Median Income
$47,535
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,700
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
239/100K
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$731
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.4%
16% higher than US avg
How Bad Axe Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,010
Median Age49.0 yrs
Density1,292/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$47,535
Per Capita$29,164
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty14.4%
County GDP$2,158M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,700
Rent$731
Ownership56.5%
Zillow$171,859
Housing Units1,444
Rent Burden24.8%
Crime
F
Violent239/100K
Property1,437/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault34/100K
Burglary34/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking20.2%
Depression30.3%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation759 ft (231 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+87.5%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute20 min
Broadband74.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Bad Axe a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bad Axe receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bad Axe offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bad Axe is $47,535, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. 14.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bad Axe is $106,700, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bad Axe is below the national average at 239 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,437 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Bad Axe experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bad Axe has a population of 3,010 with a density of 1,292 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 49.0 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55% female and 45% male. The city is predominantly White (87.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.6% of residents, while 10.4% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 17.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.0yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.6%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.4%
22% below US avg
The median household income in Bad Axe is $47,535, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,164 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $967, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 999 business establishments, including 93 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,535 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,164 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $967 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,518 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.4% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 999 |
| County GDP | $2,158M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 101 |
| Retail | 130 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,733 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.6% |
| Public Transit | 2.2% |
| Work from Home | 8.6% |
The median home value in Bad Axe is $106,700, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,859, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $731 (37% 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. 56.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,444 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $4,733 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,700 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,859 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $731 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,444 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,733 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.44% |
In Bad Axe, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 20.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 29.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,736. The dentist ratio is 1:1,838. 65.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bad Axe vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 30.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,736 |
| Dentists | 1:1,838 |
| Mental Health | 1:631 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,757/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 101 |
Bad Axe has a violent crime rate of 239 per 100,000 residents, 37% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 34.2 per 100,000, robbery at 34.2, rape at 171.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,437 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,368, burglary at 34, vehicle theft at 34 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bad Axe receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bad Axe vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 239.5/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 171.1/100K |
| Robbery | 34.2/100K |
| Assault | 34.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,436.9/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| Burglary | 34.2/100K |
| Theft | 1,368.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 34.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bad Axe experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 759 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 759 ft (231 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,292/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8049°N, 82.9983°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Huron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.9"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.2 / 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 Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
148 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 75 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1984 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1977 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1975 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
25 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 |
- |
92 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRITTLE (5,912 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BRITTLE |
5,912 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,759 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
BRITTLE 04/30/2018 |
3,484 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,349 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,796 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,751 |
75 km |
| 1984 |
RIVER ROAD |
1,693 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
BRITTLE 20 AND 23 RX |
1,557 |
89 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,434 |
87 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,276 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,217 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,168 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
BRITTLE FUELS BLOCK 10 |
1,076 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
MEMORABLE RX |
946 |
85 km |
| 2018 |
BRITTLE 05/05/2018 |
867 |
85 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
642 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
GALION |
637 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
564 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
MEMORABLE MIDDLE |
550 |
84 km |
| 2019 |
CORSAIR BLOCK 8 |
541 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Bad Axe has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in February to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Bad Axe. 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 | $514 |
| Toddler | $556 |
| Preschool | $556 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $558 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Axe
What is the population of Bad Axe?
Bad Axe has a population of 3,010 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,292 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55% female and 45% male.
Is Bad Axe expensive to live in?
Bad Axe 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 $47,535, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,700 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bad Axe safe?
Bad Axe is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 239 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,437 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bad Axe receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bad Axe?
Bad Axe has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Bad Axe?
The job market in Bad Axe is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $967. There are 999 business establishments in the area, including 93 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 8.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bad Axe?
The median home value in Bad Axe is $106,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,859. For renters, the median monthly rent is $731. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,733.
How are the schools in Bad Axe?
Schools in Bad Axe score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.0% of adults in Bad Axe hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bad Axe?
The obesity rate in Bad Axe is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.2% of adults are smokers. 29.6% are physically inactive. 30.3% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 65.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,736.
What is transportation like in Bad Axe?
The average commute in Bad Axe is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.6% of workers drive alone to work, 2.2% use public transit, and 8.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bad Axe?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bad Axe is 87.3% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 89.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.4% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 17.1% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
