Median Income
$103,431
38% higher than US avg
Home Value
$241,400
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
118/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.1%
8% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,235
6% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.7%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Freeland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,562
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density1,148/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$103,431
Per Capita$33,179
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$11,010M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$241,400
Rent$1,235
Ownership81.2%
Zillow$289,207
Housing Units2,162
Rent Burden19.4%
Crime
F
Violent118/100K
Property1,292/100K
Health
Obesity32.7%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking13.3%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation622 ft (190 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+31.1%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+11.8%
School Score4.74
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 48%
Commute18 min
Broadband97.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries13
Is Freeland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Freeland receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Freeland offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Freeland is $103,431, which is significantly higher than the national average / 38% above $75,149. This places Freeland among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Freeland is $241,400, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,235 per month. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Freeland is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,292 per 100,000, 34% below the national average.
Education
31.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Freeland 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 32.1 inches, including 49.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Freeland has a population of 7,562 with a density of 1,148 people per square mile, spread across 6.7 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.8% female and 62.2% male. The city is predominantly White (79.3%), with 4% Hispanic, 9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 4.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Freeland is $103,431, which is 38% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,179 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,116, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,966 business establishments, including 417 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $103,431 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,179 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,116 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,856 |
| Gini Index | 0.475 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,966 |
| County GDP | $11,010M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 417 |
| Healthcare | 603 |
| Retail | 754 |
| Manufacturing | 184 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,370 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.4% |
The median home value in Freeland is $241,400, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,207, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,235 (6% 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. 81.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,162 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $5,370 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $241,400 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $289,207 |
| Median List Price | $340,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $340,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $176 |
| Homes Sold | 11 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.4% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,235 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.8% |
| Housing Units | 2,162 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,370 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.22% |
In Freeland, 32.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 22.1% are physically inactive. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,156. The dentist ratio is 1:1,239. 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Freeland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.7% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,156 |
| Dentists | 1:1,239 |
| Mental Health | 1:277 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 70.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,742/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 603 |
Freeland has a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,292 per 100,000, 34% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Freeland receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Freeland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 118.3/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,292.1/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Freeland 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 32.1 inches. The area receives 49.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 622 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 622 ft (190 m) |
| Area | 6.7 sq mi (17.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,148/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5175°N, 84.1147°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Saginaw County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.1"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very 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 |
89 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
312 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 132 fatalities, 1,125 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
51 km |
116 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
97 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
82 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 |
— |
146 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROSCOMMON4 (2,109 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Freeland has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 23°F in February to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Freeland. 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 | $655 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $660 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Freeland
What is the population of Freeland?
Freeland has a population of 7,562 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,148 people per square mile, spread across 6.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 37.8% female and 62.2% male.
Is Freeland expensive to live in?
Freeland 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 $103,431, 38% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $241,400 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,235 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Freeland safe?
Freeland is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,292 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Freeland receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Freeland?
Freeland 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 32.1 inches, with 49.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Freeland?
The job market in Freeland is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,116. There are 3,966 business establishments in the area, including 417 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 12.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Freeland?
The median home value in Freeland is $241,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,207. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,235. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,370.
How are the schools in Freeland?
Schools in Freeland have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 31.1% of adults in Freeland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 11.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Freeland?
The obesity rate in Freeland is 32.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 22.1% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,156.
What is transportation like in Freeland?
The average commute in Freeland is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Freeland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Freeland is 79.3% White, 9% Black or African American, 4% Hispanic or Latino. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 4.9% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
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