Median Income
$73,290
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$233,100
17% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.7%
12% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,022
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.7%
94% lower than US avg
How Comstock Northwest Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,190
Median Age35.9 yrs
Density1,607/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$73,290
Per Capita$43,603
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty0.7%
County GDP$20,706M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$233,100
Rent$1,022
Ownership39.0%
Zillow$258,619
Housing Units2,612
Rent Burden22.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property776/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking14.3%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation911 ft (278 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+37.7%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+10.3%
School Score5.27
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 58%
Commute18 min
Broadband85.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries14
Is Comstock Northwest a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Comstock Northwest receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Comstock Northwest stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Comstock Northwest is $73,290, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 0.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Comstock Northwest is $233,100, 17% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,022 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Comstock Northwest is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 776 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Comstock Northwest experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°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 33.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Comstock Northwest has a population of 5,190 with a density of 1,607 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 35.9 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.7% female and 44.3% male. The city is predominantly White (70.3%), with 2.3% Hispanic, 17.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.1% of residents, while 6.9% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.9yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Comstock Northwest vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.1%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.9%
49% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Comstock Northwest vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Comstock Northwest is $73,290, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,603 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,264, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.7% 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 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Comstock Northwest vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,290 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,603 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,264 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,017 |
| Gini Index | 0.461 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.7% |
| 94% 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 | 3.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 10.6% |
The median home value in Comstock Northwest is $233,100, 17% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,619, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,022 (12% 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. 39.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,612 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $7,471 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $233,100 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $258,619 |
| Median List Price | $312,200 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $312,200 |
| $/Sq Ft | $117 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,022 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,712 |
| Rent Burden | 22.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 39.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 39.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 61.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,612 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.21% |
In Comstock Northwest, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 18.1% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% 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: Comstock Northwest vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,012 |
| Dentists | 1:1,312 |
| Mental Health | 1:184 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.4% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,811/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 749 |
Comstock Northwest has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 776 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 31 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Comstock Northwest receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Comstock Northwest vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 776.2/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Comstock Northwest experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°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 33.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 911 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 911 ft (278 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,607/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3213°N, 85.5170°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Kalamazoo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO)
6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.2"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.98"
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 |
12 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
92 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
43 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
83 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
388 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 122 fatalities, 1,891 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
68 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
5 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
5 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
17 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
41 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 |
132 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 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Comstock Northwest has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Comstock Northwest. 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 Comstock Northwest
What is the population of Comstock Northwest?
Comstock Northwest has a population of 5,190 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,607 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.7% female and 44.3% male.
Is Comstock Northwest expensive to live in?
Comstock Northwest 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 $73,290, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $233,100 (17% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,022 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Comstock Northwest safe?
Comstock Northwest is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 776 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Comstock Northwest receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Comstock Northwest?
Comstock Northwest has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°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 33.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Comstock Northwest?
The job market in Comstock Northwest is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below 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 18 minutes, and 10.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Comstock Northwest?
The median home value in Comstock Northwest is $233,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,619. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,022. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 39.0%. The average annual property tax is $7,471.
How are the schools in Comstock Northwest?
Schools in Comstock Northwest score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.7% of adults in Comstock Northwest hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 10.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Comstock Northwest?
The obesity rate in Comstock Northwest is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 6.6% 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 Comstock Northwest?
The average commute in Comstock Northwest is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Comstock Northwest?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Comstock Northwest is 70.3% White, 17.3% Black or African American, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 93.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.9% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
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