Median Income
$60,729
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$161,100
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
403/100K
6% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.8%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$789
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.2%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.1%
19% lower than US avg
How Ionia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population12,950
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density2,394/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,729
Per Capita$22,729
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty10.1%
County GDP$2,329M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$161,100
Rent$789
Ownership60.4%
Zillow$219,572
Housing Units3,896
Rent Burden32.0%
Crime
F
Violent403/100K
Property1,274/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault128/100K
Burglary128/100K
Health
Obesity43.2%
Uninsured10.8%
Smoking19.3%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation634 ft (193 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.8%
High School+86.2%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute23 min
Broadband83.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Ionia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ionia receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Ionia has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ionia is $60,729, 19% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ionia is $161,100, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $789 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
The violent crime rate of 403 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,274 per 100,000, 35% below the national average.
Education
11.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Ionia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°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 35.9 inches, including 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ionia has a population of 12,950 with a density of 2,394 people per square mile, spread across 5.5 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.3% female and 64.7% male. The city is predominantly White (74.5%), with 3.8% Hispanic, 14.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 88.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
The median household income in Ionia is $60,729, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,729 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,090 business establishments, including 85 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,729 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,729 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $935 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,052 |
| Gini Index | 0.376 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.1% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,090 |
| County GDP | $2,329M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 85 |
| Healthcare | 111 |
| Retail | 136 |
| Manufacturing | 65 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,340 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.7% |
| Public Transit | 7.2% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Ionia is $161,100, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,572, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 101.4% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $789 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $921 for a one-bedroom to $1,209 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,896 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $4,340 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.0% 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 | $161,100 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $219,572 |
| Median List Price | $229,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $229,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $164 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.4% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $789 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $834 |
| 1 Bedroom | $921 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,209 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,481 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,931 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.6% |
| Housing Units | 3,896 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,340 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.69% |
In Ionia, 43.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 38.2% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,953. The dentist ratio is 1:2,386. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-27)
PM2.5
9.0
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
9.2
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
6.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.9
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
171.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Ionia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.2% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.2% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 39.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.8% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,953 |
| Dentists | 1:2,386 |
| Mental Health | 1:614 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,910/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 111 |
Ionia has a violent crime rate of 403 per 100,000 residents, 6% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 128.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 275.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,274 per 100,000, 35% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,045, burglary at 128, vehicle theft at 101 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ionia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ionia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 403.4/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 275.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 128.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,274.4/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| Burglary | 128.4/100K |
| Theft | 1,045.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 100.9/100K |
| Arson | 18.3/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 32 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ionia experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°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 35.9 inches. The area receives 54.2 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 634 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 634 ft (193 m) |
| Area | 5.5 sq mi (14.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,394/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9768°N, 85.0746°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Ionia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gerald R Ford International (GRR)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
5% 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 | 55.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
87 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
43 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
357 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 23 fatalities, 522 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
37 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
69 km |
5 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
92 km |
5 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
72 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
75 km |
2 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2003 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Ionia has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Ionia. 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 | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $524 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $674 |
| Toddler | $691 |
| Preschool | $691 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ionia
What is the population of Ionia?
Ionia has a population of 12,950 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 2,394 people per square mile, spread across 5.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 35.3% female and 64.7% male.
Is Ionia expensive to live in?
Ionia 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 $60,729, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $161,100 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $789 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 Ionia safe?
The violent crime rate in Ionia is 403 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,274 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ionia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ionia?
Ionia has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°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 35.9 inches, with 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ionia?
Ionia has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $935. There are 1,090 business establishments in the area, including 85 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ionia?
The median home value in Ionia is $161,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,572. For renters, the median monthly rent is $789. Fair market rent is $921 for a 1-bedroom and $1,209 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,340.
How are the schools in Ionia?
Schools in Ionia score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.8% of adults in Ionia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.2% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ionia?
The obesity rate in Ionia is 43.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 10.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,953.
What is transportation like in Ionia?
The average commute in Ionia is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.7% of workers drive alone to work, 7.2% use public transit, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ionia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ionia is 74.5% White, 14.6% Black or African American, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 88.2% have health insurance coverage.
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