Median Income
$78,750
5% higher than US avg
Home Value
$202,600
28% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
344/100K
9% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.1%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.5%
275% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
62% lower than US avg
How Climax Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population790
Median Age30.2 yrs
Density745/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$78,750
Per Capita$33,289
Unemployment13.5%
Poverty4.7%
County GDP$20,706M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$202,600
Rent$850
Ownership84.2%
Zillow$253,122
Housing Units322
Rent Burden22.7%
Crime
F
Violent344/100K
Property2,656/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking15.6%
Depression30.9%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain31.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation969 ft (295 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.1%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.27
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 58%
Commute25 min
Broadband94.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries14
Is Climax a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Climax receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Climax offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Climax is $78,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 13.5%, unemployment is notably high. Only 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Climax is $202,600, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 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
Violent crime in Climax is below the national average at 344 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,656 per 100,000, 36% above the national average.
Education
24.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Climax experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Climax has a population of 790 with a density of 745 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 30.2 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.9% female and 56.1% male. The city is predominantly White (93.4%), with 2.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 8.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.2yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Climax is $78,750, which is 5% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,289 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,264, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,972 business establishments, including 579 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 8.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,750 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,289 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,264 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,017 |
| Gini Index | 0.461 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.5% |
| 275% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.7% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,972 |
| County GDP | $20,706M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 579 |
| Healthcare | 749 |
| Retail | 848 |
| Manufacturing | 295 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.7% |
The median home value in Climax is $202,600, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,122, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% 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. 84.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 322 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $7,471 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.7% 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 | $202,600 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $253,122 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.8% |
| Housing Units | 322 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.69% |
In Climax, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 19.8% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 30.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,012. The dentist ratio is 1:1,312. 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Climax vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 30.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 28.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,012 |
| Dentists | 1:1,312 |
| Mental Health | 1:184 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 70.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,811/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 749 |
Climax has a violent crime rate of 344 per 100,000 residents, 9% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,656 per 100,000, 36% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 31 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Climax receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Climax vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 344.3/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,656.2/100K |
| 36% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
| Traffic Accidents | 127 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Climax experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 969 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 969 ft (295 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 745/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2383°N, 85.3360°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Kalamazoo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO) 11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.5"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0452 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.5 / 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 High |
| 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
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
8 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
86 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
26 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
75 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
412 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 95 fatalities, 1,640 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
86 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
34 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
56 km |
21 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
32 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
92 km |
5 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
141 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Climax has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Climax. 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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $585 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $806 |
| Toddler | $806 |
| Preschool | $788 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Climax
What is the population of Climax?
Climax has a population of 790 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 745 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.9% female and 56.1% male.
Is Climax expensive to live in?
Climax 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 $78,750, 5% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $202,600 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 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 Climax safe?
Climax is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 344 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,656 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Climax receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Climax?
Climax has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Climax?
The job market in Climax faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,264. There are 5,972 business establishments in the area, including 579 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 8.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Climax?
The median home value in Climax is $202,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,122. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.2%. The average annual property tax is $7,471.
How are the schools in Climax?
Schools in Climax score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.1% of adults in Climax hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Climax?
The obesity rate in Climax is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 30.9% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,012.
What is transportation like in Climax?
The average commute in Climax is 25 minutes. 82.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Climax?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Climax is 93.4% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 8.9% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.