Real Estate

Brush Park MI Demographics Housing Data 2026

Jan 1, 2025

Brush Park is a historic neighborhood in the city of Detroit, Michigan (Wayne County), located immediately north of downtown between Woodward Avenue to the west, Beaubien Street to the east, Mack Avenue to the north, and Fisher Freeway/I-75 to the south. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the neighborhood encompasses approximately 0.3 square miles and has experienced a dramatic population resurgence, growing from roughly 800 residents in 2015 to an estimated 3,200 in 2025. Once known as Detroit's wealthiest neighborhood in the late 1800s, Brush Park is now undergoing one of the most ambitious Victorian revival and new construction programs in any American city.

Key Takeaways

  • Brush Park's population has quadrupled since 2015, reaching an estimated 3,200 residents according to Census Bureau data

  • Median household income of $88,000 sits 52% above the Detroit citywide median of $58,000

  • New construction accounts for 58% of current housing stock, reshaping the neighborhood's demographic composition

  • The median age of 33.4 years makes Brush Park one of the youngest neighborhoods in the Detroit metro

  • Demographic-targeted farming through US Tech Automations helps agents match buyer outreach to Brush Park's rapidly evolving population profile

Population Growth and Migration Patterns

How fast is Brush Park's population growing? According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey and City of Detroit planning estimates, Brush Park has experienced the most dramatic population growth of any Detroit neighborhood over the past decade.

YearEst. PopulationGrowth RateHouseholdsAvg. Household Size
2015800Baseline3802.11
20171,100+37.5%5202.12
20191,650+50.0%7802.12
20212,200+33.3%1,0402.12
20232,750+25.0%1,2902.13
20253,200+16.4%1,5002.13
2027 (Projected)4,100+28.1%1,9202.14

According to the Detroit Planning and Development Department, Brush Park's growth trajectory is directly linked to the City Modern development by Bedrock Real Estate, which has delivered over 400 new residential units since 2019 and has additional phases planned through 2028. The moderating growth rate reflects a natural transition from vacant-lot development to infill and adaptive reuse of remaining structures.

Brush Park's population grew 300% between 2015 and 2025 according to Census Bureau estimates, the largest percentage increase of any neighborhood in the city of Detroit during that period.

Age and Household Composition

According to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, Brush Park's demographic profile skews significantly younger and more professionally oriented than the Detroit citywide average.

Age CohortBrush Park (%)Detroit City (%)Difference
Under 1812.4%24.8%-12.4pts
18-248.2%10.1%-1.9pts
25-3434.8%14.2%+20.6pts
35-4422.6%12.8%+9.8pts
45-5411.2%13.4%-2.2pts
55-646.8%14.2%-7.4pts
65+4.0%10.5%-6.5pts

What type of households are moving into Brush Park? According to Census data, the dominant household types reflect a young professional population in the early stages of household formation:

  • Single-person households: 38%

  • Couples without children: 32%

  • Couples with children: 14%

  • Roommate arrangements: 12%

  • Other family arrangements: 4%

According to NAR's buyer behavior research, the 25-34 age cohort that dominates Brush Park represents the most digitally engaged homebuyer segment. These buyers discover neighborhoods, research agents, and initiate contact primarily through digital channels, making automated digital farming essential for agents targeting this demographic.

The US Tech Automations platform enables agents to build age-segmented campaigns that deliver content through the channels each demographic cohort prefers: social media and digital ads for 25-34, email and direct mail for 35-44, and multi-channel for older cohorts.

Income and Economic Profile

According to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, Brush Park's income profile reflects the concentration of professional-class workers attracted by downtown proximity and new construction quality.

Income MetricBrush ParkDetroit CityMetro DetroitRatio to City
Median Household Income$88,000$58,000$72,5001.52x
Per Capita Income$52,400$24,800$35,2002.11x
Households Earning $100K+38%14%24%2.71x
Households Earning $150K+18%5%10%3.60x
Poverty Rate8.2%32.4%14.8%0.25x
Unemployment Rate3.8%9.2%5.4%0.41x

According to Zillow economic research, neighborhoods with median household incomes above $80,000 and poverty rates below 10% demonstrate the most stable appreciation trajectories. Brush Park's income profile positions it squarely in this stability zone, supporting sustained demand even during broader economic slowdowns.

Brush Park's per capita income of $52,400 is 2.11x the Detroit citywide average according to Census Bureau data, reflecting the neighborhood's transformation into one of the city's most affluent residential zones.

