Idlewild ZIP Code List — Lake County, MI

There is one unique ZIP code in Idlewild, Michigan and it is 49642. Area code: 231.

ZIP codes

15.24

sq mi land

0.29

sq mi water

231

area code

Idlewild, MI ZIP code map

About Idlewild, MI

Idlewild, Michigan, is a quaint village situated in Lake County. Known for its serene landscapes and natural beauty, this small community attracts visitors looking for relaxation and outdoor activities. With a single ZIP code of 49642, Idlewild encapsulates the charm of rural living in the heart of Michigan.

Location & geography

The village of Idlewild is located in central Michigan, approximately 20 miles northeast of Ludington and about 10 miles southwest of Baldwin. Covering a land area of 15.24 square miles, Idlewild features tranquil woodlands and open spaces, complemented by a small water area of 0.29 square miles. Its natural surroundings make it a picturesque spot for various recreational opportunities.

Community & economy

Idlewild's character is deeply rooted in its history as a retreat destination, particularly for African Americans during the segregation era. The village has developed a close-knit community atmosphere, where daily life reflects a blend of tradition and modern living. Local industries mainly revolve around tourism, crafts, and the promotion of outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking.

Transportation

Idlewild is easily accessible via M-37, which connects the village to other towns and cities in the region. The nearest major airport is the Manistee County-Blacker Airport, located about 30 miles to the northwest. Public transit options are limited, making personal vehicles the primary mode of transportation in and around Idlewild.

History

Idlewild was founded in the early 1900s and served as a popular resort destination, particularly for African American families during the mid-20th century. The village's economy has historically been supported by tourism, with visitors drawn to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Notable events include festivals that celebrate the village's rich cultural heritage and community spirit.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Idlewild is that it was once known as the 'Black Eden' due to its vibrant culture and the flourishing of African American resorts during the segregation era. Today, the village continues to honor this history through various community events and gatherings.

ZIP codes for Idlewild, MI (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
49642	Idlewild	Lake	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,013

Population

47.5

Median age

$25,798

Median household income

$19,851

Per capita income

$93,500

Median home value

$693

Median monthly rent

71.4%

Home ownership

45.7%

Poverty rate

3.9%

Unemployment

1,057

Housing units

14.0%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	226	22.3%
18 and over	787	77.7%
65 and over	248	24.5%
Median age	47.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 56.5%

Black or African American 35.6%

Two or more races 6.1%

Hispanic or Latino 0.8%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.7%

Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 0.3%

Other race 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	577	56.5%
Black or African American	363	35.6%
Two or more races	62	6.1%
Hispanic or Latino	8	0.8%
American Indian / Alaska Native	7	0.7%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander	3	0.3%
Other race	1	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 18.4%

$10k–$15k 10.7%

$15k–$25k 17.2%

$25k–$35k 14.2%

$35k–$50k 12.9%

$50k–$75k 9.7%

$75k–$100k 11.7%

$100k–$150k 0.5%

$150k–$200k 1.0%

$200k+ 3.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	18.4%
$10k–$15k	10.7%
$15k–$25k	17.2%
$25k–$35k	14.2%
$35k–$50k	12.9%
$50k–$75k	9.7%
$75k–$100k	11.7%
$100k–$150k	0.5%
$150k–$200k	1.0%
$200k+	3.7%
Median income	$25,798

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 15.0%

$50k–$100k 40.4%

$100k–$150k 10.8%

$150k–$200k 11.1%

$200k–$300k 14.3%

$300k–$500k 4.9%

$500k–$1M 2.8%

$1M+ 0.7%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$93,500
Median rent / month	$693
Owner occupied	71.4%
Renter occupied	28.6%
Vacant	65.7%
Single-family detached	62.3%
Large apartment buildings	0.5%
Mobile homes	30.1%
Median rooms	4.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.75

