Median Income
$41,338
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,700
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
383/100K
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.9%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$733
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Cheboygan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,801
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density700/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,338
Per Capita$24,425
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$912M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,700
Rent$733
Ownership64.8%
Zillow$214,932
Housing Units2,412
Rent Burden33.6%
Crime
F
Violent383/100K
Property1,874/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault213/100K
Burglary149/100K
Health
Obesity42.7%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking19.9%
Depression30.4%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation594 ft (181 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.9%
High School+83.8%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score5.12
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute19 min
Broadband83.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries4
Is Cheboygan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cheboygan receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Cheboygan has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cheboygan is $41,338, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cheboygan is $118,700, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $733 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 383 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,874 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Cheboygan has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.0 inches, including 87.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Cheboygan has a population of 4,801 with a density of 700 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age is 42.1 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (87.4%), with 6.6% Hispanic, 3.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cheboygan vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cheboygan vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cheboygan is $41,338, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,425 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $921, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 825 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cheboygan vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,338 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,425 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $921 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,647 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 825 |
| County GDP | $912M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 62 |
| Retail | 128 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,886 |
| 68% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.5% |
| Public Transit | 2.7% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Cheboygan is $118,700, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,932, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $733 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $803 for a one-bedroom to $1,054 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,412 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $5,886 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,700 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,932 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $733 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $746 |
| 1 Bedroom | $803 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,054 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,264 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,403 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,412 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,886 |
| 68% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.96% |
In Cheboygan, 42.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 19.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 30.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,839. The dentist ratio is 1:2,594. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cheboygan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.9% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 30.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,839 |
| Dentists | 1:2,594 |
| Mental Health | 1:704 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 60.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,234/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 62 |
Cheboygan has a violent crime rate of 383 per 100,000 residents, 1% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 213.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 170.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,874 per 100,000, 4% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,704, burglary at 149, vehicle theft at 21 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cheboygan receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cheboygan vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 383.4/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 170.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 213.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,874.3/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| Burglary | 149.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,703.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 21.3/100K |
| Arson | 21.3/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cheboygan has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°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 32.0 inches. The area receives 87.6 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 594 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 43.7°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 594 ft (181 m) |
| Area | 7.0 sq mi (18.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 700/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.6419°N, 84.4688°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Cheboygan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pellston Regional/Emmet County (PLN) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.0"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively 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)
Tornado History
57 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 64 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
81 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2004 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1999 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1993 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1993 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1993 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1988 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1988 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1988 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1987 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,059 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
53 km |
| 1998 |
CAMP FAUNCE |
1,922 |
71 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
88 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
89 km |
| 1999 |
MACKINAC3 |
741 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
RIFLE RANGE |
729 |
84 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Cheboygan has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 19°F in February to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Cheboygan. 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 | $539 |
| Toddler | $539 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $635 |
| Toddler | $635 |
| Preschool | $612 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheboygan
What is the population of Cheboygan?
Cheboygan has a population of 4,801 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 700 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Cheboygan expensive to live in?
Cheboygan 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 $41,338, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,700 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $733 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cheboygan safe?
The violent crime rate in Cheboygan is 383 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 1,874 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cheboygan receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cheboygan?
Cheboygan has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.0 inches, with 87.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Cheboygan?
The unemployment rate in Cheboygan is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $921. There are 825 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cheboygan?
The median home value in Cheboygan is $118,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,932. For renters, the median monthly rent is $733. Fair market rent is $803 for a 1-bedroom and $1,054 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,886.
How are the schools in Cheboygan?
Schools in Cheboygan score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.9% of adults in Cheboygan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cheboygan?
The obesity rate in Cheboygan is 42.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.9% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 30.4% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,839.
What is transportation like in Cheboygan?
The average commute in Cheboygan is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.5% of workers drive alone to work, 2.7% use public transit, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cheboygan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cheboygan is 87.4% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 21.4% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.