Median Income
$70,000
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$153,100
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
106/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.5%
27% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$386
67% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
70% lower than US avg
How Ellsworth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population284
Median Age42.0 yrs
Density379/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,000
Per Capita$32,239
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty3.7%
County GDP$855M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$153,100
Rent$386
Ownership90.3%
Zillow$305,753
Housing Units169
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent106/100K
Property636/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured5.2%
Smoking12.5%
Depression27.6%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation615 ft (187 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.5%
High School+97.9%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score5.57
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute23 min
Broadband91.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Ellsworth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ellsworth receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Ellsworth offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ellsworth is $70,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ellsworth is $153,100, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $386 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ellsworth is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 636 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
24.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Ellsworth has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ellsworth has a population of 284 with a density of 379 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 42.0 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91.5%), with 3.5% Hispanic, 3.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 82.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.0yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ellsworth vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ellsworth vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ellsworth is $70,000, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,239 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $826, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 599 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.6% of workers work from home.
Income: Ellsworth vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,000 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,239 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $826 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,571 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.7% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 599 |
| County GDP | $855M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 98 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,941 |
| 155% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.6% |
The median home value in Ellsworth is $153,100, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,753, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $386 (67% 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. 90.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 169 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $8,941 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% 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 | $153,100 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $305,753 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $386 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.7% |
| Housing Units | 169 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,941 |
| 155% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.84% |
In Ellsworth, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 18.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 5.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,488. The dentist ratio is 1:3,031. 74.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ellsworth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.7% |
| Depression | 27.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.5% |
| Uninsured | 5.2% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,488 |
| Dentists | 1:3,031 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,627 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 76.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,259/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
Ellsworth has a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 636 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ellsworth receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ellsworth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 106.0/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 636.3/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ellsworth has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 67°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 35.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 615 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 43.3°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 615 ft (187 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 379/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1672°N, 85.2429°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Antrim County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.8"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| 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 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
83 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 69 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
36 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
55 km |
1 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1973 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1963 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2012 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) (7,478 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) |
7,478 |
93 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
77 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
63 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
65 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
82 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
62 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
71 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
64 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
72 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
62 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
86 km |
| 1996 |
HAGAMAN ROAD |
658 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
19-SLBE PETERSON |
605 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
62 km |
| 1987 |
KALKASKA17 |
520 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Ellsworth has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 19°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Ellsworth. 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 | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $577 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $636 |
| Toddler | $654 |
| Preschool | $654 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellsworth
What is the population of Ellsworth?
Ellsworth has a population of 284 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 379 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Ellsworth expensive to live in?
Ellsworth 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 $70,000, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $153,100 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $386 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ellsworth safe?
Ellsworth is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 636 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ellsworth receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ellsworth?
Ellsworth has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ellsworth?
Ellsworth has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $826. There are 599 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 12.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ellsworth?
The median home value in Ellsworth is $153,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,753. For renters, the median monthly rent is $386. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.3%. The average annual property tax is $8,941.
How are the schools in Ellsworth?
Schools in Ellsworth score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.5% of adults in Ellsworth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ellsworth?
The obesity rate in Ellsworth is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 18.7% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents report depression. 5.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,488.
What is transportation like in Ellsworth?
The average commute in Ellsworth is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ellsworth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ellsworth is 91.5% White, 3.2% Black or African American, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 82.5% have health insurance coverage.
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