Median Income
$107,128
43% higher than US avg
Home Value
$240,500
15% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
305/100K
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.1%
1% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Hardwood Acres Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population735
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density1,387/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$107,128
Per Capita$41,030
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$7,470M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$240,500
Ownership82.0%
Zillow$386,757
Housing Units184
Rent Burden31.5%
Crime
F
Violent305/100K
Property1,840/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking13.2%
Depression28.3%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation822 ft (251 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.1%
High School+91.2%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute25 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries6
Is Hardwood Acres a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hardwood Acres receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Hardwood Acres offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hardwood Acres is $107,128, which is significantly higher than the national average / 43% above $75,149. This places Hardwood Acres among higher-income communities. 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 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hardwood Acres is $240,500, 15% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hardwood Acres is below the national average at 305 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,840 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Hardwood Acres has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.2 inches, including 101.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Hardwood Acres has a population of 735 with a density of 1,387 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 9.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 75.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Hardwood Acres 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
Hardwood Acres vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Hardwood Acres is $107,128, which is 43% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,030. The average weekly wage is $1,140, 20% 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 3,762 business establishments, including 290 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Hardwood Acres vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $107,128 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,030 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,140 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,357 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,762 |
| County GDP | $7,470M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 290 |
| Healthcare | 395 |
| Retail | 551 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,269 |
| 136% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Hardwood Acres is $240,500, 15% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $386,757, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 184 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $8,269 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $240,500 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $386,757 |
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 | 82.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.0% |
| Housing Units | 184 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,269 |
| 136% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.44% |
In Hardwood Acres, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 19.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:755. The dentist ratio is 1:946. 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hardwood Acres vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.5% |
| Depression | 28.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 75.2% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:755 |
| Dentists | 1:946 |
| Mental Health | 1:176 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 70.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,589/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 395 |
Hardwood Acres has a violent crime rate of 305 per 100,000 residents, 20% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,840 per 100,000, 6% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hardwood Acres receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hardwood Acres vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 304.5/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,840.5/100K |
| 6% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hardwood Acres has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 69°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 36.2 inches. The area receives 101.0 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 822 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 822 ft (251 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,387/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7196°N, 85.8221°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Grand Traverse County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR) 58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.2"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.5 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 2, 2024.
| Aug 2, 2024 |
38 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin |
M2.9 |
88 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
80 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 93 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
80 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
47 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1973 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1963 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2018 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,059 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
100 km |
| 2017 |
GRANT RX |
2,204 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
21 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
96 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
80 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
80 km |
| 2003 |
WARFIELD ROAD |
800 |
54 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
BALDWIN FUELS UNITS 1/2/6AB |
619 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
19-SLBE PETERSON |
605 |
21 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
WARFIELD |
538 |
54 km |
| 1987 |
KALKASKA17 |
520 |
71 km |
| 2024 |
WHELAN LAKE BLOCK 1 PARTIAL 1 RX |
512 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Hardwood Acres has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 21°F in February to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Hardwood Acres. 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 | $674 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $742 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Acres
What is the population of Hardwood Acres?
Hardwood Acres has a population of 735 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,387 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Hardwood Acres expensive to live in?
Hardwood Acres 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 $107,128, 43% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $240,500 (15% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hardwood Acres safe?
Hardwood Acres is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 305 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,840 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hardwood Acres receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hardwood Acres?
Hardwood Acres 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 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.2 inches, with 101.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Hardwood Acres?
The job market in Hardwood Acres is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,140. There are 3,762 business establishments in the area, including 290 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hardwood Acres?
The median home value in Hardwood Acres is $240,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $386,757. The homeownership rate is 82.0%. The average annual property tax is $8,269.
How are the schools in Hardwood Acres?
Schools in Hardwood Acres score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.1% of adults in Hardwood Acres hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hardwood Acres?
The obesity rate in Hardwood Acres is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 19.5% are physically inactive. 28.3% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:755.
What is transportation like in Hardwood Acres?
The average commute in Hardwood Acres is 25 minutes. 72.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hardwood Acres?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hardwood Acres is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.4% of residents have a disability. 75.2% have health insurance coverage.