Median Income
$50,278
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$192,500
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.6%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$542
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Crystal Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population966
Median Age55.6 yrs
Density350/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,278
Per Capita$30,045
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,982M
Commute38 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$192,500
Rent$542
Ownership88.5%
Zillow$196,701
Housing Units790
Rent Burden34.2%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,347/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking17.4%
Depression30.2%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation808 ft (246 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.6%
High School+97.6%
Graduate+24.2%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute38 min
Broadband85.8%
EV Stations6
Libraries6
Is Crystal a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Crystal receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times, high obesity rates. Crystal offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Crystal is $50,278, 33% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Crystal is $192,500, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $542 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Crystal 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 1,347 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
28.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Crystal experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°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 34.5 inches, including 39.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Crystal has a population of 966 with a density of 350 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age is 55.6 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.6yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Crystal is $50,278, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,045 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,055, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 794 business establishments, including 73 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,278 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,045 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,055 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,876 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 794 |
| County GDP | $1,982M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 124 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 38.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.3% |
The median home value in Crystal is $192,500, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,701. Homes sell for 99.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $542 (53% 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. 88.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 790 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $3,958. 34.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $192,500 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $196,701 |
| Median List Price | $333,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $333,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $154 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $542 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.5% |
| Housing Units | 790 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.06% |
In Crystal, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 30.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,077. The dentist ratio is 1:2,418. 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Crystal vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 30.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,077 |
| Dentists | 1:2,418 |
| Mental Health | 1:426 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 68.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,638/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Crystal has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,347 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Crystal receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Crystal vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,346.6/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Crystal experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°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 34.5 inches. The area receives 39.3 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 808 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 808 ft (246 m) |
| Area | 4.0 sq mi (10.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 350/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2590°N, 84.9319°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Gratiot County County |
| Nearest Airport | Capital Region International (LAN)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 |
121 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
58 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
337 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 133 fatalities, 1,249 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
90 km |
116 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
84 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
89 km |
2 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2003 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COUNTY LINE (735 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Crystal has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 22°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Crystal. 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 | $614 |
| Toddler | $614 |
| Preschool | $578 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $636 |
| Toddler | $636 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Crystal
What is the population of Crystal?
Crystal has a population of 966 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 350 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.
Is Crystal expensive to live in?
Crystal 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 $50,278, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $192,500 (32% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $542 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Crystal safe?
Crystal 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 1,347 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Crystal receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Crystal?
Crystal has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°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 34.5 inches, with 39.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Crystal?
Crystal has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,055. There are 794 business establishments in the area, including 73 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 38 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Crystal?
The median home value in Crystal is $192,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,701. For renters, the median monthly rent is $542. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,958.
How are the schools in Crystal?
Schools in Crystal score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.6% of adults in Crystal hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. 24.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Crystal?
The obesity rate in Crystal is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 30.2% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,077.
What is transportation like in Crystal?
The average commute in Crystal is 38 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Crystal?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Crystal is 97.8% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 25.3% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
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