Median Income
$60,556
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$368,100
31% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
83/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
45.2%
34% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$950
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.3%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.0%
60% lower than US avg
How Harbor Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,015
Median Age64.9 yrs
Density781/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,556
Per Capita$61,916
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty5.0%
County GDP$2,559M
Commute14 min
Housing
B
Home Value$368,100
Rent$950
Ownership74.4%
Zillow$543,607
Housing Units1,081
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent83/100K
Property497/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault83/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity31.3%
Uninsured5.0%
Smoking11.6%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation696 ft (212 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+45.2%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+18.4%
School Score6.05
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 44%
Commute14 min
Broadband87.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Harbor Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harbor Springs receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Harbor Springs offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Harbor Springs is $60,556, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harbor Springs is $368,100, 31% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.1x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Harbor Springs is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 497 per 100,000, 75% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 45.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Harbor Springs has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.2 inches, including 123.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Harbor Springs has a population of 1,015 with a density of 781 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 64.9 years, 67% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (83.5%), with 7.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
64.9yrs
Median Age
67% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Harbor Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Harbor Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Harbor Springs is $60,556, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $61,916 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,558 business establishments, including 145 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.3% of workers work from home.
Income: Harbor Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,556 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $61,916 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,368 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.0% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,558 |
| County GDP | $2,559M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 145 |
| Healthcare | 188 |
| Retail | 248 |
| Manufacturing | 59 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,226 |
| 192% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.8% |
| Work from Home | 15.3% |
The median home value in Harbor Springs is $368,100, 31% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $543,607, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $950 (18% 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. 74.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,081 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $10,226 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.1x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $368,100 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $543,607 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $950 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,081 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,226 |
| 192% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.78% |
In Harbor Springs, 31.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 11.6% are current smokers. 19.7% report binge drinking. 17.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 5.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:856. The dentist ratio is 1:854. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Harbor Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.3% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.6% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.8% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 28.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 5.0% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:856 |
| Dentists | 1:854 |
| Mental Health | 1:217 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 75.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 188 |
Harbor Springs has a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 82.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 497 per 100,000, 75% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 497, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Harbor Springs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Harbor Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 82.8/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 82.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 496.7/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 496.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Harbor Springs has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 34.2 inches. The area receives 123.6 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 696 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 696 ft (212 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 781/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4325°N, 84.9891°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Emmet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pellston Regional/Emmet County (PLN)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.2"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
67 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 70 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
87 km |
1 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2004 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1999 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
15 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CRAWFORD15 (6,868 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
90 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
73 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
58 km |
| 1998 |
CAMP FAUNCE |
1,922 |
92 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
71 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
85 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
MACKINAC3 |
741 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
KALKASKA17 |
520 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Harbor Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 20°F in February to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Harbor Springs. 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 | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $577 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $586 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Harbor Springs
What is the population of Harbor Springs?
Harbor Springs has a population of 1,015 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 781 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Harbor Springs expensive to live in?
Harbor Springs 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 $60,556, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $368,100 (31% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Harbor Springs safe?
Harbor Springs is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 497 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Harbor Springs receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Harbor Springs?
Harbor Springs has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.2 inches, with 123.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Harbor Springs?
The job market in Harbor Springs is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 1,558 business establishments in the area, including 145 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 15.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Harbor Springs?
The median home value in Harbor Springs is $368,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $543,607. For renters, the median monthly rent is $950. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.4%. The average annual property tax is $10,226.
How are the schools in Harbor Springs?
Schools in Harbor Springs score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 45.2% of adults in Harbor Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 18.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harbor Springs?
The obesity rate in Harbor Springs is 31.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.6% of adults are smokers. 17.8% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 5.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:856.
What is transportation like in Harbor Springs?
The average commute in Harbor Springs is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.5% of workers drive alone to work, 1.8% use public transit, and 15.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Harbor Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harbor Springs is 83.5% White, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
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