Median Income
$62,375
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$126,600
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
238/100K
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.2%
16% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$802
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.3%
9% lower than US avg
How Ithaca Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,831
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density495/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,375
Per Capita$30,148
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty11.3%
County GDP$1,982M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$126,600
Rent$802
Ownership71.1%
Zillow$194,519
Housing Units1,259
Rent Burden29.7%
Crime
F
Violent238/100K
Property1,501/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking17.8%
Depression29.4%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation757 ft (231 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.2%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+7.7%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute22 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations6
Libraries6
Is Ithaca a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ithaca receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Ithaca offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ithaca is $62,375, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. 11.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ithaca is $126,600, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $802 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ithaca is below the national average at 238 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,501 per 100,000, 23% below the national average.
Education
28.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Ithaca 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 34.5 inches, including 39.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ithaca has a population of 2,831 with a density of 495 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46% female and 54% male. The city is predominantly White (91.2%), with 4.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
The median household income in Ithaca is $62,375, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,148 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,055, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 794 business establishments, including 73 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,375 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,148 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,055 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,876 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.3% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 794 |
| County GDP | $1,982M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 124 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.8% |
| Public Transit | 3.4% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Ithaca is $126,600, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,519, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $802 (31% 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. 71.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,259 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,958. 29.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $126,600 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $194,519 |
| Median List Price | $104,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $104,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $106 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.6% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $802 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,259 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.13% |
In Ithaca, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 29.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,077. The dentist ratio is 1:2,418. 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ithaca vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 29.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,077 |
| Dentists | 1:2,418 |
| Mental Health | 1:426 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,638/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Ithaca has a violent crime rate of 238 per 100,000 residents, 37% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,501 per 100,000, 23% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ithaca receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ithaca vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 237.6/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,501.1/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 23 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ithaca 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 34.5 inches. The area receives 39.3 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 757 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 757 ft (231 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 495/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2911°N, 84.5957°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Gratiot County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.3 / 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 High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very 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 |
136 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
55 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
345 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 130 fatalities, 1,125 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
64 km |
116 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
49 km |
1 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
75 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Ithaca has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 22°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Ithaca. 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 | $614 |
| Toddler | $614 |
| Preschool | $578 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $636 |
| Toddler | $636 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ithaca
What is the population of Ithaca?
Ithaca has a population of 2,831 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 495 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46% female and 54% male.
Is Ithaca expensive to live in?
Ithaca 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 $62,375, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $126,600 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $802 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ithaca safe?
Ithaca is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 238 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,501 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ithaca receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ithaca?
Ithaca 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 34.5 inches, with 39.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ithaca?
The job market in Ithaca is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,055. There are 794 business establishments in the area, including 73 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ithaca?
The median home value in Ithaca is $126,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,519. For renters, the median monthly rent is $802. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,958.
How are the schools in Ithaca?
Schools in Ithaca score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.2% of adults in Ithaca hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 7.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ithaca?
The obesity rate in Ithaca is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 29.4% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,077.
What is transportation like in Ithaca?
The average commute in Ithaca is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.8% of workers drive alone to work, 3.4% use public transit, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ithaca?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ithaca is 91.2% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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