Median Income
$60,500
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$307,700
9% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
305/100K
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.9%
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.1%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Lake Leelanau Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population223
Median Age17.6 yrs
Density858/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans87.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,500
Per Capita$23,230
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$7,470M
Commute21 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$307,700
Ownership93.5%
Zillow$835,321
Housing Units93
Rent Burden31.5%
Crime
F
Violent305/100K
Property1,840/100K
Health
Obesity32.1%
Uninsured5.1%
Smoking11.2%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain31.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation622 ft (190 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.9%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute21 min
Broadband62.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Lake Leelanau a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Leelanau receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Lake Leelanau offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Leelanau is $60,500, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Leelanau is $307,700, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. The price-to-income ratio of 5.1x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lake Leelanau 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
27.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Leelanau 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 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.2 inches, including 114.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Lake Leelanau has a population of 223 with a density of 858 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 17.6 years, 55% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (88.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 87.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
17.6yrs
Median Age
55% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Leelanau vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Leelanau vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Leelanau is $60,500, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,230 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,140, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% 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 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.9% of workers work from home.
Income: Lake Leelanau vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,500 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,230 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,140 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,357 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% 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 | 2.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 55.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.9% |
The median home value in Lake Leelanau is $307,700, 9% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $835,321, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 93 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $8,269 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.1x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $307,700 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $835,321 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.5% |
| Housing Units | 93 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,269 |
| 136% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.69% |
In Lake Leelanau, 32.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 11.2% are current smokers. 18.4% report binge drinking. 18.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.1% 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: Lake Leelanau vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.1% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.2% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.2% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.1% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:755 |
| Dentists | 1:946 |
| Mental Health | 1:176 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.2% |
| Dental Visits | 73.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,589/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 395 |
Lake Leelanau 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, Lake Leelanau receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Leelanau 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 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Leelanau 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 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 31.2 inches. The area receives 114.5 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 622 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 622 ft (190 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 858/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9807°N, 85.7164°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Grand Traverse County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.2"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.98"
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 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
67 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 92 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1963 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CRAWFORD15 (6,868 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
40 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
92 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
83 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
78 km |
| 2003 |
WARFIELD ROAD |
800 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
19-SLBE PETERSON |
605 |
41 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
WARFIELD |
538 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
KALKASKA17 |
520 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Lake Leelanau has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in February to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Lake Leelanau. 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 Lake Leelanau
What is the population of Lake Leelanau?
Lake Leelanau has a population of 223 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 858 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 17.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Lake Leelanau expensive to live in?
Lake Leelanau 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 $60,500, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $307,700 (9% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Lake Leelanau safe?
Lake Leelanau 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, Lake Leelanau receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Leelanau?
Lake Leelanau 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 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.2 inches, with 114.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Lake Leelanau?
The job market in Lake Leelanau is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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 21 minutes, and 17.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Leelanau?
The median home value in Lake Leelanau is $307,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $835,321. The homeownership rate is 93.5%. The average annual property tax is $8,269.
How are the schools in Lake Leelanau?
Schools in Lake Leelanau score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.9% of adults in Lake Leelanau hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Leelanau?
The obesity rate in Lake Leelanau is 32.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.2% of adults are smokers. 18.2% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 5.1% 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 Lake Leelanau?
The average commute in Lake Leelanau is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 55.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Leelanau?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Leelanau is 88.8% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 87.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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