Median Income
$55,000
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,600
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.6%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$692
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
14.6%
306% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
38% lower than US avg
How Elsie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population951
Median Age42.0 yrs
Density834/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$55,000
Per Capita$26,273
Unemployment14.6%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$1,982M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,600
Rent$692
Ownership80.2%
Zillow$192,179
Housing Units442
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property102/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking15.7%
Depression29.9%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation733 ft (223 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.6%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute30 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries6
Is Elsie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elsie receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Elsie offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elsie is $55,000, 27% below the national average of $75,149. At 14.6%, unemployment is notably high. Only 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elsie is $107,600, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $692 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Elsie 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 102 per 100,000, 95% below the national average.
Education
7.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Elsie experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°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 38.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Elsie has a population of 951 with a density of 834 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 42.0 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (95.5%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.0yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Elsie is $55,000, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,273 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,055, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.7% 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 30 minutes. 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,000 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,273 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,055 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,876 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.6% |
| 306% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% 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 | 3.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Elsie is $107,600, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,179, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 75.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $692 (40% 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. 80.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 442 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $3,958. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,600 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $192,179 |
| Median List Price | $134,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $134,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $66 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 75.7% |
| Price Drops | 40.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $692 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.8% |
| Housing Units | 442 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.68% |
In Elsie, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 23.0% are physically inactive. 29.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 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: Elsie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 29.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,077 |
| Dentists | 1:2,418 |
| Mental Health | 1:426 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 69.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,638/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Elsie has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 102 per 100,000, 95% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 102 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Elsie receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Elsie vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 101.7/100K |
| 95% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 101.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Elsie experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°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 38.3 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 733 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 733 ft (223 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 834/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0893°N, 84.3885°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Gratiot County County |
| Nearest Airport | Capital Region International (LAN)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.78"
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
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 |
127 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
37 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
118 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
371 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 132 fatalities, 1,223 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
44 km |
116 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
34 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
58 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Aug 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Elsie has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Elsie. 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 Elsie
What is the population of Elsie?
Elsie has a population of 951 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 834 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 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 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Elsie expensive to live in?
Elsie 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 $55,000, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,600 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $692 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elsie safe?
Elsie 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 102 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elsie receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elsie?
Elsie has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 38.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Elsie?
The job market in Elsie faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.6% / significantly above the national rate 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 30 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elsie?
The median home value in Elsie is $107,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,179. For renters, the median monthly rent is $692. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,958.
How are the schools in Elsie?
Schools in Elsie score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.6% of adults in Elsie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elsie?
The obesity rate in Elsie is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 23.0% are physically inactive. 29.9% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,077.
What is transportation like in Elsie?
The average commute in Elsie is 30 minutes. 73.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elsie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elsie is 95.5% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 20.8% of residents have a disability. 88.0% have health insurance coverage.
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