Median Income
$40,667
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,800
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
260/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.8%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$496
57% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.2%
39% higher than US avg
How Farwell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,086
Median Age39.5 yrs
Density793/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$40,667
Per Capita$20,066
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty17.2%
County GDP$1,547M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,800
Rent$496
Ownership64.6%
Zillow$192,946
Housing Units403
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent260/100K
Property2,637/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking20.5%
Depression31.0%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation930 ft (283 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.8%
High School+78.7%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score4.59
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute24 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations12
Libraries3
Is Farwell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Farwell receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Farwell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Farwell is $40,667, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 17.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Farwell is $95,800, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $496 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Farwell is below the national average at 260 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,637 per 100,000, 35% above the national average.
Education
11.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Farwell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°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 35.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Farwell has a population of 1,086 with a density of 793 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 39.5 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (89.2%), with 2.9% Hispanic, 2.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.5yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
The median household income in Farwell is $40,667, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,066 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $922, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 623 business establishments, including 75 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,667 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,066 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $922 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,461 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.2% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 623 |
| County GDP | $1,547M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 75 |
| Healthcare | 70 |
| Retail | 130 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,259 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Farwell is $95,800, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,946, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $496 (57% 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. 64.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 403 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $4,259 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,800 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $192,946 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $496 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.4% |
| Housing Units | 403 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,259 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.45% |
In Farwell, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.6% have high blood pressure. 20.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 28.2% are physically inactive. 31.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,452. The dentist ratio is 1:3,484. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Farwell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.6% |
| Asthma | 12.7% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.5% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.2% |
| Depression | 31.0% |
| Mental Distress | 22.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,452 |
| Dentists | 1:3,484 |
| Mental Health | 1:803 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,912/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 70 |
Farwell has a violent crime rate of 260 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,637 per 100,000, 35% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Farwell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Farwell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 260.4/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,636.7/100K |
| 35% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 19 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Farwell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°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 35.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 930 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 930 ft (283 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 793/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8368°N, 84.8673°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Clare County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| 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 Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1994.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
218 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 6 fatalities, 98 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1994 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1984 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1977 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1977 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
19 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 |
87 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
92 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
49 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
91 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
84 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
84 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
88 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
WARFIELD ROAD |
800 |
90 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
82 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
HAGAMAN ROAD |
658 |
99 km |
| 2019 |
BALDWIN FUELS UNITS 1/2/6AB |
619 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
WARFIELD |
538 |
90 km |
| 1987 |
KALKASKA17 |
520 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Farwell has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 21°F in February to 72°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 Farwell. 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 | $602 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $568 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $636 |
| Toddler | $636 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Farwell
What is the population of Farwell?
Farwell has a population of 1,086 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 793 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.5 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Farwell expensive to live in?
Farwell 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 $40,667, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,800 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $496 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Farwell safe?
Farwell is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 260 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,637 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Farwell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Farwell?
Farwell 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 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Farwell?
The job market in Farwell is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $922. There are 623 business establishments in the area, including 75 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Farwell?
The median home value in Farwell is $95,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,946. For renters, the median monthly rent is $496. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,259.
How are the schools in Farwell?
Schools in Farwell have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.8% of adults in Farwell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.7% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Farwell?
The obesity rate in Farwell is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.5% of adults are smokers. 28.2% are physically inactive. 31.0% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,452.
What is transportation like in Farwell?
The average commute in Farwell is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Farwell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Farwell is 89.2% White, 2.6% Black or African American, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
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