Median Income
$61,250
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$259,900
8% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
2,526/100K
565% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.9%
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Lake Michigan Beach Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population914
Median Age52.8 yrs
Density238/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans12.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,250
Per Capita$60,835
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,313M
Commute28 min
Housing
A
Home Value$259,900
Ownership87.5%
Zillow$237,711
Housing Units948
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent2,526/100K
Property5,382/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking15.3%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation712 ft (217 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.9%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+18.1%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute28 min
Broadband91.3%
EV Stations5
Libraries11
Is Lake Michigan Beach a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Michigan Beach receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Lake Michigan Beach offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Michigan Beach is $61,250, 18% 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 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Michigan Beach is $259,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 2,526 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,382 per 100,000, 175% above the national average.
Education
31.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Michigan Beach experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 77.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Lake Michigan Beach has a population of 914 with a density of 238 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 52.8 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.7% female and 55.3% male. The city is predominantly White (87.4%), with 8.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 12.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 86.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.8yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Michigan Beach vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Michigan Beach vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Michigan Beach is $61,250, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $60,835 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $986, 31% 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 1,643 business establishments, including 164 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Michigan Beach vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,250 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $60,835 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $986 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,208 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,643 |
| County GDP | $3,313M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 164 |
| Healthcare | 123 |
| Retail | 254 |
| Manufacturing | 94 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,255 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Lake Michigan Beach is $259,900, 8% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,711. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 948 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $6,255 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $259,900 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $237,711 |
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 | 87.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.5% |
| Housing Units | 948 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,255 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.41% |
In Lake Michigan Beach, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 18.4% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991. The dentist ratio is 1:2,911. 59.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Michigan Beach vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,991 |
| Dentists | 1:2,911 |
| Mental Health | 1:653 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,267/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 123 |
Lake Michigan Beach has a violent crime rate of 2,526 per 100,000 residents, 565% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,382 per 100,000, 175% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Michigan Beach receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Michigan Beach vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 2,526.5/100K |
| 565% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,382.5/100K |
| 175% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Michigan Beach experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches. The area receives 77.7 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 712 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 712 ft (217 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 238/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2052°N, 86.3769°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Van Buren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Michigan Regional (BEH)
6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
78 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
110 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
128 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
299 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 114 fatalities, 1,482 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
51 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
71 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
86 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
80 km |
31 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
55 km |
5 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
97 km |
10 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2024 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
70 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
50 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Lake Michigan Beach has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 26°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Lake Michigan Beach. 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 | $532 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $710 |
| Preschool | $710 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Michigan Beach
What is the population of Lake Michigan Beach?
Lake Michigan Beach has a population of 914 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 238 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.7% female and 55.3% male.
Is Lake Michigan Beach expensive to live in?
Lake Michigan Beach 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 $61,250, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $259,900 (8% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Michigan Beach safe?
Public safety is a concern in Lake Michigan Beach, with a violent crime rate of 2,526 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,382 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lake Michigan Beach receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Michigan Beach?
Lake Michigan Beach has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches, with 77.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Lake Michigan Beach?
The job market in Lake Michigan Beach is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $986. There are 1,643 business establishments in the area, including 164 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Michigan Beach?
The median home value in Lake Michigan Beach is $259,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,711. The homeownership rate is 87.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,255.
How are the schools in Lake Michigan Beach?
Schools in Lake Michigan Beach score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.9% of adults in Lake Michigan Beach hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 18.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Michigan Beach?
The obesity rate in Lake Michigan Beach is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 59.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991.
What is transportation like in Lake Michigan Beach?
The average commute in Lake Michigan Beach is 28 minutes. 72% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Michigan Beach?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Michigan Beach is 87.4% White, 8.9% Black or African American. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 12.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 86.6% have health insurance coverage.
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