Okemos is located mostly within Meridian Charter Township east of Lansing.
Residents of Okemos are just a stone's throw from I-495.
Wonch Park in Okemos is a great place for a quiet picnic or evening stroll.
Surrounded by 200 acres of forest and meadows is the Harris Nature Center in central Okemos.
Meridian Mall, on Grand River Ave, is your shopping destination in Okemos.

Okemos, MI Area Guide

Avg Rent

$1,340

Population

24,801

Renter Mix

41% Rent

A pedestrian-friendly community next door to MSU.

University College Town Lansing Area

Nestled just east of Michigan State University, Okemos is where tree-lined streets and easy campus access make for a compelling place to call home. The heavily wooded landscape gives the community a natural, laid-back feel, while its location puts Lansing’s state capital amenities only minutes away. Sanford Natural Area offers quiet trails for hiking and exploration, and the area is well-suited for getting around on foot or by bike. East Lansing sits right next door, extending your options for dining, shopping, and catching a Spartans game at MSU’s storied Spartan Stadium. The Wharton Center for the Performing Arts brings world-class theater and concerts within easy reach year-round.

The rental market here offers a solid mix of options, from spacious townhomes to well-appointed apartment communities tucked into wooded settings. Michigan State University, founded in 1855 as one of the nation’s first land-grant institutions, gives Okemos a dynamic, educated energy that permeates local culture. Named after Ojibway Chief John Okemos, the community carries a rich history that stretches back nearly two centuries—giving this leafy suburb a sense of identity that goes well beyond its proximity to campus.

Explore the City

Wonch Park in Okemos is a great place for a quiet picnic or evening stroll.

Surrounded by 200 acres of forest and meadows is the Harris Nature Center in central Okemos.

Meridian Mall, on Grand River Ave, is your shopping destination in Okemos.

Hartrick Park in Okemos features playground, pavilion and nature trails.

Hartrick Park in Okemos features and small pond with wood decks and paths.

If you're craving a classic deli sandwich in Okemos, Stateside Deli is the spot for you.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$90,586

Average: $114,740

Education

12,745

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

12,991

Workers Employed

Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.

Median Age

35 Years

Largest Age Group

20-29 Years

Approximately 20% of Residents

Under 20

25%

Over 65

17%

Housing Distribution

Okemos has more homeowners than renters.

Renters
41%
Non-Renters
59%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
48%
Other Education
52%

Rent Trends

As of July 2026, the average apartment rent in Okemos, MI is $1,441 for a studio, $1,339 for one bedroom, $1,614 for two bedrooms, and $2,484 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Okemos has increased by 0.5% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,339/month
687 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Okemos, MI

Learn More About Okemos

Getting Around

Fairly Walkable

Walkability

40 / 100

Limited Public Transit

Transit

20 / 100

Very Drivable

Drivability

80 / 100

Fairly Bikeable

Bikeability

50 / 100

Schools

Okemos Public Montessori-Central

Public

Grades PK-5

309 Students

Bennett Woods Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

461 Students

Kinawa School

Public

Grades K-5

756 Students

Cornell Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

428 Students

Hiawatha Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

447 Students

Michigan Connections Academy

Public

Grades K-12

1,661 Students

Okemos High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,513 Students

Michigan Connections Academy

Public

Grades K-12

1,661 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Harris Nature Center
  • Abrams Planetarium
  • MSU Horticulture Gardens
  • Michigan State University Museum
  • Michigan State Univ. Observatory

Airports

  • Capital Region International

Top Apartments in Okemos

Houses for Rent in Okemos

Search Nearby Rentals

Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.

Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.