Median Income
$55,809
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$158,500
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.2%
10% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Grand Marais Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population255
Median Age67.9 yrs
Density135/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans13.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$55,809
Per Capita$41,296
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$210M
Commute6 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,500
Ownership89.6%
Zillow$113,064
Housing Units441
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,162/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking17.0%
Depression30.0%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation601 ft (183 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+37.2%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+11.4%
School Score4.72
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute6 min
Broadband95.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Grand Marais a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grand Marais receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Grand Marais offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grand Marais is $55,809, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 6 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Grand Marais is $158,500, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Grand Marais 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
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Grand Marais has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Grand Marais has a population of 255 with a density of 135 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 67.9 years, 75% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (88.6%), with 7.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 13.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
67.9yrs
Median Age
75% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Grand Marais vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Grand Marais vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Grand Marais is $55,809, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,296. The average weekly wage is $920, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 180 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 6 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 23.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Grand Marais vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,809 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,296 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $920 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,575 |
| Gini Index | 0.413 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 180 |
| County GDP | $210M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,775 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 5.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 49.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 23.0% |
The median home value in Grand Marais is $158,500, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $113,064, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 441 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $2,775 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,500 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $113,064 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.4% |
| Housing Units | 441 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,775 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.75% |
In Grand Marais, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 30.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:758. The dentist ratio is 1:1,777. 67.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Grand Marais vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 30.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:758 |
| Dentists | 1:1,777 |
| Mental Health | 1:643 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 67.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,279/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Grand Marais 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 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Grand Marais receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Grand Marais vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,161.8/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Grand Marais has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 601 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 42.6°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 601 ft (183 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 135/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.6757°N, 85.9664°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Luce County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marquette/Sawyer Regional (MQT)
73 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 79.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
17 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 14, 1984 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1964 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 5, 1997 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1988 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1987 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1978 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1977 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2016 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 2005 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 1996 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1992 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1987 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1975 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1958 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1953 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DUCK LAKE (21,484 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
DUCK LAKE |
21,484 |
43 km |
| 2007 |
SLEEPER LAKE |
17,623 |
39 km |
| 1987 |
EIGHT MILE |
3,475 |
70 km |
| 2009 |
SEDGE MEADOW |
2,680 |
51 km |
| 2004 |
2004 MARSH CREEK |
1,977 |
57 km |
| 2011 |
8/4-8/6 M-2 NORTH |
1,918 |
47 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
1,212 |
49 km |
| 2007 |
EAST SEDGE MARSH BURNING-1 |
1,117 |
43 km |
| 1987 |
SCHOOLCRAFT7 |
943 |
27 km |
| 1994 |
H POOL |
914 |
46 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
831 |
44 km |
| 1999 |
MACKINAC3 |
741 |
85 km |
| 2019 |
RIFLE RANGE |
729 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
C 3 |
658 |
45 km |
| 2006 |
MARSH LANDS 2006 RX |
635 |
44 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
62 km |
| 2009 |
MARSH CREEK SOUTH WEDGE |
510 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Grand Marais has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 19°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Grand Marais. 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 | $548 |
| Toddler | $613 |
| Preschool | $613 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $764 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Marais
What is the population of Grand Marais?
Grand Marais has a population of 255 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 135 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 67.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Grand Marais expensive to live in?
Grand Marais 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 $55,809, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,500 (44% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Grand Marais safe?
Grand Marais 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, Grand Marais receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Grand Marais?
Grand Marais has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Grand Marais?
The job market in Grand Marais is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $920. There are 180 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 6 minutes, and 23.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grand Marais?
The median home value in Grand Marais is $158,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $113,064. The homeownership rate is 89.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,775.
How are the schools in Grand Marais?
Schools in Grand Marais have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 37.2% of adults in Grand Marais hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 11.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grand Marais?
The obesity rate in Grand Marais is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 30.0% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:758.
What is transportation like in Grand Marais?
The average commute in Grand Marais is 6 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 49% of workers drive alone to work, and 23.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grand Marais?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grand Marais is 88.6% White, 7.1% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 13.0% of the population are military veterans. 6.6% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
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