Median Income
$59,750
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$157,500
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
565/100K
49% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.5%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$666
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Lake City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population669
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density637/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,750
Per Capita$34,170
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$678M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$157,500
Rent$666
Ownership84.1%
Zillow$355,495
Housing Units379
Rent Burden33.4%
Crime
F
Violent565/100K
Property3,304/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking16.0%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,242 ft (379 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.5%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score5.24
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute17 min
Broadband89.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Lake City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake City 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. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Lake City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake City is $59,750, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake City is $157,500, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $666 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 565 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,304 per 100,000, 69% above the national average.
Education
23.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.4 inches, including 74.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Lake City has a population of 669 with a density of 637 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.2% female and 57.8% male. The city is predominantly White (90.7%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.3% of residents, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.3%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.7%
57% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake City is $59,750, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,170 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $886, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 388 business establishments, including 23 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,750 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,170 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $886 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,174 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 388 |
| County GDP | $678M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 23 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,479 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.8% |
The median home value in Lake City is $157,500, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $355,495, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 101% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $666 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $758 for a one-bedroom to $994 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 379 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,479 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $157,500 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $355,495 |
| Median List Price | $279,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $279,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $207 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $666 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $704 |
| 1 Bedroom | $758 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $994 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,367 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,660 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.9% |
| Housing Units | 379 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,479 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.84% |
In Lake City, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,043. The dentist ratio is 1:5,071. 17.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,043 |
| Dentists | 1:5,071 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,531 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 68.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,753/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 17.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Lake City has a violent crime rate of 565 per 100,000 residents, 49% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,304 per 100,000, 69% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 565.3/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,303.8/100K |
| 69% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°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 33.4 inches. The area receives 74.0 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 1,242 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,242 ft (379 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 637/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3297°N, 85.2085°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Missaukee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.4"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0433 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 1.7 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
159 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 148 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1975 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
60 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 |
66 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
68 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
NO PABLO |
5,266 |
100 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
76 km |
| 2017 |
GRANT RX |
2,204 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
49 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
83 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
76 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
65 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
77 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
73 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
52 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
42 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
43 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE MACK LAKE |
875 |
93 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Lake City has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 19°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Lake City. 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 | $502 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $688 |
| Preschool | $688 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake City
What is the population of Lake City?
Lake City has a population of 669 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 637 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.2% female and 57.8% male.
Is Lake City expensive to live in?
Lake City 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 $59,750, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $157,500 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $666 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake City safe?
The violent crime rate in Lake City is 565 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 3,304 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lake City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake City?
Lake City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.4 inches, with 74.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Lake City?
The job market in Lake City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $886. There are 388 business establishments in the area, including 23 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake City?
The median home value in Lake City is $157,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $355,495. For renters, the median monthly rent is $666. Fair market rent is $758 for a 1-bedroom and $994 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,479.
How are the schools in Lake City?
Schools in Lake City score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.5% of adults in Lake City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake City?
The obesity rate in Lake City is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 17.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,043.
What is transportation like in Lake City?
The average commute in Lake City is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake City is 90.7% White, 1.8% Black or African American. 94.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
