Median Income
$62,667
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,800
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
638/100K
68% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.4%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,063
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.7%
30% lower than US avg
How Applegate Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population251
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density251/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans3.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,667
Per Capita$26,941
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty8.7%
County GDP$1,747M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,800
Rent$1,063
Ownership85.5%
Zillow$201,878
Housing Units109
Rent Burden19.0%
Crime
F
Violent638/100K
Property2,850/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking18.7%
Depression30.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation741 ft (226 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.4%
High School+90.3%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute37 min
Broadband99.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Applegate a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Applegate receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, long commute times. Applegate has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Applegate is $62,667, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Applegate is $93,800, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,063 per month. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 638 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,850 per 100,000, 45% above the national average.
Education
12.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Applegate experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Applegate has a population of 251 with a density of 251 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.8% female and 44.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 3.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 21.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Applegate vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Applegate vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Applegate is $62,667, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,941 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 879 business establishments, including 71 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 11.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Applegate vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,667 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,941 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $935 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,237 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.1% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.7% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 879 |
| County GDP | $1,747M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 71 |
| Healthcare | 103 |
| Retail | 134 |
| Manufacturing | 54 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,870 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.3% |
The median home value in Applegate is $93,800, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,878, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,063 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 109 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $3,870. 19.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,800 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $201,878 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,063 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.5% |
| Housing Units | 109 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,870 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.13% |
In Applegate, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 28.4% are physically inactive. 30.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,116. The dentist ratio is 1:2,904. 40.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Applegate vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.4% |
| Depression | 30.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,116 |
| Dentists | 1:2,904 |
| Mental Health | 1:481 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.2% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,591/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 103 |
Applegate has a violent crime rate of 638 per 100,000 residents, 68% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,850 per 100,000, 45% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Applegate receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Applegate vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 638.0/100K |
| 68% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,849.9/100K |
| 45% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Applegate experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 741 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 741 ft (226 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 251/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3595°N, 82.6392°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Sanilac County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Clair County International (PHN)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.4"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
138 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
54 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
158 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 469 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF4 |
78 km |
11 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1953 |
EF4 |
49 km |
2 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 1990 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1984 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1952 |
LAKE HURON, MI |
Avalanche |
1.5 m |
- |
35 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Applegate has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 23°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Applegate. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192-$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770-$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385-$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848-$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385-$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291-$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481-$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810-$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924-$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770-$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192-$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962-$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89-$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72-$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154-$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577-$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481-$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192-$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385-$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810-$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $482 |
| Toddler | $528 |
| Preschool | $528 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $718 |
| Toddler | $718 |
| Preschool | $696 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Applegate
What is the population of Applegate?
Applegate has a population of 251 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 251 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.8% female and 44.2% male.
Is Applegate expensive to live in?
Applegate has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $62,667, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,800 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,063 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Applegate safe?
Public safety is a concern in Applegate, with a violent crime rate of 638 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,850 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Applegate receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Applegate?
Applegate has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Applegate?
The unemployment rate in Applegate is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $935. There are 879 business establishments in the area, including 71 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 11.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Applegate?
The median home value in Applegate is $93,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,878. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,063. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,870.
How are the schools in Applegate?
Schools in Applegate score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.4% of adults in Applegate hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Applegate?
The obesity rate in Applegate is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 28.4% are physically inactive. 30.8% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 40.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,116.
What is transportation like in Applegate?
The average commute in Applegate is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Applegate?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Applegate is 96.8% White. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 3.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.0% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
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