Median Income
$64,545
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$148,800
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
161/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
50.0%
48% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$935
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.9%
36% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Berrien Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,043
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density2,221/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 55%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,545
Per Capita$38,263
Unemployment4.9%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$1,897M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$148,800
Rent$935
Ownership57.6%
Zillow$196,548
Housing Units857
Rent Burden24.5%
Crime
F
Violent161/100K
Property1,932/100K
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking12.2%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain41.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation665 ft (203 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+50.0%
High School+95.6%
Graduate+24.2%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute22 min
Broadband86.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Berrien Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Berrien Springs receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Berrien Springs offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Berrien Springs is $64,545, 14% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Berrien Springs is $148,800, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $935 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Berrien Springs is below the national average at 161 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,932 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 50.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Berrien Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.7 inches, including 62.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Berrien Springs has a population of 2,043 with a density of 2,221 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.2% female and 45.8% male. The city is predominantly White (54.7%), with 3% Hispanic, 19.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 75.9% of residents, while 24.1% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 89.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Berrien Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
75.9%
3% below US avg
Spanish
24.1%
80% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Berrien Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Berrien Springs is $64,545, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,263. The average weekly wage is $998, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 932 business establishments, including 64 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.3% of workers work from home.
Income: Berrien Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,545 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,263 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $998 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,974 |
| Gini Index | 0.465 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.9% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 932 |
| County GDP | $1,897M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 64 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 113 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,290 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.3% |
The median home value in Berrien Springs is $148,800, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,548, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $935 (20% 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. 57.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 857 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $6,290 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $148,800 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $196,548 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $935 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.4% |
| Housing Units | 857 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,290 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.23% |
In Berrien Springs, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 12.2% are current smokers. 16.5% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,680. The dentist ratio is 1:3,427. 62.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Berrien Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.2% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 38.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,680 |
| Dentists | 1:3,427 |
| Mental Health | 1:939 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 68.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,385/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Berrien Springs has a violent crime rate of 161 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,932 per 100,000, 1% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Berrien Springs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Berrien Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 161.0/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,932.4/100K |
| 1% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 65 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Berrien Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 275 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 41.7 inches. The area receives 62.5 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 665 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 665 ft (203 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,221/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9473°N, 86.3402°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Cass County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Michigan Regional (BEH)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.7"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
82 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
124 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
82 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
348 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 137 fatalities, 1,719 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
79 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
53 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
64 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
43 km |
36 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
65 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
5 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
69 km |
10 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
53 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
74 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Berrien Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 26°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Berrien Springs. 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 | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $523 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $703 |
| Preschool | $703 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Berrien Springs
What is the population of Berrien Springs?
Berrien Springs has a population of 2,043 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 2,221 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.2% female and 45.8% male.
Is Berrien Springs expensive to live in?
Berrien Springs 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 $64,545, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $148,800 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $935 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Berrien Springs safe?
Berrien Springs is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 161 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,932 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Berrien Springs receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Berrien Springs?
Berrien Springs has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.7 inches, with 62.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Berrien Springs?
Berrien Springs has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $998. There are 932 business establishments in the area, including 64 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 12.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Berrien Springs?
The median home value in Berrien Springs is $148,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,548. For renters, the median monthly rent is $935. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,290.
How are the schools in Berrien Springs?
Schools in Berrien Springs score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 50.0% of adults in Berrien Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. 24.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Berrien Springs?
The obesity rate in Berrien Springs is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.2% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 62.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,680.
What is transportation like in Berrien Springs?
The average commute in Berrien Springs is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Berrien Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Berrien Springs is 54.7% White, 19.7% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 75.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 24.1% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 8.9% of residents have a disability. 89.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