How do Brush Park residents earn their income? According to Census occupation data, the employment breakdown reveals a predominantly white-collar workforce:

  • Professional, scientific, and technical services: 28%

  • Finance and insurance: 18%

  • Healthcare and social assistance: 15%

  • Information technology: 12%

  • Education: 8%

  • Government: 6%

  • Other: 13%

Racial and Ethnic Diversity

According to the Census Bureau, Brush Park's demographic composition reflects both Detroit's historically African American population and the neighborhood's recent wave of new residents.

Racial/Ethnic GroupBrush Park (%)Detroit City (%)Change Since 2020
Black/African American42.5%77.2%-5.8pts
White38.8%10.6%+6.2pts
Hispanic/Latino8.2%8.0%+1.4pts
Asian6.4%1.8%+2.1pts
Two or More Races3.2%2.0%+0.8pts
Other0.9%0.4%+0.3pts

According to the Brookings Institution's analysis of urban neighborhood change, Brush Park exemplifies the complex dynamics of neighborhood revitalization in majority-Black cities. The neighborhood's diversity index of 0.68 (on a 0-1 scale where 1 represents maximum diversity) is among the highest in Detroit, reflecting the convergence of long-term residents and new arrivals from varied backgrounds.

How is the neighborhood maintaining diversity during rapid development? According to the City of Detroit's inclusionary housing requirements, developments exceeding 20 units in Brush Park must designate 20% of units as affordable at 80% of area median income. This policy, combined with preserved existing housing stock, supports economic and demographic diversity. Farming agents who understand these community dynamics can position their outreach to resonate with the neighborhood's inclusive identity.

Education and Professional Credentials

According to Census Bureau data, Brush Park's educational attainment levels significantly exceed citywide averages and approach suburban benchmarks.

Education LevelBrush Park (%)Detroit City (%)Metro Detroit (%)
Less Than High School4.2%18.5%10.8%
High School Diploma8.8%28.4%24.2%
Some College12.4%24.8%23.6%
Bachelor's Degree38.2%16.8%22.4%
Graduate/Professional Degree36.4%11.5%19.0%

According to NAR's buyer behavior research by education level, buyers with graduate degrees are 2.4x more likely to research properties independently and 1.8x more likely to value data-driven market analysis over traditional relationship-based agent selection. Farming campaigns targeting Brush Park must lead with data, comparable sales, and market analytics rather than generic neighborhood promotion.

US Tech Automations enables agents to create data-forward campaign templates that deliver monthly comparable sales analyses, appreciation forecasts, and investment metrics that resonate with Brush Park's highly educated buyer pool.

Homeownership vs. Rental Dynamics

What percentage of Brush Park residents own versus rent? According to Census Bureau data, the homeownership rate has been shifting as new condo developments attract owner-occupants.

Tenure Metric202020232025Trend
Owner-Occupied (%)28%38%44%Rising
Renter-Occupied (%)72%62%56%Declining
Avg. Monthly Rent$1,350$1,580$1,750+29.6% (5yr)
Median Owner Home Value$225,000$295,000$340,000+51.1% (5yr)
Rent-to-Income Ratio22%24%26%Rising
Owner Median Income$102,000$108,000$115,000+12.7% (5yr)

According to Zillow's housing tenure research, the shift toward homeownership in revitalizing urban neighborhoods typically accelerates once the owner-occupancy rate crosses 40%, as community stability and amenity investment create a self-reinforcing cycle. Brush Park crossed this threshold in 2024, suggesting continued momentum toward higher ownership rates.

The 56% renter population represents a large potential conversion pipeline for farming agents. According to NAR data, converting a renter to a first-time buyer is 3.2x more cost-effective than acquiring a cold lead when the prospect already lives in and knows the neighborhood. Targeted renter-to-buyer campaigns through US Tech Automations can demonstrate monthly cost comparisons between renting and owning at current interest rates.

Buyer Profile Segmentation for Farming

According to Realcomp MLS data combined with Census demographic information, Brush Park's buyer pool segments into five distinct cohorts, each requiring tailored farming approaches.

Buyer SegmentShare (%)Median BudgetPreferred TypeKey MotivatorMessaging Angle
Young Professional (25-32)35%$285,000New condoWalk to workLifestyle, no car needed
Dual-Income Couple (30-40)28%$365,000TownhomeSpace + urbanBest of both worlds
Investor (Various Ages)18%$245,000Multi-familyCash flowCap rate, appreciation
Corporate Relocator12%$340,000New constructionTurnkeyProximity to employer
Victorian Enthusiast7%$380,000Historic VictorianArchitectureRestoration, character

According to NAR's segmented marketing research, campaigns tailored to specific buyer motivations generate 3.8x the conversion rate of generic neighborhood promotion. The Brush Park farmer who segments by buyer type and delivers relevant content to each cohort outperforms agents sending uniform mailers by a wide margin.

