Twenty-three percent of residents had a bachelor's degree or higher college education. Minority Population . The minority population in Battle Creek increased between 1980 and 1990. While the percentage of increase was high for some minority populations, the actual increases were relatively small compared to Battle Creek's overall population. However, the level of median income was lower than either Calhoun County or the state.
Battle Creek has a diversified employment base.
Employment in Battle Creek is expected to increase by the year 2020. Projections of future population, using four different methods, indicate that the population of Battle Creek will reach between 55,944 to 65,812 persons by 2020. While none of the projections suggest a large increase in population, recent population growth has accelerated, and the future size of the population may be influenced by the recent surge. If Battle Creek Unlimited's new employment goals of adding 8,000 to 12,000 jobs by the year 2004 become a reality, these population projections may be low, as greater in-migration could occur with strong new job growth.