Median Income
$53,750
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,700
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
173/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.6%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$745
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.8%
11% higher than US avg
How Colon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,432
Median Age40.2 yrs
Density1,045/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,750
Per Capita$30,463
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty13.8%
County GDP$2,875M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,700
Rent$745
Ownership71.7%
Zillow$195,934
Housing Units790
Rent Burden28.5%
Crime
F
Violent173/100K
Property518/100K
Murder86.3/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary86/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking20.3%
Depression30.1%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation854 ft (260 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.6%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+8.4%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute22 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Colon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Colon receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Colon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Colon is $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Colon is $123,700, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $745 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Colon is below the national average at 173 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 518 per 100,000, 74% below the national average.
Education
20.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Colon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Colon has a population of 1,432 with a density of 1,045 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 40.2 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.3% female and 48.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.2%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 87.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.2yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
The median household income in Colon is $53,750, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,463 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,030, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,282 business establishments, including 106 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,750 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,463 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,030 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,770 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.8% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,282 |
| County GDP | $2,875M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 106 |
| Healthcare | 134 |
| Retail | 192 |
| Manufacturing | 120 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,168 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 59.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.1% |
The median home value in Colon is $123,700, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,934, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.5% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $745 (36% 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. 71.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 790 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $5,168 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,700 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $195,934 |
| Median List Price | $134,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $134,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $176 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.5% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $745 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.3% |
| Housing Units | 790 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,168 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.18% |
In Colon, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 20.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 30.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,574. The dentist ratio is 1:3,044. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Colon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.3% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 30.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,574 |
| Dentists | 1:3,044 |
| Mental Health | 1:483 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 66.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,116/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 134 |
Colon has a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 86.3. The murder rate is 86.3 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 518 per 100,000, 74% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 431, burglary at 86, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Colon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Colon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 172.6/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| Murder | 86.3/100K |
| 1270% above US avg |
| Rape | 86.3/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 517.7/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| Burglary | 86.3/100K |
| Theft | 431.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Colon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 275 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 38.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 854 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 854 ft (260 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,045/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9627°N, 85.3194°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | St. Joseph County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO) 22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.5"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 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 |
32 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
31 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
45 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
427 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 134 fatalities, 1,719 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
29 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
32 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
50 km |
5 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
50 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
62 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
51 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 |
133 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 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Colon has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Colon. 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 | $558 |
| Toddler | $558 |
| Preschool | $444 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $662 |
| Toddler | $662 |
| Preschool | $602 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Colon
What is the population of Colon?
Colon has a population of 1,432 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,045 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.2 years. The population is 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
Is Colon expensive to live in?
Colon 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 $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,700 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $745 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Colon safe?
Colon is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 173 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 518 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Colon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Colon?
Colon 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 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Colon?
Colon has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,030. There are 2,282 business establishments in the area, including 106 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 11.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Colon?
The median home value in Colon is $123,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,934. For renters, the median monthly rent is $745. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,168.
How are the schools in Colon?
Schools in Colon score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.6% of adults in Colon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Colon?
The obesity rate in Colon is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.3% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 30.1% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,574.
What is transportation like in Colon?
The average commute in Colon is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 59% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Colon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Colon is 93.2% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 87.6% have health insurance coverage.