Median Income
$125,938
68% higher than US avg
Home Value
$272,400
3% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
213/100K
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.0%
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Elberta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population181
Median Age51.4 yrs
Density241/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$125,938
Per Capita$62,693
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$741M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$272,400
Ownership96.6%
Zillow$493,821
Housing Units182
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent213/100K
Property1,953/100K
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking15.1%
Depression29.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation738 ft (225 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.0%
High School+98.8%
Graduate+17.0%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute12 min
Broadband58.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries4
Is Elberta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elberta receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Elberta offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elberta is $125,938, which is significantly higher than the national average / 68% above $75,149. This places Elberta among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elberta is $272,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Elberta is below the national average at 213 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,953 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
32.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Elberta experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 93.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Elberta has a population of 181 with a density of 241 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 51.4 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.3% female and 59.7% male. The city is predominantly White (75.7%), with 24.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 80.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.4yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
The median household income in Elberta is $125,938, which is 68% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $62,693 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $877, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (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 483 business establishments, including 67 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $125,938 |
| 68% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $62,693 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $877 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,228 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 483 |
| County GDP | $741M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 67 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,350 |
| 139% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Elberta is $272,400, 3% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $493,821, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 89.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 182 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1942. The average annual property tax is $8,350 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $272,400 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $493,821 |
| Median List Price | $57,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $57,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $126 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 89.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.4% |
| Housing Units | 182 |
| Median Year Built | 1942 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,350 |
| 139% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.07% |
In Elberta, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 29.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,657. The dentist ratio is 1:1,663. 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Elberta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 29.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,657 |
| Dentists | 1:1,663 |
| Mental Health | 1:559 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 68.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,354/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 62.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Elberta has a violent crime rate of 213 per 100,000 residents, 44% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,953 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elberta receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elberta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 213.4/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,953.1/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elberta experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 270 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 34.3 inches. The area receives 93.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 738 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 738 ft (225 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 241/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.6207°N, 86.2342°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Benzie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Menominee Regional (MNM) 77 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 2, 2024.
| Aug 2, 2024 |
38 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin |
M2.9 |
56 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
63 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 50 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
27 km |
1 |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1972 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1970 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1963 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1956 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF2 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2018 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GRANT RX (2,204 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
GRANT RX |
2,204 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
17 km |
| 2003 |
WARFIELD ROAD |
800 |
53 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
BALDWIN FUELS UNITS 1/2/6AB |
619 |
86 km |
| 2019 |
19-SLBE PETERSON |
605 |
16 km |
| 2021 |
WARFIELD |
538 |
52 km |
| 2024 |
WHELAN LAKE BLOCK 1 PARTIAL 1 RX |
512 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Elberta has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 24°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Elberta. 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 | $575 |
| Toddler | $638 |
| Preschool | $638 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $860 |
| Toddler | $860 |
| Preschool | $841 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elberta
What is the population of Elberta?
Elberta has a population of 181 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 241 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.3% female and 59.7% male.
Is Elberta expensive to live in?
Elberta 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 $125,938, 68% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $272,400 (3% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elberta safe?
Elberta is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 213 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,953 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elberta receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elberta?
Elberta has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.3 inches, with 93.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Elberta?
The job market in Elberta is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $877. There are 483 business establishments in the area, including 67 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elberta?
The median home value in Elberta is $272,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $493,821. The homeownership rate is 96.6%. The average annual property tax is $8,350.
How are the schools in Elberta?
Schools in Elberta score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.0% of adults in Elberta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elberta?
The obesity rate in Elberta is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 29.1% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,657.
What is transportation like in Elberta?
The average commute in Elberta is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elberta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elberta is 75.7% White, 24.3% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 80.0% have health insurance coverage.