Median Income
$46,607
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,900
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
477/100K
25% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.5%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.4%
16% higher than US avg
How Bronson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,183
Median Age35.4 yrs
Density1,593/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans4.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,607
Per Capita$24,460
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty14.4%
County GDP$1,938M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,900
Rent$775
Ownership66.5%
Zillow$169,908
Housing Units997
Rent Burden21.9%
Crime
F
Violent477/100K
Property2,166/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault217/100K
Burglary260/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking18.6%
Depression28.7%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation915 ft (279 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.5%
High School+91.2%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score4.93
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute21 min
Broadband90.2%
EV Stations6
Libraries6
Is Bronson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bronson receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Bronson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bronson is $46,607, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. 14.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bronson is $93,900, 67% 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 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 477 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,166 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
10.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Bronson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°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 38.8 inches, including 38.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bronson has a population of 2,183 with a density of 1,593 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 35.4 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (84.9%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.5% of residents, while 14.5% speak Spanish. 4.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.4yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.5%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.5%
8% above US avg
The median household income in Bronson is $46,607, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,460 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,032, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (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 869 business establishments, including 82 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,607 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,460 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,032 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,552 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.4% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 869 |
| County GDP | $1,938M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 93 |
| Retail | 139 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,453 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Bronson is $93,900, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,908, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% 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. 66.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 997 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $5,453 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $93,900 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,908 |
| Median List Price | $165,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $165,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $116 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.5% |
| Housing Units | 997 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,453 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.81% |
In Bronson, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 18.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 29.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,812. The dentist ratio is 1:2,121. 60.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bronson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.2% |
| Depression | 28.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,812 |
| Dentists | 1:2,121 |
| Mental Health | 1:558 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 62.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,391/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 93 |
Bronson has a violent crime rate of 477 per 100,000 residents, 25% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 216.6 per 100,000, robbery at 43.3, rape at 216.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,166 per 100,000, 11% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,690, burglary at 260, vehicle theft at 217 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bronson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bronson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 476.6/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 216.6/100K |
| Robbery | 43.3/100K |
| Assault | 216.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,166.4/100K |
| 11% above US avg |
| Burglary | 260.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,689.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 216.6/100K |
| 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 |
Bronson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°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 38.8 inches. The area receives 38.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 915 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 915 ft (279 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,593/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8721°N, 85.1908°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Branch County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.8"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 68.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
45 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
114 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
33 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
41 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
108 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
417 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 134 fatalities, 1,726 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
51 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
18 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
16 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
36 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
65 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
55 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF3 |
86 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 |
142 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Bronson has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Bronson. 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 | $558 |
| Toddler | $558 |
| Preschool | $437 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $657 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $598 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bronson
What is the population of Bronson?
Bronson has a population of 2,183 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,593 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Bronson expensive to live in?
Bronson 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 $46,607, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,900 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bronson safe?
The violent crime rate in Bronson is 477 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,166 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bronson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bronson?
Bronson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 38.8 inches, with 38.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Bronson?
The job market in Bronson is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,032. There are 869 business establishments in the area, including 82 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bronson?
The median home value in Bronson is $93,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,908. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,453.
How are the schools in Bronson?
Schools in Bronson have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.5% of adults in Bronson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bronson?
The obesity rate in Bronson is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.6% of adults are smokers. 29.2% are physically inactive. 28.7% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 60.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,812.
What is transportation like in Bronson?
The average commute in Bronson is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bronson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bronson is 84.9% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 85.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.5% speak Spanish. 4.3% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 89.7% have health insurance coverage.
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