Median Income
$47,817
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$131,300
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
287/100K
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.7%
24% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$801
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.3%
31% higher than US avg
How Hillsdale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,013
Median Age30.1 yrs
Density1,408/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$47,817
Per Capita$25,351
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty16.3%
County GDP$2,202M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$131,300
Rent$801
Ownership50.9%
Zillow$190,959
Housing Units3,030
Rent Burden27.4%
Crime
F
Violent287/100K
Property1,596/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault200/100K
Burglary162/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking19.7%
Depression32.0%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,082 ft (330 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.7%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+12.6%
School Score4.64
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute16 min
Broadband84.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Hillsdale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hillsdale receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Hillsdale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hillsdale is $47,817, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. The poverty rate of 16.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hillsdale is $131,300, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $801 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hillsdale is below the national average at 287 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,596 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
25.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Hillsdale experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 44.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Hillsdale has a population of 8,013 with a density of 1,408 people per square mile, spread across 5.7 square miles. The median age is 30.1 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90.5%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.1yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Hillsdale vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Hillsdale vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Hillsdale is $47,817, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,351 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $991, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 880 business establishments, including 71 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Hillsdale vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,817 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,351 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $991 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,886 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 880 |
| County GDP | $2,202M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 71 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 123 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,053 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in Hillsdale is $131,300, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,959, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $801 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $764 for a one-bedroom to $1,002 for a two-bedroom apartment. 50.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,030 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $4,053 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $131,300 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $190,959 |
| Median List Price | $219,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $219,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $113 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.8% |
| Price Drops | 13.8% |
| Inventory | 29 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $801 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $764 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,002 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,252 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,327 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.1% |
| Housing Units | 3,030 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,053 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.09% |
In Hillsdale, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 35.6% have high blood pressure. 19.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 27.9% are physically inactive. 32.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,061. The dentist ratio is 1:2,692. 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hillsdale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.6% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.7% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.9% |
| Depression | 32.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,061 |
| Dentists | 1:2,692 |
| Mental Health | 1:570 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 59.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,807/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
Hillsdale has a violent crime rate of 287 per 100,000 residents, 25% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 199.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 87.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,596 per 100,000, 19% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,347, burglary at 162, vehicle theft at 87 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hillsdale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hillsdale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 286.8/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 87.3/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 199.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,596.0/100K |
| 19% below US avg |
| Burglary | 162.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,346.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 87.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hillsdale experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.5 inches. The area receives 44.1 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 1,082 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.9°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,082 ft (330 m) |
| Area | 5.7 sq mi (14.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,408/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9275°N, 84.6375°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Hillsdale County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO)
51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
74 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
97 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
42 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
81 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
109 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
104 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
140 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
124 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
106 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
129 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
132 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
397 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 113 fatalities, 1,810 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
33 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
49 km |
23 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
100 km |
17 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
90 km |
4 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
98 km |
5 |
| May 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Hillsdale has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Hillsdale. 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 | $539 |
| Toddler | $539 |
| Preschool | $446 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $626 |
| Toddler | $626 |
| Preschool | $604 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hillsdale
What is the population of Hillsdale?
Hillsdale has a population of 8,013 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,408 people per square mile, spread across 5.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Hillsdale expensive to live in?
Hillsdale 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 $47,817, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $131,300 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $801 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hillsdale safe?
Hillsdale is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 287 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,596 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hillsdale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hillsdale?
Hillsdale has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.5 inches, with 44.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Hillsdale?
The job market in Hillsdale is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $991. There are 880 business establishments in the area, including 71 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hillsdale?
The median home value in Hillsdale is $131,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,959. For renters, the median monthly rent is $801. Fair market rent is $764 for a 1-bedroom and $1,002 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,053.
How are the schools in Hillsdale?
Schools in Hillsdale have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 25.7% of adults in Hillsdale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 12.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hillsdale?
The obesity rate in Hillsdale is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.7% of adults are smokers. 27.9% are physically inactive. 32.0% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,061.
What is transportation like in Hillsdale?
The average commute in Hillsdale is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hillsdale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hillsdale is 90.5% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
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