Median Income
$65,536
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$169,600
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.6%
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.7%
22% lower than US avg
How Lakes of the North Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,076
Median Age54.7 yrs
Density65/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,536
Per Capita$36,006
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty9.7%
County GDP$563M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$169,600
RentN/A
Ownership92.6%
Zillow$193,828
Housing Units1,171
Rent Burden29.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,962/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking18.0%
Depression29.3%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,288 ft (393 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.6%
High School+96.9%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute33 min
Broadband75.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries2
Is Lakes of the North a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lakes of the North receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Lakes of the North offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lakes of the North is $65,536, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 9.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lakes of the North is $169,600, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Lakes of the North is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,962 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
25.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Lakes of the North has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Lakes of the North has a population of 1,076 with a density of 65 people per square mile, spread across 16.6 square miles. The median age is 54.7 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.4% female and 54.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.7yrs
Median Age
41% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lakes of the North vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lakes of the North vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lakes of the North is $65,536, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,006. The average weekly wage is $1,003, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 278 business establishments, including 45 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lakes of the North vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,536 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,006 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,003 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,169 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 278 |
| County GDP | $563M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 45 |
| Healthcare | 32 |
| Retail | 56 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,786 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Lakes of the North is $169,600, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,828, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,171 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $3,786. 29.8% 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 | $169,600 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,828 |
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 | 92.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,171 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,786 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.23% |
In Lakes of the North, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 29.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,320. The dentist ratio is 1:2,698. 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lakes of the North vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 29.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,320 |
| Dentists | 1:2,698 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,506/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
Lakes of the North has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,962 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lakes of the North receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Lakes of the North vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,962.2/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Lakes of the North has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 66°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 37.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,288 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,288 ft (393 m) |
| Area | 16.6 sq mi (42.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 65/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9300°N, 84.8851°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR) 11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
117 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 69 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
5 km |
2 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
40 km |
1 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1973 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
51 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 |
55 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
38 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
NO PABLO |
5,266 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
26 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
27 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
51 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
80 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
97 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
24 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
32 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
27 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
68 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
35 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
38 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
34 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE MACK LAKE |
875 |
74 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Lakes of the North has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 18°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Lakes of the North. 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 | $539 |
| Toddler | $539 |
| Preschool | $520 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $602 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $581 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakes of the North
What is the population of Lakes of the North?
Lakes of the North has a population of 1,076 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 65 people per square mile, spread across 16.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.4% female and 54.6% male.
Is Lakes of the North expensive to live in?
Lakes of the North 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 $65,536, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $169,600 (40% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lakes of the North safe?
Lakes of the North is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,962 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lakes of the North receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lakes of the North?
Lakes of the North has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Lakes of the North?
The job market in Lakes of the North is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,003. There are 278 business establishments in the area, including 45 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lakes of the North?
The median home value in Lakes of the North is $169,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,828. The homeownership rate is 92.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,786.
How are the schools in Lakes of the North?
Schools in Lakes of the North score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.6% of adults in Lakes of the North hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.9% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lakes of the North?
The obesity rate in Lakes of the North is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 29.3% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,320.
What is transportation like in Lakes of the North?
The average commute in Lakes of the North is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 93% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lakes of the North?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lakes of the North is 94.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.