Median Income
$65,714
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$248,900
12% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
305/100K
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.1%
14% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$981
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
41% lower than US avg
How Kingsley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,783
Median Age27.8 yrs
Density1,341/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans15.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,714
Per Capita$24,211
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty7.3%
County GDP$7,470M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$248,900
Rent$981
Ownership69.5%
Zillow$332,920
Housing Units561
Rent Burden32.4%
Crime
F
Violent305/100K
Property1,840/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking15.9%
Depression28.4%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain29.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,018 ft (310 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.1%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute26 min
Broadband87.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Kingsley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kingsley receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Kingsley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kingsley is $65,714, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kingsley is $248,900, 12% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $981 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Kingsley is below the national average at 305 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,840 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
29.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Kingsley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Kingsley has a population of 1,783 with a density of 1,341 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 27.8 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.4% female and 53.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 15.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.8yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Kingsley is $65,714, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,211 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,140, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,762 business establishments, including 290 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 9.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,714 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,211 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,140 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,357 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,762 |
| County GDP | $7,470M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 290 |
| Healthcare | 395 |
| Retail | 551 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,269 |
| 136% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.7% |
The median home value in Kingsley is $248,900, 12% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $332,920, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $981 (16% 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. 69.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 561 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $8,269 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $248,900 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $332,920 |
| Median List Price | $372,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $372,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $248 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $981 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.5% |
| Housing Units | 561 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,269 |
| 136% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.32% |
In Kingsley, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 28.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:755. The dentist ratio is 1:946. 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kingsley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:755 |
| Dentists | 1:946 |
| Mental Health | 1:176 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.2% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,589/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 395 |
Kingsley has a violent crime rate of 305 per 100,000 residents, 20% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,840 per 100,000, 6% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kingsley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kingsley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 304.5/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,840.5/100K |
| 6% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kingsley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 276 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 29.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,018 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,018 ft (310 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,341/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5885°N, 85.5241°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Grand Traverse County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR) 50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.1"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
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 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
105 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 121 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
67 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
25 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1974 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1973 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1963 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
20 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 |
86 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
80 km |
| 2017 |
GRANT RX |
2,204 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
47 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
74 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
81 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
55 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
52 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
58 km |
| 2003 |
WARFIELD ROAD |
800 |
47 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
74 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
HAGAMAN ROAD |
658 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Kingsley has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 21°F in February to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Kingsley. 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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $674 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $742 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kingsley
What is the population of Kingsley?
Kingsley has a population of 1,783 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,341 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.4% female and 53.6% male.
Is Kingsley expensive to live in?
Kingsley 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 $65,714, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $248,900 (12% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $981 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kingsley safe?
Kingsley is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 305 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,840 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kingsley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kingsley?
Kingsley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Kingsley?
The job market in Kingsley is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,140. There are 3,762 business establishments in the area, including 290 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 9.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kingsley?
The median home value in Kingsley is $248,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $332,920. For renters, the median monthly rent is $981. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.5%. The average annual property tax is $8,269.
How are the schools in Kingsley?
Schools in Kingsley score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.1% of adults in Kingsley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kingsley?
The obesity rate in Kingsley is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 28.4% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:755.
What is transportation like in Kingsley?
The average commute in Kingsley is 26 minutes. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kingsley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kingsley is 94.8% White. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 15.6% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.