Michigan · Metropolitan Area
Kalkaska is a small town in Michigan with a population of 2,370. Residents earn $42,955 per year, which is 43% below the national average.
Based on current data, Kalkaska receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Kalkaska has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Kalkaska is $42,955, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. 14.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
The median home value in Kalkaska is $121,300, 57% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $644 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Kalkaska is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 49 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,226 per 100,000, 37% below the national average.
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Kalkaska has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.7 inches, including 132.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
| English Only | 93.2% |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 6.8% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $42,955 |
| 43% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $24,229 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,162 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,719 |
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 14.5% |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 388 |
| County GDP | $839M |
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,661 |
| 33% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.84% |
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
| Census Median | $121,300 |
| 57% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,019 |
| Median List Price | $202,500 |
| Median List Price | $202,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $130 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.7% |
| Price Drops | 23.1% |
| Inventory | 13 |
| Census Median Rent | $644 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,286 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,291 |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.1% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,661 |
| 33% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.84% |
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 30.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,139/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
| Total Violent | 49.0/100K |
| 87% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 49.0/100K |
| Total Property | 1,226.1/100K |
| 37% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,226.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg | |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 33.7 inches |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 132.1 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,035 ft (315 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 898/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7316°N, 85.1843°W |
| County FIPS | 26079 |
Winner: Republican by 42.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 18.5% |
| 45% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 83.7% |
| School Test Score | 4.46 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 898/sq mi |
| Total Area | 2.6 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 2 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Retail Stores | 64 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Commute | 20.8 min |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |