Median Income
$41,940
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$102,200
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
302/100K
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$728
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.3%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.6%
50% higher than US avg
How Caro Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,284
Median Age40.6 yrs
Density1,457/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$41,940
Per Capita$25,267
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty18.6%
County GDP$1,769M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$102,200
Rent$728
Ownership62.6%
Zillow$177,535
Housing Units2,000
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
F
Violent302/100K
Property1,940/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault202/100K
Burglary101/100K
Health
Obesity44.3%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking20.8%
Depression30.6%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation724 ft (221 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+90.3%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score4.99
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute24 min
Broadband84.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Caro a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Caro receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Caro has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Caro is $41,940, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 18.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Caro is $102,200, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Caro is below the national average at 302 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,940 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Caro experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 41.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Caro has a population of 4,284 with a density of 1,457 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 40.6 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Caro is $41,940, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,267 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $976, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 921 business establishments, including 66 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,940 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,267 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $976 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,247 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.6% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 921 |
| County GDP | $1,769M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 66 |
| Healthcare | 108 |
| Retail | 136 |
| Manufacturing | 51 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,650 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Caro is $102,200, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,535, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $728 (37% 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. 62.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,000 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,650. 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $102,200 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,535 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $728 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,000 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,650 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.57% |
In Caro, 44.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 35.1% have high blood pressure. 20.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,307. The dentist ratio is 1:2,787. 54.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Caro vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.1% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 10.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.8% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 30.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,307 |
| Dentists | 1:2,787 |
| Mental Health | 1:350 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,016/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 108 |
Caro has a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 residents, 20% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 201.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 100.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,940 per 100,000, 1% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,713, burglary at 101, vehicle theft at 126 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Caro receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Caro vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 302.3/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 100.8/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 201.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,940.0/100K |
| 1% below US avg |
| Burglary | 100.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,713.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 126.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Caro experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches. The area receives 41.6 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 724 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 724 ft (221 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,457/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4893°N, 83.4017°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Tuscola County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 |
124 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
150 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
273 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 131 fatalities, 1,145 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
57 km |
116 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
59 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1953 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
67 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 |
- |
92 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GALION (637 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
GALION |
637 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
CORSAIR BLOCK 8 |
541 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Caro has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 22°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Caro. 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 | $462 |
| Toddler | $510 |
| Preschool | $510 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $705 |
| Toddler | $705 |
| Preschool | $683 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Caro
What is the population of Caro?
Caro has a population of 4,284 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,457 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.6 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Caro expensive to live in?
Caro 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 $41,940, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $102,200 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Caro safe?
Caro is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 302 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,940 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Caro receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Caro?
Caro 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 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.3 inches, with 41.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Caro?
The unemployment rate in Caro is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $976. There are 921 business establishments in the area, including 66 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Caro?
The median home value in Caro is $102,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,535. For renters, the median monthly rent is $728. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,650.
How are the schools in Caro?
Schools in Caro score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.7% of adults in Caro hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Caro?
The obesity rate in Caro is 44.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.8% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 30.6% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 54.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,307.
What is transportation like in Caro?
The average commute in Caro is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Caro?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Caro is 95.2% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 25.9% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
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