Median Income
$71,157
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$150,300
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
98/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.4%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$688
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
45% lower than US avg
How Lake Odessa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,174
Median Age35.0 yrs
Density2,443/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,157
Per Capita$34,531
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty6.8%
County GDP$2,329M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$150,300
Rent$688
Ownership79.8%
Zillow$250,705
Housing Units825
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent98/100K
Property786/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault49/100K
Burglary147/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking14.9%
Depression28.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation856 ft (261 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.4%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute27 min
Broadband89.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Lake Odessa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Odessa receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Lake Odessa offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Odessa is $71,157, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Odessa is $150,300, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $688 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lake Odessa is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 786 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
20.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Odessa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches, including 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Lake Odessa has a population of 2,174 with a density of 2,443 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 35.0 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The city is predominantly White (83.1%), with 9% Hispanic, 3.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.0yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Odessa vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Odessa vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Odessa is $71,157, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,531 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,090 business establishments, including 85 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 11.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Odessa vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,157 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,531 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $935 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,052 |
| Gini Index | 0.376 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.8% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,090 |
| County GDP | $2,329M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 85 |
| Healthcare | 111 |
| Retail | 136 |
| Manufacturing | 65 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,340 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.2% |
The median home value in Lake Odessa is $150,300, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,705, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $688 (41% 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. 79.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 825 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $4,340 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $150,300 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $250,705 |
| Median List Price | $275,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $275,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $244 |
| Homes Sold | 8 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $688 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.2% |
| Housing Units | 825 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,340 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.89% |
In Lake Odessa, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 28.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,953. The dentist ratio is 1:2,386. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Odessa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 28.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,953 |
| Dentists | 1:2,386 |
| Mental Health | 1:614 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,910/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 111 |
Lake Odessa has a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 49.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 49.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 786 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 639, burglary at 147, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lake Odessa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Odessa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 98.2/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 49.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 49.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 785.9/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| Burglary | 147.4/100K |
| Theft | 638.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 49.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 22 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Odessa experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. The area receives 54.2 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 856 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 856 ft (261 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,443/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7829°N, 85.1375°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Ionia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gerald R Ford International (GRR)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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 |
65 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
44 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
71 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
368 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 41 fatalities, 810 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
90 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
69 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
72 km |
5 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2024 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
69 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Lake Odessa has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Lake Odessa. 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 | $524 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $674 |
| Toddler | $691 |
| Preschool | $691 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Odessa
What is the population of Lake Odessa?
Lake Odessa has a population of 2,174 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 2,443 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
Is Lake Odessa expensive to live in?
Lake Odessa 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 $71,157, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $150,300 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $688 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Odessa safe?
Lake Odessa is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 786 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lake Odessa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Odessa?
Lake Odessa has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.9 inches, with 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Lake Odessa?
Lake Odessa has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $935. There are 1,090 business establishments in the area, including 85 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 11.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Odessa?
The median home value in Lake Odessa is $150,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,705. For renters, the median monthly rent is $688. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,340.
How are the schools in Lake Odessa?
Schools in Lake Odessa score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.4% of adults in Lake Odessa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Odessa?
The obesity rate in Lake Odessa is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 28.7% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,953.
What is transportation like in Lake Odessa?
The average commute in Lake Odessa is 27 minutes. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Odessa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Odessa is 83.1% White, 3.6% Black or African American, 9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
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