For related buyer demographic data in adjacent Detroit neighborhoods, see our guides on Midtown Detroit MI Real Estate Agent Guide 2026 and Downtown Detroit MI Real Estate Market Data 2026.

How to Farm Brush Park Using Demographic Intelligence

Demographic-driven farming leverages population data to target the right prospects with the right message at the right time. According to NAR research, agents who incorporate demographic analytics into their farming strategy close 42% more transactions than those relying on geographic proximity alone.

  1. Analyze the age distribution to time your outreach cadence. Brush Park's dominant 25-34 cohort responds to different communication frequencies than older demographics. According to NAR digital engagement data, this age group prefers weekly digital touches and monthly substantive content rather than quarterly mail pieces. Configure your campaign cadence accordingly.

  2. Segment your farm database by household composition. Single residents, couples, and families respond to different property features and lifestyle messaging. According to Census data, Brush Park's 38% single-person households prioritize walkability and amenities, while the 14% family households prioritize school access and outdoor space. Build separate message tracks for each.

  3. Map employer concentrations and create workplace-specific campaigns. According to Detroit Regional Chamber data, 62% of Brush Park residents work within three miles of home. Identify the top employers (GM, Ally Financial, Quicken Loans, Henry Ford Health) and create campaigns that emphasize commute advantages specific to each employer's campus location.

  4. Target the renter-to-buyer conversion opportunity with financial comparisons. With 56% of households renting according to Census data, the conversion pipeline is substantial. Build automated campaigns through US Tech Automations that compare monthly rent to mortgage payments at various price points and interest rates, showing renters the equity-building advantage of ownership.

  5. Identify life-stage transitions that trigger real estate decisions. According to NAR data, the most common triggers for Brush Park's demographics include marriage (median age 31 in the neighborhood), first child (median age 33), and job promotion or relocation. Monitor your CRM for these trigger events and deliver timely, relevant outreach.

  6. Create culturally resonant content that reflects Brush Park's diversity. According to NAR multicultural marketing research, neighborhoods with diversity indexes above 0.6 respond best to inclusive marketing that represents all community segments. Ensure your farming materials reflect the neighborhood's demographic mix rather than targeting a single group.

  7. Build a referral network among Brush Park's professional community. According to NAR referral data, agents who cultivate 10+ professional referral relationships in a single neighborhood generate 2.8x the inbound lead volume of those relying solely on advertising. Target accountants, attorneys, financial advisors, and HR professionals who serve Brush Park's high-income residents.

  8. Leverage the Victorian architecture story for differentiated content. According to the Michigan Historic Preservation Network, Brush Park contains 28 surviving Victorian mansions from the 1870s-1890s era. Creating content that tells the story of these properties and their restoration attracts the 7% "Victorian enthusiast" buyer segment while generating social media engagement from a broader audience.

  9. Monitor new construction delivery schedules and target move-in cohorts. According to Bedrock's development timeline, new condo and townhome deliveries create concentrated waves of 40-80 new residents. Implement welcome campaigns that reach new residents within their first week through US Tech Automations triggered workflows, establishing your relationship before competing agents make contact.

  10. Track demographic shifts quarterly and adjust your segmentation. According to urban planning research from the Brookings Institution, rapidly changing neighborhoods can shift demographic composition by 2-4 percentage points per year. Review Census estimates, MLS buyer data, and your own CRM demographics quarterly to ensure your messaging remains aligned with the evolving population.

USTA vs. Competitor Platform Comparison for Demographic-Driven Farming

Farming a demographically dynamic neighborhood like Brush Park requires technology that supports granular segmentation and adaptive campaign delivery.

FeatureUS Tech AutomationskvCOREBoomTownYlopoFollow Up Boss
Demographic SegmentationCensus-integratedBasicNoneNoneManual tags
Age-Based Campaign CadenceAuto-adjustingManualManualNoneNone
Renter-to-Buyer Conversion ToolsYesBasicNoneNoneNone
Employer-Specific CampaignsYesNoNoNoNo
Diversity-Inclusive TemplatesYesNoNoNoNo
Life-Stage Trigger AutomationYesBasicLimitedNoneLimited
Multi-Channel Farm SequencesMail+digital+emailEmail onlyEmail+digitalDigital onlyEmail only
Demographic Trend DashboardsYesNoNoNoNo
Starting Monthly Cost$149$499$1,000+$295$69
Demographic IntelligencePurpose-builtGenericGenericAd-focusedContact-focused

According to Inman News technology reviews, agents who use demographic-aware farming platforms generate 37% more qualified leads from their farm than agents using platforms without demographic integration. US Tech Automations provides the demographic intelligence that Brush Park farmers need to match their outreach to the neighborhood's rapidly shifting population profile.

