Median Income
$42,955
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$121,300
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
48/100K
87% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.5%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$644
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.5%
17% higher than US avg
How Kalkaska Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,370
Median Age40.1 yrs
Density898/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$42,955
Per Capita$24,229
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty14.5%
County GDP$839M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$121,300
Rent$644
Ownership60.1%
Zillow$198,019
Housing Units1,177
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent48/100K
Property1,151/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary48/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking19.6%
Depression30.8%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.7 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,035 ft (315 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.5%
High School+83.7%
Graduate+6.9%
School Score4.46
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute21 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Kalkaska a Good Place to Live?
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, abundant sunshine. 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.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Kalkaska is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,151 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
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.
Climate & Weather
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. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.7 inches, including 132.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Kalkaska has a population of 2,370 with a density of 898 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 40.1 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.2% female and 45.8% male. The city is predominantly White (87.5%), with 1.9% Hispanic, 3.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.2% of residents, while 6.8% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.1yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.2%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.8%
49% below US avg
The median household income in Kalkaska is $42,955, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,229 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,162, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 388 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,955 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,229 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,162 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,719 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 388 |
| County GDP | $839M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,661 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
The median home value in Kalkaska is $121,300, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,019, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 102.7% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $644 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $973 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,177 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $4,661 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $121,300 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,019 |
| Median List Price | $202,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $202,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $130 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.7% |
| Price Drops | 23.1% |
| Inventory | 13 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $644 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,286 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,291 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,177 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,661 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.84% |
In Kalkaska, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 19.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 30.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,495. The dentist ratio is 1:2,597. 43.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kalkaska vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.6% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 30.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,495 |
| Dentists | 1:2,597 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,156 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,139/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Kalkaska has a violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 residents, 87% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 47.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,151 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,007, burglary at 48, vehicle theft at 96 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kalkaska receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kalkaska vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 47.9/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 47.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,150.5/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| Burglary | 47.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,006.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 95.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kalkaska has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 18°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 33.7 inches. The area receives 132.1 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 1,035 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,035 ft (315 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 898/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7316°N, 85.1843°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Kalkaska County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.7"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 2, 2024.
| Aug 2, 2024 |
38 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin |
M2.9 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
119 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 95 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
36 km |
2 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
8 km |
1 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1975 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1973 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 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 |
62 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
52 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
NO PABLO |
5,266 |
95 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
50 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
71 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
49 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
80 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
46 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
50 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
75 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
38 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
33 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
27 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE MACK LAKE |
875 |
88 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Kalkaska has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 18°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Kalkaska. 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 | $538 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $697 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $714 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kalkaska
What is the population of Kalkaska?
Kalkaska has a population of 2,370 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 898 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.1 years. The population is 54.2% female and 45.8% male.
Is Kalkaska expensive to live in?
Kalkaska 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 $42,955, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $121,300 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $644 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kalkaska safe?
Kalkaska is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,151 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kalkaska receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kalkaska?
Kalkaska has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 18°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 33.7 inches, with 132.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Kalkaska?
The job market in Kalkaska is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,162. There are 388 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 1.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kalkaska?
The median home value in Kalkaska is $121,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,019. For renters, the median monthly rent is $644. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $973 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,661.
How are the schools in Kalkaska?
Schools in Kalkaska have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.5% of adults in Kalkaska hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kalkaska?
The obesity rate in Kalkaska is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.6% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 30.8% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 43.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,495.
What is transportation like in Kalkaska?
The average commute in Kalkaska is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kalkaska?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kalkaska is 87.5% White, 3.3% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 93.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.8% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 22.5% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
