Median Income
$39,931
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$100,000
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
345/100K
9% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.9%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$589
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.8%
61% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.3%
15% higher than US avg
How Gobles Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population598
Median Age50.0 yrs
Density581/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$39,931
Per Capita$28,033
Unemployment5.8%
Poverty14.3%
County GDP$20,706M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$100,000
Rent$589
Ownership69.4%
Zillow$247,272
Housing Units362
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent345/100K
Property3,569/100K
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking20.9%
Depression31.3%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain41.1 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation815 ft (248 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.9%
High School+87.5%
Graduate+0.8%
School Score5.27
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 58%
Commute31 min
Broadband93.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries14
Is Gobles a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gobles receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Gobles has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gobles is $39,931, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 14.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gobles is $100,000, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $589 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Gobles is below the national average at 345 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,569 per 100,000, 82% above the national average.
Education
11.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Gobles experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 41.1 inches, including 109.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Gobles has a population of 598 with a density of 581 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 50.0 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.7% female and 39.3% male. The city is predominantly White (90.6%), with 6.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.7% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.0yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.7%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.3%
68% below US avg
The median household income in Gobles is $39,931, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,033 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,264, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 5,972 business establishments, including 579 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,931 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,033 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,264 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,017 |
| Gini Index | 0.461 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.8% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.3% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,972 |
| County GDP | $20,706M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 579 |
| Healthcare | 749 |
| Retail | 848 |
| Manufacturing | 295 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Gobles is $100,000, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,272, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $589 (49% 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. 69.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 362 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $7,471 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% 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 | $100,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $247,272 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $589 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.6% |
| Housing Units | 362 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.47% |
In Gobles, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 34.4% have high blood pressure. 20.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 30.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,012. The dentist ratio is 1:1,312. 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gobles vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.4% |
| Asthma | 12.8% |
| COPD | 10.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.9% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.0% |
| Depression | 31.3% |
| Mental Distress | 22.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,012 |
| Dentists | 1:1,312 |
| Mental Health | 1:184 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 60.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,811/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 749 |
Gobles has a violent crime rate of 345 per 100,000 residents, 9% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,569 per 100,000, 82% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 31 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gobles receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gobles vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 345.4/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,569.4/100K |
| 82% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gobles experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 41.1 inches. The area receives 109.0 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 815 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 815 ft (248 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 581/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3617°N, 85.8774°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Kalamazoo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.1"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0452 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 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 |
40 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
115 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
73 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
93 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
329 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 148 fatalities, 2,070 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
43 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
73 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
23 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
15 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
111 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
27 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Gobles has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 25°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Gobles. 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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $585 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $806 |
| Toddler | $806 |
| Preschool | $788 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gobles
What is the population of Gobles?
Gobles has a population of 598 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 581 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.7% female and 39.3% male.
Is Gobles expensive to live in?
Gobles 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 $39,931, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $100,000 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $589 per month, below 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 Gobles safe?
Gobles is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 345 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,569 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gobles receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gobles?
Gobles has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 41.1 inches, with 109.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Gobles?
The unemployment rate in Gobles is 5.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,264. There are 5,972 business establishments in the area, including 579 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gobles?
The median home value in Gobles is $100,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,272. For renters, the median monthly rent is $589. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.4%. The average annual property tax is $7,471.
How are the schools in Gobles?
Schools in Gobles score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.9% of adults in Gobles hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. 0.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gobles?
The obesity rate in Gobles is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.9% of adults are smokers. 30.0% are physically inactive. 31.3% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,012.
What is transportation like in Gobles?
The average commute in Gobles is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gobles?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gobles is 90.6% White, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino. 95.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.3% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 27.4% of residents have a disability. 89.2% have health insurance coverage.
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