Median Income
$83,077
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$211,700
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
186/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.8%
3% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,323
14% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.8%
61% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.0%
68% lower than US avg
How Fenton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population11,950
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density1,797/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$83,077
Per Capita$45,019
Unemployment5.8%
Poverty4.0%
County GDP$10,122M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$211,700
Rent$1,323
Ownership65.4%
Zillow$348,401
Housing Units5,484
Rent Burden29.1%
Crime
F
Violent186/100K
Property1,799/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault106/100K
Burglary160/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking13.0%
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation897 ft (273 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.8%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+13.8%
School Score6.25
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute32 min
Broadband92.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Fenton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fenton receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Fenton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fenton is $83,077, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 5.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fenton is $211,700, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,323 per month. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fenton is below the national average at 186 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,799 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Fenton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Fenton has a population of 11,950 with a density of 1,797 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly White (89.6%), with 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.0%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.0%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Fenton is $83,077, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,019 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,784 business establishments, including 314 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 17.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,077 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,019 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $97,834 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.8% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.0% |
| 68% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,784 |
| County GDP | $10,122M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 314 |
| Healthcare | 442 |
| Retail | 550 |
| Manufacturing | 247 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,924 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 17.3% |
The median home value in Fenton is $211,700, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $348,401, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,323 (14% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 5,484 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $5,924 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $211,700 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $348,401 |
| Median List Price | $280,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $280,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $189 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 15.6% |
| Inventory | 45 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,323 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,474 |
| Rent Burden | 29.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.6% |
| Housing Units | 5,484 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,924 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.80% |
In Fenton, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 13.0% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 20.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,031. The dentist ratio is 1:1,595. 87.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
5.7
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
6.2
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
14.0
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.4
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
150.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Fenton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 8.1% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.0% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,031 |
| Dentists | 1:1,595 |
| Mental Health | 1:412 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 70.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 442 |
Fenton has a violent crime rate of 186 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 106.4 per 100,000, robbery at 35.5, rape at 44.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,799 per 100,000, 8% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,587, burglary at 160, vehicle theft at 53 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 19 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fenton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fenton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 186.2/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 44.3/100K |
| Robbery | 35.5/100K |
| Assault | 106.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,799.5/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| Burglary | 159.6/100K |
| Theft | 1,586.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 53.2/100K |
| Arson | 8.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 19 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1,458 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fenton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 897 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 897 ft (273 m) |
| Area | 7.0 sq mi (18.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,797/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8006°N, 83.7177°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Livingston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bishop International (FNT) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
72 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
95 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
128 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
137 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
140 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
117 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
89 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
145 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
437 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 151 fatalities, 1,724 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
35 km |
116 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF4 |
74 km |
11 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
22 km |
3 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1953 |
EF4 |
92 km |
2 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1952 |
LAKE HURON, MI |
Avalanche |
1.5 m |
— |
112 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Fenton has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 23°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Fenton. 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 | $938 |
| Toddler | $938 |
| Preschool | $754 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $963 |
| Toddler | $984 |
| Preschool | $984 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fenton
What is the population of Fenton?
Fenton has a population of 11,950 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,797 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.
Is Fenton expensive to live in?
Fenton 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 $83,077, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $211,700 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,323 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fenton safe?
Fenton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 186 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,799 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fenton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fenton?
Fenton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Fenton?
The unemployment rate in Fenton is 5.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,096. There are 4,784 business establishments in the area, including 314 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 17.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fenton?
The median home value in Fenton is $211,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $348,401. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,323. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,924.
How are the schools in Fenton?
Schools in Fenton score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.8% of adults in Fenton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 13.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fenton?
The obesity rate in Fenton is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.0% of adults are smokers. 20.0% are physically inactive. 28.6% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,031.
What is transportation like in Fenton?
The average commute in Fenton is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fenton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fenton is 89.6% White, 2.3% Black or African American. 95% of residents speak only English at home, while 5% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.