Median Income
$71,702
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$301,100
7% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
72/100K
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
50.8%
51% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,543
33% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.7%
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.6%
95% lower than US avg
How Chelsea Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,420
Median Age50.8 yrs
Density1,497/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,702
Per Capita$51,542
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty0.6%
County GDP$9,061M
Commute24 min
Housing
A
Home Value$301,100
Rent$1,543
Ownership62.6%
Zillow$400,699
Housing Units2,681
Rent Burden39.0%
Crime
F
Violent72/100K
Property1,299/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault72/100K
Burglary54/100K
Health
Obesity26.7%
Uninsured4.2%
Smoking9.3%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease4.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation924 ft (282 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+50.8%
High School+97.8%
Graduate+21.9%
School Score4.94
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute24 min
Broadband88.4%
EV Stations8
Libraries14
Is Chelsea a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chelsea receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Chelsea offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chelsea is $71,702, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 0.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chelsea is $301,100, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,543 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Chelsea is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 72 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,299 per 100,000, 34% below the national average.
Education
Chelsea is a highly educated community / 50.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Chelsea experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 24°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 34.7 inches, including 32.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Chelsea has a population of 5,420 with a density of 1,497 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 50.8 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 99.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.8yrs
Median Age
31% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Chelsea is $71,702, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,542 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,195, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,104 business establishments, including 259 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 20.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,702 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $51,542 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,195 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,973 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.6% |
| 95% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,104 |
| County GDP | $9,061M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 259 |
| Healthcare | 404 |
| Retail | 484 |
| Manufacturing | 251 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,416 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.2% |
The median home value in Chelsea is $301,100, 7% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $400,699, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.7% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,543 (33% above 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 2,681 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $5,416 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 39.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $301,100 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $400,699 |
| Median List Price | $372,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $372,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $212 |
| Homes Sold | 8 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.7% |
| Price Drops | 5.9% |
| Inventory | 17 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,543 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.0% |
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 | 2,681 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,416 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.80% |
In Chelsea, 26.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.2% of residents, below the national average. 24.7% have high blood pressure. 9.3% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 13.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 4.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,320. The dentist ratio is 1:1,468. 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chelsea vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.7% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 24.7% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 8.2% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.3% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 13.1% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.0% |
| Short Sleep | 25.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.7% |
| Uninsured | 4.2% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,320 |
| Dentists | 1:1,468 |
| Mental Health | 1:286 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 78.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,855/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 404 |
Chelsea has a violent crime rate of 72 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 72.2 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 1,299 per 100,000, 34% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,191, burglary at 54, vehicle theft at 54 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 28 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chelsea receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chelsea vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 72.2/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 72.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,298.9/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| Burglary | 54.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,190.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 54.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 28 |
| Traffic Accidents | 132 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chelsea experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 24°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 34.7 inches. The area receives 32.9 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 924 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 924 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,497/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3114°N, 84.0194°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Detroit Metro Wayne County (DTW) 35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.7"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.58"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.5 / 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 Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 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 |
116 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
72 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
87 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
119 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
95 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
134 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
139 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
96 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
92 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
80 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
118 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
444 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 189 fatalities, 2,094 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
89 km |
116 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF4 |
93 km |
7 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
21 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
70 km |
4 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Chelsea has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Chelsea. 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 | $498 |
| Toddler | $511 |
| Preschool | $511 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $744 |
| Toddler | $744 |
| Preschool | $682 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chelsea
What is the population of Chelsea?
Chelsea has a population of 5,420 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,497 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Chelsea expensive to live in?
Chelsea 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 $71,702, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $301,100 (7% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,543 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chelsea safe?
Chelsea is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 72 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,299 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chelsea receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chelsea?
Chelsea has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°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 34.7 inches, with 32.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Chelsea?
The job market in Chelsea is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,195. There are 3,104 business establishments in the area, including 259 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 20.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chelsea?
The median home value in Chelsea is $301,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $400,699. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,543. 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 $5,416.
How are the schools in Chelsea?
Schools in Chelsea have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 50.8% of adults in Chelsea hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. 21.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chelsea?
The obesity rate in Chelsea is 26.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.3% of adults are smokers. 13.1% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 4.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,320.
What is transportation like in Chelsea?
The average commute in Chelsea is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 20.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chelsea?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chelsea is 95.8% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 99.7% have health insurance coverage.