Median Income
$60,750
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$218,000
23% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
251/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.8%
21% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$844
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.2%
39% higher than US avg
How Indian River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,210
Median Age59.0 yrs
Density171/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,750
Per Capita$47,330
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty17.2%
County GDP$912M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$218,000
Rent$844
Ownership80.5%
Zillow$296,817
Housing Units1,894
Rent Burden49.7%
Crime
F
Violent251/100K
Property2,871/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking17.4%
Depression29.6%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.6 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation737 ft (225 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.8%
High School+84.8%
Graduate+21.1%
School Score5.12
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute28 min
Broadband89.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Indian River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Indian River receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Indian River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Indian River is $60,750, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. The poverty rate of 17.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Indian River is $218,000, 23% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $844 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Indian River is below the national average at 251 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,871 per 100,000, 46% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 84.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Indian River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 19°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 36.6 inches, including 120.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Indian River has a population of 2,210 with a density of 171 people per square mile, spread across 20.2 square miles. The median age is 59.0 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (92.9%), with 2.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 30.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.0yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Indian River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Indian River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Indian River is $60,750, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,330 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $921, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 825 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 9.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Indian River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,750 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,330 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $921 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,647 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.2% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 825 |
| County GDP | $912M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 62 |
| Retail | 128 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,886 |
| 68% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.0% |
The median home value in Indian River is $218,000, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,817, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $844 (27% 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. 80.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,894 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $5,886 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 49.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $218,000 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $296,817 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $844 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 49.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,894 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,886 |
| 68% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.70% |
In Indian River, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 29.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,839. The dentist ratio is 1:2,594. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Indian River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 29.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,839 |
| Dentists | 1:2,594 |
| Mental Health | 1:704 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 67.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,234/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 62 |
Indian River has a violent crime rate of 251 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,871 per 100,000, 46% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Indian River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Indian River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 251.5/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,870.9/100K |
| 46% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 26 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Indian River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 19°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 36.6 inches. The area receives 120.2 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 737 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 737 ft (225 m) |
| Area | 20.2 sq mi (52.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 171/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4298°N, 84.6220°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Cheboygan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pellston Regional/Emmet County (PLN)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.6"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively 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
75 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 65 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
97 km |
1 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2012 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2004 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1999 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) (7,478 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) |
7,478 |
99 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
82 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
66 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
36 km |
| 1998 |
CAMP FAUNCE |
1,922 |
92 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
79 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
65 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
82 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
MACKINAC3 |
741 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
HAGAMAN ROAD |
658 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
582 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
63 km |
| 1987 |
KALKASKA17 |
520 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Indian River has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 19°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Indian River. 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 | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $635 |
| Toddler | $635 |
| Preschool | $612 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian River
What is the population of Indian River?
Indian River has a population of 2,210 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 171 people per square mile, spread across 20.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Indian River expensive to live in?
Indian River 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 $60,750, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $218,000 (23% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $844 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Indian River safe?
Indian River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 251 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,871 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Indian River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Indian River?
Indian River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 19°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 36.6 inches, with 120.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Indian River?
The job market in Indian River is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $921. There are 825 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 9.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Indian River?
The median home value in Indian River is $218,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,817. For renters, the median monthly rent is $844. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,886.
How are the schools in Indian River?
Schools in Indian River score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.8% of adults in Indian River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 84.8% have completed high school. 21.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Indian River?
The obesity rate in Indian River is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 29.6% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,839.
What is transportation like in Indian River?
The average commute in Indian River is 28 minutes. 75.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Indian River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Indian River is 92.9% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 30.1% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
