Median Income
$55,061
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,800
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
168/100K
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$764
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.8%
68% higher than US avg
How Imlay City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,706
Median Age35.3 yrs
Density1,513/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 66%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$55,061
Per Capita$26,332
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty20.8%
County GDP$3,258M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,800
Rent$764
Ownership53.8%
Zillow$269,216
Housing Units1,837
Rent Burden31.0%
Crime
F
Violent168/100K
Property839/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault140/100K
Burglary168/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured15.8%
Smoking21.0%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain31.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation823 ft (251 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+78.2%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute30 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries13
Is Imlay City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Imlay City receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Imlay City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Imlay City is $55,061, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 20.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Imlay City is $137,800, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $764 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Imlay City is below the national average at 168 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 839 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Imlay City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.9 inches, including 34.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Imlay City has a population of 3,706 with a density of 1,513 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 35.3 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (66.4%), with 2.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 65.7% of residents, while 34.3% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.3yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Imlay City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
65.7%
16% below US avg
Spanish
34.3%
156% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Imlay City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Imlay City is $55,061, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,332 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 20.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,724 business establishments, including 141 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 1.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Imlay City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,061 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,332 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,575 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.8% |
| 68% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,724 |
| County GDP | $3,258M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 141 |
| Healthcare | 207 |
| Retail | 244 |
| Manufacturing | 124 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,567 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.8% |
| Public Transit | 1.9% |
| Work from Home | 1.1% |
The median home value in Imlay City is $137,800, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $269,216, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $764 (34% 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. 53.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,837 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $4,567 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,800 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $269,216 |
| Median List Price | $217,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $217,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $159 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.6% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $764 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 53.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,837 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,567 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.31% |
In Imlay City, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 35.2% have high blood pressure. 21.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.2% report binge drinking. 34.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 15.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,766. The dentist ratio is 1:1,850. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Imlay City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.2% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 10.1% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.0% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.8% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 17.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.9% |
| Uninsured | 15.8% |
| 84% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,766 |
| Dentists | 1:1,850 |
| Mental Health | 1:614 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 53.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,510/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 207 |
Imlay City has a violent crime rate of 168 per 100,000 residents, 56% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 139.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 28.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 839 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 615, burglary at 168, vehicle theft at 56 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Imlay City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Imlay City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 167.8/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 28.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 139.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 839.2/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| Burglary | 167.8/100K |
| Theft | 615.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 55.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 31 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Imlay City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.9 inches. The area receives 34.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 823 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 823 ft (251 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,513/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0171°N, 83.0771°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Lapeer County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Clair County International (PHN)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.9"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
127 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
109 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
128 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
95 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
53 km |
| Feb 17, 2013 |
31 km E of Leamington, Canada |
M2.5 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
293 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 140 fatalities, 1,578 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
64 km |
116 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF4 |
44 km |
11 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
49 km |
3 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1953 |
EF4 |
40 km |
2 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
63 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 |
- |
56 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Imlay City has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Imlay City. 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 | $626 |
| Toddler | $645 |
| Preschool | $645 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $655 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Imlay City
What is the population of Imlay City?
Imlay City has a population of 3,706 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,513 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Imlay City expensive to live in?
Imlay City 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 $55,061, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,800 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $764 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Imlay City safe?
Imlay City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 168 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 839 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Imlay City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Imlay City?
Imlay City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.9 inches, with 34.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Imlay City?
The job market in Imlay City is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 1,724 business establishments in the area, including 141 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 1.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Imlay City?
The median home value in Imlay City is $137,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $269,216. For renters, the median monthly rent is $764. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 53.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,567.
How are the schools in Imlay City?
Schools in Imlay City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.6% of adults in Imlay City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.2% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Imlay City?
The obesity rate in Imlay City is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.0% of adults are smokers. 34.8% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 15.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,766.
What is transportation like in Imlay City?
The average commute in Imlay City is 30 minutes. 78.8% of workers drive alone to work, 1.9% use public transit, and 1.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Imlay City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Imlay City is 66.4% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 65.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 34.3% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
