Median Income
$77,841
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$383,000
36% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
426/100K
12% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
56.7%
68% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$567
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.1%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.9%
93% lower than US avg
How Douglas Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,295
Median Age57.7 yrs
Density728/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$77,841
Per Capita$58,887
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty0.9%
County GDP$6,699M
Commute18 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$383,000
Rent$567
Ownership87.1%
Zillow$648,248
Housing Units1,154
Rent Burden26.2%
Crime
F
Violent426/100K
Property2,992/100K
Health
Obesity32.1%
Uninsured5.2%
Smoking11.0%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation645 ft (197 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+56.7%
High School+97.6%
Graduate+17.4%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 36%
Commute18 min
Broadband96.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries11
Is Douglas a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Douglas receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Douglas offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Douglas is $77,841, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 0.9% 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 Douglas is $383,000, 36% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $567 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 426 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,992 per 100,000, 53% above the national average.
Education
Douglas is a highly educated community / 56.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Douglas experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 26°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 34.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Douglas has a population of 1,295 with a density of 728 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 57.7 years, 48% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.7yrs
Median Age
48% 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 Douglas is $77,841, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $58,887 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,158, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,678 business establishments, including 218 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). 16.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,841 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $58,887 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,158 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,443 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.9% |
| 93% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,678 |
| County GDP | $6,699M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 218 |
| Healthcare | 200 |
| Retail | 338 |
| Manufacturing | 226 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,953 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.0% |
The median home value in Douglas is $383,000, 36% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $648,248, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $567 (51% 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. 87.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,154 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $6,953 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $383,000 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $648,248 |
| Median List Price | $1,100,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $1,100,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $484 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $567 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,154 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,953 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.82% |
In Douglas, 32.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 11.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.3% report binge drinking. 18.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 5.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,838. The dentist ratio is 1:2,886. 58.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Douglas vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.1% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.0% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.1% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 29.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.8% |
| Uninsured | 5.2% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,838 |
| Dentists | 1:2,886 |
| Mental Health | 1:924 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 76.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,999/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 200 |
Douglas has a violent crime rate of 426 per 100,000 residents, 12% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,992 per 100,000, 53% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 22 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Douglas receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Douglas vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 425.8/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,992.1/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 22 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Douglas experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 26°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 34.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 645 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 645 ft (197 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 728/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6389°N, 86.2076°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Allegan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Michigan Regional (BEH) 37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.8"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0475 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very 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 |
78 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
132 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
110 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
224 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 30 fatalities, 701 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
2 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
48 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
55 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2024 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1998 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF2 |
68 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 |
118 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
15 km |
| 2018 |
SER 438 / WHITE RIVER |
814 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
793 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Douglas has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 26°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Douglas. 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 | $535 |
| Toddler | $544 |
| Preschool | $544 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $790 |
| Toddler | $790 |
| Preschool | $722 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Douglas
What is the population of Douglas?
Douglas has a population of 1,295 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 728 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Douglas expensive to live in?
Douglas 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 $77,841, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $383,000 (36% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $567 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Douglas safe?
The violent crime rate in Douglas is 426 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,992 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Douglas receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Douglas?
Douglas has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°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 34.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Douglas?
The job market in Douglas is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,158. There are 2,678 business establishments in the area, including 218 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 16.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Douglas?
The median home value in Douglas is $383,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $648,248. For renters, the median monthly rent is $567. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,953.
How are the schools in Douglas?
Schools in Douglas score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 56.7% of adults in Douglas hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.6% have completed high school. 17.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Douglas?
The obesity rate in Douglas is 32.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.0% of adults are smokers. 18.1% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 5.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 58.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,838.
What is transportation like in Douglas?
The average commute in Douglas is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Douglas?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Douglas is 91.9% White. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 7.1% of residents have a disability. 90.8% have health insurance coverage.