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.5%
2010–2019	2.3%
2000–2009	20.0%
1990–1999	18.9%
1980–1989	11.3%
1970–1979	14.2%
1960–1969	7.0%
1950–1959	14.5%
1940–1949	4.6%
1939 or earlier	6.7%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	6.4%
1 bedroom	16.4%
2 bedrooms	41.0%
3 bedrooms	29.5%
4 bedrooms	5.3%
5+ bedrooms	1.4%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	22.4%
1 vehicle	40.0%
2 vehicles	24.1%
3 or more	13.4%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	41.8%
Electricity	8.0%
Propane / LP gas	38.8%
Fuel oil	1.7%
Wood	9.7%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	117	29.1%
Cohabiting couple	22	5.5%
Male householder, no spouse	151	37.6%
Female householder, no spouse	112	27.9%
Households with children under 18	76	18.9%
Households with seniors (65+)	149	37.1%
Average household size	2.52

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	34.1%	22.3%
Married	32.8%	38.8%
Separated	3.7%	3.2%
Widowed	8.7%	13.6%
Divorced	20.7%	22.0%

Education

Less than 9th grade 4.1%

Some HS, no diploma 24.3%

HS graduate 34.5%

Some college, no degree 20.3%

Associate's degree 2.9%

Bachelor's degree 8.8%

Graduate / professional 5.2%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	71.6%
Bachelor's or higher	14.0%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	17	9.0%
Kindergarten	13	6.9%
Elementary school	132	69.8%
High school	20	10.6%
College / grad school	7	3.7%

Employment

Industry of employment

Retail trade 32.8%

Manufacturing 19.8%

Arts, food & hospitality 13.8%

Education & healthcare 9.3%

Professional & management 7.8%

Other services 6.0%

Transportation & utilities 2.6%

Construction 2.2%

Wholesale trade 2.2%

Finance & real estate 1.5%

Information 0.7%

Public administration 0.7%

Agriculture & mining 0.4%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	11.6%
Service	33.2%
Sales & office	20.1%
Natural resources & construction	16.4%
Production & transportation	18.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	89.2%
Government	5.2%
Self-employed	5.6%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	82.0%
Carpool	13.5%
Public transit	2.2%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	27.8

Poverty

All people 45.7%

Under 18 years 83.2%

18 and over 34.9%

Married-couple families 34.2%

Female-led households 57.8%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	49.8%
Retirement income	29.9%
Supplemental Security	9.5%
Cash public assistance	10.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	33.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	50.6%
High cholesterol	42.8%
Heart disease	11.2%
Stroke	6.8%
Asthma	13.1%
Arthritis	41.8%
Kidney disease	5.4%
Pulmonary disease	13.2%
Cancer	8.5%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	13.2%
No physical activity	32.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	38.8%
Fair or poor health	27.4%
Poor mental health	16.8%
Poor physical health	17.3%
No health insurance	13.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	80.0%
Visited dentist	55.1%
Cholesterol screening	92.7%
Teeth loss	23.6%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	78	9.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	21.7%
Under 18	1.3%
18–64 years	24.3%
65 and over	34.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	36.5%
Public insurance	72.8%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	951	93.9%
Spanish	3	0.3%
Other Indo-European	3	0.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,005	99.2%
Born in same state	984	97.1%
Born in different state	729	72.0%
Foreign born	21	2.1%
Naturalized citizen	8	0.8%
Not a US citizen	8	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	37	3.7%
Italian	19	1.9%
English	13	1.3%

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	7	0.7%
Norwegian	4	0.4%
Irish	2	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	39.7%
Internet access	88.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Idlewild, MI?

Idlewild, MI has one ZIP code: 49642.

What is the main ZIP code for Idlewild, MI?

The primary ZIP code for Idlewild, MI is 49642. The city uses area code 231 for phone service.

What county is Idlewild, MI in?

Idlewild is located in Lake County, Michigan.

How many ZIP codes are in Idlewild, MI?

Idlewild, MI has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for mail delivery to businesses and residences in downtown Idlewild, Michigan?

The ZIP code for Idlewild, Michigan is 49642, which serves the entire city and its downtown area in Lake County.

If I'm sending a package to someone living in Idlewild near the Pere Marquette River area, what ZIP code should I use?

You should use ZIP code 49642 for any address in Idlewild, including properties near the Pere Marquette River, as this is the sole ZIP code serving the city.