Median Income
$43,105
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$124,800
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
327/100K
14% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.9%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$792
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.0%
77% higher than US avg
How Clare Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,341
Median Age43.9 yrs
Density896/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$43,105
Per Capita$27,247
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty22.0%
County GDP$1,547M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$124,800
Rent$792
Ownership56.2%
Zillow$211,927
Housing Units1,637
Rent Burden28.0%
Crime
F
Violent327/100K
Property1,274/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault163/100K
Burglary163/100K
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking20.0%
Depression31.4%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation833 ft (254 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.9%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+13.6%
School Score4.59
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute23 min
Broadband88.7%
EV Stations12
Libraries3
Is Clare a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clare 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, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Clare has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clare is $43,105, 43% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 22.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clare is $124,800, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $792 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
Violent crime in Clare is below the national average at 327 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,274 per 100,000, 35% below the national average.
Education
18.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Clare 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 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Clare has a population of 3,341 with a density of 896 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 43.9 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.1% female and 39.9% male. The city is predominantly White (89.7%), with 3.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 22.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.9yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
The median household income in Clare is $43,105, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,247 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $922, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 22.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 623 business establishments, including 75 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). 8.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,105 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,247 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $922 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,461 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.0% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 623 |
| County GDP | $1,547M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 75 |
| Healthcare | 70 |
| Retail | 130 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,259 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.7% |
The median home value in Clare is $124,800, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,927, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $792 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $986 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,637 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $4,259 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.0% 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 | $124,800 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $211,927 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $792 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $698 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $986 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,189 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,611 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,637 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,259 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.41% |
In Clare, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.9% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 28.2% are physically inactive. 31.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,452. The dentist ratio is 1:3,484. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clare vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.9% |
| Asthma | 12.8% |
| COPD | 9.9% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.2% |
| Depression | 31.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,452 |
| Dentists | 1:3,484 |
| Mental Health | 1:803 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 57.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,912/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 70 |
Clare has a violent crime rate of 327 per 100,000 residents, 14% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 163.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 163.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,274 per 100,000, 35% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,111, burglary at 163, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clare receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Clare vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 326.7/100K |
| 14% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 163.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 163.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,274.1/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| Burglary | 163.4/100K |
| Theft | 1,110.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 32.7/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 46 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clare 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 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 833 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 833 ft (254 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 896/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8260°N, 84.7618°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Clare County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1994.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
233 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 105 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1994 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1984 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
68 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 |
85 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
89 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
47 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
87 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
100 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
80 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
85 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE MACK LAKE |
875 |
100 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
82 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
WARFIELD ROAD |
800 |
98 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
HAGAMAN ROAD |
658 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
BALDWIN FUELS UNITS 1/2/6AB |
619 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
WARFIELD |
538 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Clare has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 22°F in February to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Clare. 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 | $602 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $568 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $636 |
| Toddler | $636 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clare
What is the population of Clare?
Clare has a population of 3,341 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 896 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.1% female and 39.9% male.
Is Clare expensive to live in?
Clare 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 $43,105, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $124,800 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $792 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 Clare safe?
Clare is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 327 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,274 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Clare receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clare?
Clare 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 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Clare?
Clare has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $922. There are 623 business establishments in the area, including 75 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 8.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clare?
The median home value in Clare is $124,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,927. For renters, the median monthly rent is $792. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $986 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,259.
How are the schools in Clare?
Schools in Clare have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.9% of adults in Clare hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 13.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clare?
The obesity rate in Clare is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 28.2% are physically inactive. 31.4% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,452.
What is transportation like in Clare?
The average commute in Clare is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clare?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clare is 89.7% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 22.8% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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