Median Income
$61,161
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$195,800
31% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
213/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.9%
7% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,292
11% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
15% lower than US avg
How Benzonia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population735
Median Age46.4 yrs
Density650/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,161
Per Capita$31,083
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty10.6%
County GDP$741M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$195,800
Rent$1,292
Ownership89.5%
Zillow$310,548
Housing Units360
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent213/100K
Property1,953/100K
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured5.0%
Smoking12.4%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation809 ft (247 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.9%
High School+96.9%
Graduate+13.1%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute20 min
Broadband93.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Benzonia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benzonia receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Benzonia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Benzonia is $61,161, 19% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.6% 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 Benzonia is $195,800, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,292 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Benzonia is below the national average at 213 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,953 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Benzonia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 93.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Benzonia has a population of 735 with a density of 650 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 46.4 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.6% female and 55.4% male. The city is predominantly White (83.4%), with 10.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.4yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Benzonia is $61,161, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,083 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $877, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 483 business establishments, including 67 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). 15.7% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,161 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,083 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $877 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,228 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.6% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 483 |
| County GDP | $741M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 67 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,350 |
| 139% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.1% |
| Public Transit | 5.7% |
| Work from Home | 15.7% |
The median home value in Benzonia is $195,800, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,548, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,292 (11% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 360 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $8,350 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $195,800 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $310,548 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,292 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.5% |
| Housing Units | 360 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,350 |
| 139% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.26% |
In Benzonia, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 12.4% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 19.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 5.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,657. The dentist ratio is 1:1,663. 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Benzonia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 8.1% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.4% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.4% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.4% |
| Uninsured | 5.0% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,657 |
| Dentists | 1:1,663 |
| Mental Health | 1:559 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 71.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,354/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 62.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Benzonia has a violent crime rate of 213 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,953 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Benzonia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Benzonia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 213.4/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,953.1/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Benzonia experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches. The area receives 93.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 809 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 809 ft (247 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 650/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.6161°N, 86.0989°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Benzie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR) 74 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 2, 2024.
| Aug 2, 2024 |
38 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin |
M2.9 |
67 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
65 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 49 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
29 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
69 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1972 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1963 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF2 |
95 km |
1 |
| Aug 28, 2018 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2008 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2008 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 2005 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GRANT RX (2,204 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
GRANT RX |
2,204 |
62 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
13 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
WARFIELD ROAD |
800 |
47 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
88 km |
| 2019 |
BALDWIN FUELS UNITS 1/2/6AB |
619 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
19-SLBE PETERSON |
605 |
12 km |
| 2021 |
WARFIELD |
538 |
47 km |
| 1987 |
KALKASKA17 |
520 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
WHELAN LAKE BLOCK 1 PARTIAL 1 RX |
512 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Benzonia has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 22°F in February to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Benzonia. 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 | $575 |
| Toddler | $638 |
| Preschool | $638 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $860 |
| Toddler | $860 |
| Preschool | $841 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Benzonia
What is the population of Benzonia?
Benzonia has a population of 735 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 650 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.6% female and 55.4% male.
Is Benzonia expensive to live in?
Benzonia 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 $61,161, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $195,800 (31% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,292 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Benzonia safe?
Benzonia is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 213 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,953 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Benzonia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Benzonia?
Benzonia has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.3 inches, with 93.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Benzonia?
Benzonia has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $877. There are 483 business establishments in the area, including 67 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 15.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Benzonia?
The median home value in Benzonia is $195,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,548. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,292. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.5%. The average annual property tax is $8,350.
How are the schools in Benzonia?
Schools in Benzonia score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.9% of adults in Benzonia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. 13.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benzonia?
The obesity rate in Benzonia is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.4% of adults are smokers. 19.4% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 5.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,657.
What is transportation like in Benzonia?
The average commute in Benzonia is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.1% of workers drive alone to work, 5.7% use public transit, and 15.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Benzonia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benzonia is 83.4% White, 10.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 19.5% of residents have a disability. 87.4% have health insurance coverage.