Median Income
$95,491
27% higher than US avg
Home Value
$140,400
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.5%
78% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,091
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.4%
161% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.8%
3% higher than US avg
How Fostoria Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,081
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density270/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$95,491
Per Capita$33,343
Unemployment9.4%
Poverty12.8%
County GDP$3,258M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$140,400
Rent$1,091
Ownership84.4%
Zillow$219,251
Housing Units338
Rent Burden14.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,162/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking17.3%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation842 ft (257 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.5%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute32 min
Broadband72.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Fostoria a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fostoria receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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, high obesity rates. Fostoria offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fostoria is $95,491, 27% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 9.4%, unemployment is notably high. 12.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fostoria is $140,400, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,091 per month. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Fostoria 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 1,162 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
7.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Fostoria 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 36.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Fostoria has a population of 1,081 with a density of 270 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.4% female and 44.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
The median household income in Fostoria is $95,491, which is 27% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,343 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,724 business establishments, including 141 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $95,491 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,343 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,575 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.4% |
| 161% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.8% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,724 |
| County GDP | $3,258M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 141 |
| Healthcare | 207 |
| Retail | 244 |
| Manufacturing | 124 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,567 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.0% |
| Public Transit | 3.9% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Fostoria is $140,400, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,251, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,091 (6% 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. 84.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 338 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,567 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $140,400 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $219,251 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,091 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.6% |
| Housing Units | 338 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,567 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.25% |
In Fostoria, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.3% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,766. The dentist ratio is 1:1,850. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fostoria vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,766 |
| Dentists | 1:1,850 |
| Mental Health | 1:614 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 63.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,510/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 207 |
Fostoria has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,162 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fostoria receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Fostoria vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,161.7/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Fostoria 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 36.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 842 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 842 ft (257 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 270/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2531°N, 83.3618°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Lapeer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bishop International (FNT)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.1"
5% 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 | 66.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.8 / 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 |
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
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
113 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
129 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
124 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
84 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
313 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 142 fatalities, 1,576 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
43 km |
116 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF4 |
78 km |
11 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
38 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1953 |
EF4 |
72 km |
2 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
22 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Nov 20, 1957 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF3 |
80 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 |
- |
80 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Fostoria has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 22°F in February to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Fostoria. 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 | $626 |
| Toddler | $645 |
| Preschool | $645 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $655 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fostoria
What is the population of Fostoria?
Fostoria has a population of 1,081 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 270 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 55.4% female and 44.6% male.
Is Fostoria expensive to live in?
Fostoria 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 $95,491, 27% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $140,400 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,091 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fostoria safe?
Fostoria 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 1,162 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fostoria receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fostoria?
Fostoria 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 36.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Fostoria?
The job market in Fostoria faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 1,724 business establishments in the area, including 141 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fostoria?
The median home value in Fostoria is $140,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,251. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,091. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,567.
How are the schools in Fostoria?
Schools in Fostoria score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.5% of adults in Fostoria hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fostoria?
The obesity rate in Fostoria is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,766.
What is transportation like in Fostoria?
The average commute in Fostoria is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 86% of workers drive alone to work, 3.9% use public transit, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fostoria?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fostoria is 93.7% White. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
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