Median Income
$58,900
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$152,800
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.7%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$994
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How Central Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population976
Median Age31.2 yrs
Density996/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,900
Per Capita$23,458
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$855M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,800
Rent$994
Ownership77.9%
Zillow$327,850
Housing Units505
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking14.2%
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation643 ft (196 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.7%
High School+95.1%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score5.57
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute23 min
Broadband86.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Central Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Central Lake receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Central Lake stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Central Lake is $58,900, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Central Lake is $152,800, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $994 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Central Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
23.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Central Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 23°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 32.8 inches, including 122.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Central Lake has a population of 976 with a density of 996 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 31.2 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.8% female and 58.2% male. The city is predominantly White (97%), with 2.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.2yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Central Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Central Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Central Lake is $58,900, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,458 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $826, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 599 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Central Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,900 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,458 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $826 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,571 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 599 |
| County GDP | $855M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 98 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,941 |
| 155% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Central Lake is $152,800, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $327,850, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $994 (15% 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. 77.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 505 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $8,941 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,800 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $327,850 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $994 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.1% |
| Housing Units | 505 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,941 |
| 155% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.85% |
In Central Lake, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 20.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,488. The dentist ratio is 1:3,031. 74.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Central Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.9% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,488 |
| Dentists | 1:3,031 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,627 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 69.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,259/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
Central Lake has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Central Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Central Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 23°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 32.8 inches. The area receives 122.2 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 643 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 643 ft (196 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 996/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0698°N, 85.2632°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Antrim County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.8"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| 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 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
88 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 69 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
32 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
45 km |
1 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1973 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1963 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2012 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) (7,478 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) |
7,478 |
87 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
60 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
61 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
75 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
65 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
60 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
58 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
54 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
79 km |
| 1996 |
HAGAMAN ROAD |
658 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
19-SLBE PETERSON |
605 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
58 km |
| 1987 |
KALKASKA17 |
520 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Central Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 21°F in February to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Central Lake. 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 | $577 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $636 |
| Toddler | $654 |
| Preschool | $654 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Central Lake
What is the population of Central Lake?
Central Lake has a population of 976 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 996 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.8% female and 58.2% male.
Is Central Lake expensive to live in?
Central Lake 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 $58,900, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,800 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $994 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Central Lake safe?
Central Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Central Lake?
Central Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 32.8 inches, with 122.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Central Lake?
The job market in Central Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $826. There are 599 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Central Lake?
The median home value in Central Lake is $152,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $327,850. For renters, the median monthly rent is $994. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.9%. The average annual property tax is $8,941.
How are the schools in Central Lake?
Schools in Central Lake score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.7% of adults in Central Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Central Lake?
The obesity rate in Central Lake is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 20.9% are physically inactive. 28.2% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,488.
What is transportation like in Central Lake?
The average commute in Central Lake is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Central Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Central Lake is 97% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
