% hold a graduate level or professional degree.

The largest employment sector is state and local government with about 66,000 jobs. This is followed by trade/utilities (36,400), education and health services (26,000), manufacturing (22,600) and professional and business services (21,300). The largest individual employers are the State of Michigan, Michigan State University, General Motors and Sparrow Health System. The unemployment rate is about 6%.