Median Income
$57,500
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$131,900
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
210/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.9%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$734
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Gaines Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population487
Median Age46.6 yrs
Density1,316/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,500
Per Capita$28,357
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$10,122M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$131,900
Rent$734
Ownership90.6%
Zillow$277,159
Housing Units189
Rent Burden33.8%
Crime
F
Violent210/100K
Property1,437/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking14.1%
Depression28.3%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation854 ft (260 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.9%
High School+77.2%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score6.25
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute31 min
Broadband77.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Gaines a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gaines receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Gaines offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gaines is $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gaines is $131,900, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $734 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Gaines is below the national average at 210 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,437 per 100,000, 27% below the national average.
Education
10.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Gaines 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 33.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Gaines has a population of 487 with a density of 1,316 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 46.6 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.3% female and 58.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90.6%), with 4.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.6yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Gaines is $57,500, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,357 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,096, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% 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 31 minutes. 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,500 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,357 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,096 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $97,834 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% 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 | 4.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Gaines is $131,900, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,159, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $734 (37% 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. 90.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 189 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $5,924 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.8% 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 | $131,900 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $277,159 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $734 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,122 |
| Rent Burden | 33.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.4% |
| Housing Units | 189 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,924 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.49% |
In Gaines, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 20.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% 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.
Health Metrics: Gaines vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 28.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,031 |
| Dentists | 1:1,595 |
| Mental Health | 1:412 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 74.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 442 |
Gaines has a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,437 per 100,000, 27% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 19 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gaines receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gaines vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 209.5/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,436.7/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 19 |
| Traffic Accidents | 212 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gaines 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 33.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 854 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 | 854 ft (260 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,316/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8725°N, 83.9108°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Livingston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bishop International (FNT)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.5"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.50"
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
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
143 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
57 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
148 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
131 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
105 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
429 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 148 fatalities, 1,673 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
26 km |
116 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF4 |
91 km |
11 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
24 km |
3 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
42 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
92 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 |
- |
126 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 |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°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) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Gaines has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 23°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Gaines. 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 Gaines
What is the population of Gaines?
Gaines has a population of 487 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,316 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.3% female and 58.7% male.
Is Gaines expensive to live in?
Gaines 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 $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $131,900 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $734 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gaines safe?
Gaines is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,437 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Gaines receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gaines?
Gaines 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 33.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Gaines?
The job market in Gaines is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. 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 31 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gaines?
The median home value in Gaines is $131,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $277,159. For renters, the median monthly rent is $734. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,924.
How are the schools in Gaines?
Schools in Gaines score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.9% of adults in Gaines hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.2% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gaines?
The obesity rate in Gaines is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 20.8% are physically inactive. 28.3% of residents report depression. 5.9% 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 Gaines?
The average commute in Gaines is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gaines?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gaines is 90.6% White, 4.9% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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