Median Income
$49,271
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$119,600
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.7%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$734
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.3%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.8%
89% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.1%
10% lower than US avg
How Homer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,584
Median Age30.0 yrs
Density1,131/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans2.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,271
Per Capita$23,841
Unemployment6.8%
Poverty11.1%
County GDP$9,061M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$119,600
Rent$734
Ownership63.7%
Zillow$191,255
Housing Units720
Rent Burden24.8%
Health
Obesity44.3%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking22.9%
Depression31.4%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
Rain38.3 in/yr
Elevation990 ft (302 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.7%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score4.94
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute26 min
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries14
Is Homer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Homer receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Homer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Homer is $49,271, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Homer is $119,600, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $734 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
10.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Homer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches, including 40.4 inches of snow.
Homer has a population of 1,584 with a density of 1,131 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 30.0 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (93.7%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 2.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,584
Total Population
2023 Census
30.0yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Homer is $49,271, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,841 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,195, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 3,104 business establishments, including 259 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,271 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,841 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,195 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,973 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.8% |
| 89% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.1% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,104 |
| County GDP | $9,061M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 259 |
| Healthcare | 404 |
| Retail | 484 |
| Manufacturing | 251 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,416 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Homer is $119,600, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,255, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $147,000 with homes selling in an average of 1 days. Homes sell for 90.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $734 (37% 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. 63.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 720 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $5,416 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $119,600 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $191,255 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $147,000 |
| Median List Price | $290,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $147,000 |
| Median List Price | $290,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $71 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Days on Market | 1 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 90.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $734 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.3% |
| Housing Units | 720 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,416 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.53% |
In Homer, 44.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 36.2% have high blood pressure. 22.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.4% report binge drinking. 31.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,320. The dentist ratio is 1:1,468. 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Homer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.2% |
| Asthma | 12.8% |
| COPD | 10.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.5% |
| Depression | 31.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.7% |
| Physical Distress | 17.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,320 |
| Dentists | 1:1,468 |
| Mental Health | 1:286 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,855/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 404 |
Homer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches. The area receives 40.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 990 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 990 ft (302 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,131/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1464°N, 84.8097°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.3"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.20"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 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 |
52 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
74 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
20 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
85 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
133 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
129 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
400 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 74 fatalities, 1,140 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
55 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
42 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
77 km |
5 |
| May 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Homer has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Homer. 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 | $498 |
| Toddler | $511 |
| Preschool | $511 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $744 |
| Toddler | $744 |
| Preschool | $682 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Homer
What is the population of Homer?
Homer has a population of 1,584 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,131 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is Homer expensive to live in?
Homer 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 $49,271, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $119,600 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $734 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Homer?
Homer has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 38.3 inches, with 40.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Homer?
The unemployment rate in Homer is 6.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,195. There are 3,104 business establishments in the area, including 259 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Homer?
The median home value in Homer is $119,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,255. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $147,000, with homes typically selling within 1 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $734. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,416.
How are the schools in Homer?
Schools in Homer have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.7% of adults in Homer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Homer?
The obesity rate in Homer is 44.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.9% of adults are smokers. 31.5% are physically inactive. 31.4% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,320.
What is transportation like in Homer?
The average commute in Homer is 26 minutes. 84.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Homer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Homer is 93.7% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 2.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.