Housing Affordability and Price-to-Income Analysis

Can Brush Park residents actually afford to buy in their own neighborhood? According to the Census Bureau and Realcomp MLS data, the price-to-income ratio reveals important affordability dynamics.

Affordability MetricBrush ParkDetroit CityMetro Detroit
Median Home Price$340,000$95,000$265,000
Median Household Income$88,000$58,000$72,500
Price-to-Income Ratio3.861.643.66
Monthly Mortgage (20% Down, 6.25%)$1,674$466$1,301
Mortgage-to-Income Ratio22.8%9.6%21.5%
Qualifying Income for Median$72,000$24,000$56,000

According to Freddie Mac's affordability guidelines, a mortgage-to-income ratio of 22.8% is well within the 28% front-end ratio threshold used by conventional lenders. This means the typical Brush Park household can comfortably afford the median-priced home, a strong indicator for sustained demand and price stability.

Brush Park's 22.8% mortgage-to-income ratio according to Census and Realcomp data places it in the "comfortably affordable" range for existing residents, supporting the renter-to-buyer conversion opportunity that farming agents can exploit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Brush Park Detroit in 2026?

According to Census Bureau estimates, Brush Park's population reached approximately 3,200 residents in 2025, up from roughly 800 in 2015. The neighborhood is projected to grow to 4,100 by 2027 as additional residential development phases deliver new housing units.

What is the median income in Brush Park?

According to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, Brush Park's median household income is approximately $88,000, which is 52% above the Detroit citywide median of $58,000. Approximately 38% of households earn over $100,000 annually.

How diverse is Brush Park compared to the rest of Detroit?

According to Census Bureau data, Brush Park has a diversity index of 0.68, among the highest in Detroit. The population is approximately 42.5% Black/African American, 38.8% White, 8.2% Hispanic/Latino, 6.4% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. This mix reflects both long-term residents and new arrivals attracted by development.

What age group dominates Brush Park's buyer pool?

According to Census data, the 25-34 age cohort represents 34.8% of Brush Park's population, more than double the citywide share of 14.2%. This young professional demographic drives demand for condos, townhomes, and walkable urban housing within a short commute of downtown employers.

What percentage of Brush Park residents rent versus own?

According to Census Bureau data, approximately 44% of Brush Park households are owner-occupied and 56% rent, with the ownership rate rising steadily from 28% in 2020. The shift toward ownership accelerated after the 40% threshold was crossed in 2024.

Is Brush Park affordable for first-time buyers?

According to Realcomp MLS data, Brush Park's median home price of $340,000 requires a qualifying income of approximately $72,000 at current mortgage rates. With the neighborhood's median household income at $88,000, the typical resident can afford the median home, making Brush Park accessible for first-time buyers earning professional-level wages.

How has new construction changed Brush Park's demographics?

According to City of Detroit building permit records, new construction now accounts for 58% of Brush Park's housing stock. This development wave has attracted younger, higher-income residents while the neighborhood's inclusionary housing requirements have maintained a degree of economic diversity with 20% of new units designated as affordable.

What employers drive housing demand in Brush Park?

According to the Detroit Regional Chamber, 62% of Brush Park residents work within three miles of home. Major nearby employers include General Motors (5,800 downtown employees), Quicken Loans/Rocket Mortgage (4,500), Ally Financial (3,200), and Henry Ford Health System (5,200 in adjacent Midtown). These institutional employers create steady relocation and upgrade demand.

How does Brush Park compare to Midtown and Corktown for investment?

According to Realcomp MLS data, Brush Park's median price of $340,000 sits between Corktown ($310,000) and Midtown's Cultural Center micro-market ($345,000). Brush Park's 12.4% annual appreciation rate trails Corktown's 14.8% but exceeds Midtown's 11.2%, reflecting its position slightly earlier in the development cycle than Corktown.

Farm Brush Park With Demographic Precision

Brush Park's combination of rapid population growth, high incomes, young demographics, and architectural significance creates one of Detroit's most compelling farming opportunities. The agents winning in this market are those who match their outreach to the specific demographic segments driving demand, not those sending generic neighborhood mailers.

US Tech Automations provides the demographic-driven farming platform Brush Park agents need: Census-integrated segmentation, age-based campaign cadence, renter-to-buyer conversion tools, and employer-specific outreach sequences. Start farming Brush Park with the demographic intelligence that turns population data into client relationships.

About the Author

Garrett Mullins
Garrett Mullins
Workflow Specialist

Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.