Median Income
$53,038
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$165,300
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
407/100K
7% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.1%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$947
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.2%
6% higher than US avg
How Lapeer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,053
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density1,232/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,038
Per Capita$30,344
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty13.2%
County GDP$3,258M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$165,300
Rent$947
Ownership49.9%
Zillow$256,795
Housing Units3,882
Rent Burden31.1%
Crime
F
Violent407/100K
Property3,245/100K
Murder11.6/100K
Assault198/100K
Burglary279/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking20.9%
Depression28.3%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain31.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation832 ft (254 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.1%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute27 min
Broadband83.3%
EV Stations4
Libraries13
Is Lapeer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lapeer receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lapeer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lapeer is $53,038, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 13.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lapeer is $165,300, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $947 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 407 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,245 per 100,000, 66% above the national average.
Education
15.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Lapeer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 23°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 31.9 inches, including 34.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Lapeer has a population of 9,053 with a density of 1,232 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.8% female and 55.2% male. The city is predominantly White (78.9%), with 3.4% Hispanic, 10.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 23.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Lapeer is $53,038, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,344 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,724 business establishments, including 141 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,038 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,344 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,575 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.2% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,724 |
| County GDP | $3,258M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 141 |
| Healthcare | 207 |
| Retail | 244 |
| Manufacturing | 124 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,567 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.5% |
| Public Transit | 1.3% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Lapeer is $165,300, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,795, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 102.4% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $947 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,122 for a one-bedroom to $1,411 for a two-bedroom apartment. 49.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,882 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $4,567 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $165,300 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $256,795 |
| Median List Price | $280,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $280,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $187 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.4% |
| Price Drops | 20.7% |
| Inventory | 29 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $947 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,237 |
| Rent Burden | 31.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,009 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,122 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,411 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,724 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,868 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 49.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 49.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.1% |
| Housing Units | 3,882 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,567 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.76% |
In Lapeer, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.7% have high blood pressure. 20.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 29.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,766. The dentist ratio is 1:1,850. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lapeer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.7% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.9% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 28.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,766 |
| Dentists | 1:1,850 |
| Mental Health | 1:614 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,510/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 207 |
Lapeer has a violent crime rate of 407 per 100,000 residents, 7% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 197.7 per 100,000, robbery at 58.2, rape at 139.6. The murder rate is 11.6 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,245 per 100,000, 66% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,931, burglary at 279, vehicle theft at 35 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lapeer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lapeer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 407.1/100K |
| 7% above US avg |
| Murder | 11.6/100K |
| 85% above US avg |
| Rape | 139.6/100K |
| Robbery | 58.2/100K |
| Assault | 197.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,245.3/100K |
| 66% above US avg |
| Burglary | 279.2/100K |
| Theft | 2,931.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 34.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 73 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lapeer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 23°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 31.9 inches. The area receives 34.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 832 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.4°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 832 ft (254 m) |
| Area | 7.4 sq mi (19.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,232/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0451°N, 83.3267°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Lapeer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bishop International (FNT) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.9"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.8 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
108 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
106 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
133 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
100 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
74 km |
| Feb 17, 2013 |
31 km E of Leamington, Canada |
M2.5 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
328 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 145 fatalities, 1,594 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
43 km |
116 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF4 |
58 km |
11 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
29 km |
3 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1953 |
EF4 |
61 km |
2 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
28 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1952 |
LAKE HURON, MI |
Avalanche |
1.5 m |
- |
76 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Lapeer has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Lapeer. 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 | $626 |
| Toddler | $645 |
| Preschool | $645 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $655 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lapeer
What is the population of Lapeer?
Lapeer has a population of 9,053 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,232 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 44.8% female and 55.2% male.
Is Lapeer expensive to live in?
Lapeer 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 $53,038, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $165,300 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $947 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lapeer safe?
The violent crime rate in Lapeer is 407 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 3,245 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lapeer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lapeer?
Lapeer has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 31.9 inches, with 34.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Lapeer?
The job market in Lapeer is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 1,724 business establishments in the area, including 141 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lapeer?
The median home value in Lapeer is $165,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,795. For renters, the median monthly rent is $947. Fair market rent is $1,122 for a 1-bedroom and $1,411 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 49.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,567.
How are the schools in Lapeer?
Schools in Lapeer score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.1% of adults in Lapeer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lapeer?
The obesity rate in Lapeer is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.9% of adults are smokers. 29.6% are physically inactive. 28.3% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,766.
What is transportation like in Lapeer?
The average commute in Lapeer is 27 minutes. 71.5% of workers drive alone to work, 1.3% use public transit, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lapeer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lapeer is 78.9% White, 10.3% Black or African American, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 23.1% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.