10 Smallest Towns in Michigan

(UPDATED: March 24th, 2025) Michigan Challenge: Visit the 10 smallest towns in the state.

Michigan is truly one of the nation's most beautiful states, especially our tiny towns.  Most of the 10 smallest towns in Michigan can be found in the Northern portion of the lower peninsula or near the thumb of the mitten except for one cool Southwest Michigan town.   All population estimates for the 10 smallest Michigan towns below come from the United States Census Bureau.

10 Smallest Michigan Towns

#10 Gobles

With an estimated population of only 842 residents in 2023, Gobles grabs the number 10 spot as their population has increased by one person in the last year.  Gobles is known for having some of the most delicious pizzas in Van Buren County with Nino's Pizza.  Gobles also has its own Urban Legend.  Get more info on Gobles by clicking here.

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#9 McBain

McBain had an estimated population of only 647 residents in 2023.  This small Michigan town has a long history as it was settled in 1887 according to Wikipedia.  You can find McBain in between Roscommon State Forest and Huron-Manistee National Forest a little East of Cadilac.

#8 Caseville

Caseville had an estimated population of only 644 residents in 2023.  That's down 10 residents from the year before.  This tiny town sits close to the thumb tip of the mitten.  Caseville is known for its 10-day Cheeseburger Festival.

#7 Mackinac Island

This very popular Michigan tourism spot had an estimated 592 permanent residents in 2023.  Mackinac Island was one of the earliest Michigan towns to be settled (1670.)  However, they weren't founded until 1817 and then incorporated in 1847 according to Wikipedia.

#6 Rose City

Rose City had an estimated population of only 579 residents in 2023.  Rose City grew a whopping 12 people larger from 2022.  This small community in Ogemaw County was settled in 1875 and incorporated in 1905.  The thriving lumber town of Rose City was engulfed in flames in 1910 according to Wikipedia.

#5 Harrisville

The estimated population of Harrisville, MI for 2023 is just 448 residents.  This small Michigan town is the home of the Glenview Clydesdales according to Wikipedia.

#4 Whittemore

This tiny town in Iosco County only has an estimated 418 residents as of 2023.  This is yet another tiny town very close to the thumb of the mitten.

#3 Gaastra

As of 2023, only 320 people call Gaastra home.  Gaastra is in Iron County in the Northern portion of the lower peninsula.  This tiny town shares a police and volunteer fire department with the neighboring town Caspian.

#2 Lake Angelus

This small city has recently stolen the crown as Michigan's smallest city but lost it again to Omer.  Lake Angelus had an estimated population of 288 in 2023.

#1 Omer

Even though Omer has the title of "Michigan's Smallest City," with an estimated population of 283 in 2023.  Omer and Lake Angelus have swapped the top spot as the smallest Michigan city a couple of times over the years.  Omer is in Arenac County and yes it is another tiny Michigan town right across the Saginaw Bay from the thumb.

If you're up for the challenge or have already been to one or more of these small towns, share your pictures in the comments.

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