Michigan
Benton Harbor is a small city in Michigan with a population of 9,023. Residents earn $29,652 per year, which is 61% below the national average.
Based on current data, Benton Harbor receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Benton Harbor has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Benton Harbor is $29,652, 61% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 42.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Benton Harbor is $75,500, 73% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
With 2,526 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 5,382 per 100,000, 175% above the national average.
7.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Benton Harbor experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 77.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
| English Only | 95.1% |
| 21% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 4.9% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $29,652 |
| 61% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $19,108 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $986 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,208 |
| Unemployment | 12.7% |
| 253% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 42.3% |
| 241% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,643 |
| County GDP | $3,313M |
| Restaurants | 164 |
| Healthcare | 123 |
| Retail | 254 |
| Manufacturing | 94 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,255 |
| 79% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.28% |
| Commute Time | 18.3 min |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
| Census Median | $75,500 |
| 73% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,189 |
| Median List Price | $89,950 |
| Median List Price | $89,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $108 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.7% |
| Price Drops | 23.1% |
| Inventory | 39 |
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,450 |
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
| Owner-Occupied | 36.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,255 |
| 79% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 8.28% |
| Obesity | 56.0% |
| 74% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 22.6% |
| Heart Disease | 9.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 51.0% |
| Asthma | 15.7% |
| COPD | 13.7% |
| Stroke | 7.2% |
| Binge Drinking | 10.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 46.5% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 24.6% |
| Physical Distress | 21.2% |
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Checkup Rate | 81.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,267/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 123 |
| Total Violent | 2,526.5/100K |
| 565% above US avg | |
| Murder | 10.0/100K |
| 59% above US avg | |
| Rape | 329.5/100K |
| Robbery | 798.9/100K |
| Assault | 1,388.1/100K |
| Total Property | 5,382.5/100K |
| 175% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,747.6/100K |
| Theft | 3,405.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 229.7/100K |
| Arson | 39.9/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg | |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 38.2 inches |
| 0% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 77.7 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 622 ft (190 m) |
| Area | 4.4 sq mi (11.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,055/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1135°N, 86.4473°W |
| County FIPS | 26159 |
Winner: Republican by 15.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 7.8% |
| 77% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 80.7% |
| School Test Score | 5.23 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 2,055/sq mi |
| Total Area | 4.4 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 5 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 8 |
| Public Libraries | 11 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 123 |
| Restaurants | 164 |
| Retail Stores | 254 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Commute | 18.3 min |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |