Median Income
$62,096
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$225,400
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
145/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
50.4%
50% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,482
27% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.0%
52% lower than US avg
How Ferrysburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,949
Median Age52.8 yrs
Density986/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,096
Per Capita$50,209
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty6.0%
County GDP$21,044M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$225,400
Rent$1,482
Ownership88.0%
Zillow$410,143
Housing Units1,707
Rent Burden22.9%
Crime
F
Violent145/100K
Property1,969/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Uninsured4.7%
Smoking10.3%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation594 ft (181 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+50.4%
High School+97.9%
Graduate+26.4%
School Score6.42
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute20 min
Broadband92.7%
EV Stations4
Libraries10
Is Ferrysburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ferrysburg receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Ferrysburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ferrysburg is $62,096, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ferrysburg is $225,400, 20% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,482 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Ferrysburg is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 145 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,969 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Ferrysburg is a highly educated community / 50.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ferrysburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 26°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 37.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ferrysburg has a population of 2,949 with a density of 986 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 52.8 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.1% female and 55.9% male. The city is predominantly White (90.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.8yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ferrysburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ferrysburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ferrysburg is $62,096, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,209 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,150, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,888 business establishments, including 465 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.4% of workers work from home.
Income: Ferrysburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,096 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $50,209 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,150 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,969 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.0% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,888 |
| County GDP | $21,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 465 |
| Healthcare | 621 |
| Retail | 779 |
| Manufacturing | 606 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,878 |
| 97% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.4% |
The median home value in Ferrysburg is $225,400, 20% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $410,143, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,482 (27% 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. 88.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,707 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $6,878 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $225,400 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $410,143 |
| Median List Price | $367,445 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $367,445 |
| $/Sq Ft | $367 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,482 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,707 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,878 |
| 97% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.05% |
In Ferrysburg, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 10.3% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.6% report binge drinking. 16.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 4.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,511. The dentist ratio is 1:1,626. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ferrysburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.3% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.9% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 28.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Uninsured | 4.7% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,511 |
| Dentists | 1:1,626 |
| Mental Health | 1:360 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.3% |
| Dental Visits | 75.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,206/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 621 |
Ferrysburg has a violent crime rate of 145 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,969 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 21 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ferrysburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ferrysburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 145.2/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,969.2/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ferrysburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 26°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 37.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 594 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 594 ft (181 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 986/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0875°N, 86.2270°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Ottawa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gerald R Ford International (GRR) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0441 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 |
115 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
172 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 31 fatalities, 674 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
49 km |
17 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
26 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
5 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1994 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1986 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1983 |
EF2 |
47 km |
1 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
59 km |
| 2018 |
SER 438 / WHITE RIVER |
814 |
46 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
793 |
46 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
88 km |
| 2019 |
BALDWIN FUELS UNITS 1/2/6AB |
619 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
WHELAN LAKE BLOCK 1 PARTIAL 1 RX |
512 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Ferrysburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 26°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Ferrysburg. 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 | $712 |
| Toddler | $712 |
| Preschool | $573 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $835 |
| Toddler | $835 |
| Preschool | $780 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ferrysburg
What is the population of Ferrysburg?
Ferrysburg has a population of 2,949 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 986 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.1% female and 55.9% male.
Is Ferrysburg expensive to live in?
Ferrysburg 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 $62,096, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $225,400 (20% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,482 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ferrysburg safe?
Ferrysburg is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 145 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,969 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ferrysburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ferrysburg?
Ferrysburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 26°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 37.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ferrysburg?
The job market in Ferrysburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,150. There are 6,888 business establishments in the area, including 465 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 17.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ferrysburg?
The median home value in Ferrysburg is $225,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $410,143. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,482. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,878.
How are the schools in Ferrysburg?
Schools in Ferrysburg score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 50.4% of adults in Ferrysburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. 26.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ferrysburg?
The obesity rate in Ferrysburg is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.3% of adults are smokers. 16.9% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 4.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,511.
What is transportation like in Ferrysburg?
The average commute in Ferrysburg is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ferrysburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ferrysburg is 90.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.