Median Income
$39,844
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,200
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
319/100K
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$502
57% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Harbor Beach Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,576
Median Age47.8 yrs
Density916/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$39,844
Per Capita$26,489
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty10.0%
County GDP$2,158M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,200
Rent$502
Ownership74.9%
Zillow$199,548
Housing Units942
Rent Burden29.2%
Crime
F
Violent319/100K
Property510/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking18.8%
Depression30.0%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.0 in/yr
Elevation617 ft (188 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+82.7%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute15 min
Broadband74.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Harbor Beach a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harbor Beach receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Harbor Beach offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Harbor Beach is $39,844, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. 10.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harbor Beach is $104,200, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $502 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Harbor Beach is below the national average at 319 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 510 per 100,000, 74% below the national average.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Harbor Beach has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.0 inches, including 47.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Harbor Beach has a population of 1,576 with a density of 916 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 47.8 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,576
Total Population
2023 Census
47.8yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Harbor Beach vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Harbor Beach vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Harbor Beach is $39,844, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,489 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $967, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 999 business establishments, including 93 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Harbor Beach vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,844 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,489 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $967 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,518 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 999 |
| County GDP | $2,158M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 101 |
| Retail | 130 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,733 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Harbor Beach is $104,200, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,548, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $502 (57% 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. 74.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 942 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $4,733 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,200 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $199,548 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $502 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.1% |
| Housing Units | 942 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,733 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.54% |
In Harbor Beach, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 30.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,736. The dentist ratio is 1:1,838. 65.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Harbor Beach vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 30.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,736 |
| Dentists | 1:1,838 |
| Mental Health | 1:631 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,757/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 101 |
Harbor Beach has a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 residents, 16% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 510 per 100,000, 74% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Harbor Beach receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Harbor Beach vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 318.9/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 510.2/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Harbor Beach has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.0 inches. The area receives 47.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 88% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 617 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.4°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 617 ft (188 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 916/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8448°N, 82.6546°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Huron County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Clair County International (PHN)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.0"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Apr)
3.60"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 88.2% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
90 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 53 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1984 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1977 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1975 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1971 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF2 |
95 km |
4 |
| Aug 28, 2018 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2015 |
EF1 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 2015 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2010 |
EF1 |
95 km |
1 |
| Oct 19, 2007 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
59 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 |
- |
85 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,751 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,751 |
87 km |
| 1984 |
RIVER ROAD |
1,693 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
MEMORABLE RX |
946 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
GALION |
637 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
MEMORABLE MIDDLE |
550 |
99 km |
| 2019 |
CORSAIR BLOCK 8 |
541 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Harbor Beach has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 22°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.0 inches, with April being the wettest month (3.6") and March the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Harbor Beach. 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 | $514 |
| Toddler | $556 |
| Preschool | $556 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $558 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harbor Beach
What is the population of Harbor Beach?
Harbor Beach has a population of 1,576 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 916 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Harbor Beach expensive to live in?
Harbor Beach 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 $39,844, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $104,200 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $502 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Harbor Beach safe?
Harbor Beach is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 510 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Harbor Beach receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Harbor Beach?
Harbor Beach has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.0 inches, with 47.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Harbor Beach?
The job market in Harbor Beach is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $967. There are 999 business establishments in the area, including 93 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harbor Beach?
The median home value in Harbor Beach is $104,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,548. For renters, the median monthly rent is $502. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,733.
How are the schools in Harbor Beach?
Schools in Harbor Beach score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Harbor Beach hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harbor Beach?
The obesity rate in Harbor Beach is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 30.0% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,736.
What is transportation like in Harbor Beach?
The average commute in Harbor Beach is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harbor Beach?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harbor Beach is 95.1% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 21.6% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.