Median Income
$65,313
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$185,900
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
261/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.1%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$931
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.7%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.5%
88% lower than US avg
How Birch Run Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,236
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density654/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,313
Per Capita$43,452
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty1.5%
County GDP$20,160M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$185,900
Rent$931
Ownership51.2%
Zillow$239,478
Housing Units635
Rent Burden22.4%
Crime
F
Violent261/100K
Property3,974/100K
Health
Obesity33.7%
Uninsured4.9%
Smoking14.9%
Depression29.3%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Elevation634 ft (193 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.1%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score4.91
Community
2024 VoteR 47% / D 51%
Commute28 min
Broadband92.3%
EV Stations5
Libraries20
Is Birch Run a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Birch Run receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Birch Run offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Birch Run is $65,313, 13% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Birch Run is $185,900, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $931 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Birch Run is below the national average at 261 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,974 per 100,000, 103% above the national average.
Education
16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Birch Run experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.2 inches, including 40.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Birch Run has a population of 1,236 with a density of 654 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.8%), with 5.1% Hispanic, 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,236
Total Population
2023 Census
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Birch Run vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Birch Run vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Birch Run is $65,313, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,452 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,073, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,296 business establishments, including 723 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Birch Run vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,313 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,452 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,073 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,557 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.5% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,296 |
| County GDP | $20,160M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 723 |
| Healthcare | 1,373 |
| Retail | 1,273 |
| Manufacturing | 263 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,504 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in Birch Run is $185,900, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,478, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $225,000 with homes selling in an average of 49 days. Homes sell for 96.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $931 (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. 51.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 635 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $5,504 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $185,900 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $239,478 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $225,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $225,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $81 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 49 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.4% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $931 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.8% |
| Housing Units | 635 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,504 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.96% |
In Birch Run, 33.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 18.1% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 29.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 4.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,207. The dentist ratio is 1:1,301. 85.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Birch Run vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 29.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| Uninsured | 4.9% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,207 |
| Dentists | 1:1,301 |
| Mental Health | 1:274 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 70.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,112/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,373 |
Birch Run has a violent crime rate of 261 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,974 per 100,000, 103% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 51 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Birch Run receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Birch Run vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 260.6/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,973.9/100K |
| 103% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 51 |
| Traffic Accidents | 133 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Birch Run experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.2 inches. The area receives 40.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. 73% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 634 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 634 ft (193 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 654/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2507°N, 83.7917°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Genesee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bishop International (FNT) 18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.2"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 72.6% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0436 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
135 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
349 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 134 fatalities, 1,197 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
17 km |
116 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
29 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
16 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Aug 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF3 |
75 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 |
- |
114 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Birch Run has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Birch Run. 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 | $659 |
| Toddler | $674 |
| Preschool | $674 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $655 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Birch Run
What is the population of Birch Run?
Birch Run has a population of 1,236 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 654 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 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 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Birch Run expensive to live in?
Birch Run 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 $65,313, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $185,900 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $931 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Birch Run safe?
Birch Run is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 261 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,974 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Birch Run receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Birch Run?
Birch Run has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.2 inches, with 40.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Birch Run?
Birch Run has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,073. There are 7,296 business establishments in the area, including 723 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Birch Run?
The median home value in Birch Run is $185,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,478. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $225,000, with homes typically selling within 49 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $931. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,504.
How are the schools in Birch Run?
Schools in Birch Run have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.1% of adults in Birch Run hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Birch Run?
The obesity rate in Birch Run is 33.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 29.3% of residents report depression. 4.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 85.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,207.
What is transportation like in Birch Run?
The average commute in Birch Run is 28 minutes. 87.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Birch Run?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Birch Run is 96.8% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.