Michigan
Ludington is a small city in Michigan with a population of 7,664. Residents earn $44,471 per year, which is 41% below the national average.
Based on current data, Ludington receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ludington has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Ludington is $44,471, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. The poverty rate of 17.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Ludington is $192,800, 32% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $824 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
The violent crime rate of 411 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,105 per 100,000, near the national average.
27.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Ludington experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
| English Only | 98.8% |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.2% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $44,471 |
| 41% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $30,566 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $933 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,523 |
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 17.7% |
| 43% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 717 |
| County GDP | $1,347M |
| Restaurants | 97 |
| Healthcare | 84 |
| Retail | 115 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,663 |
| 62% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.94% |
| Commute Time | 14.9 min |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |
| Census Median | $192,800 |
| 32% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $288,787 |
| Median List Price | $234,450 |
| Median List Price | $234,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $191 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.3% |
| Price Drops | 12.5% |
| Inventory | 24 |
| Census Median Rent | $824 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.9% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,663 |
| 62% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.94% |
| Obesity | 42.5% |
| 32% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.9% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 29.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,895/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 84 |
| Total Violent | 411.0/100K |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 149.4/100K |
| Robbery | 24.9/100K |
| Assault | 236.6/100K |
| Total Property | 2,104.6/100K |
| 7% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 249.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,805.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 49.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 618 ft (188 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,281/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9572°N, 86.4429°W |
| County FIPS | 26105 |
Winner: Republican by 21.4 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 27.1% |
| 20% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 93.7% |
| School Test Score | 5.23 |
| RUCC Code 7 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K |
| Population Density | 2,281/sq mi |
| Total Area | 3.4 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 9 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 10 |
| Public Libraries | 2 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 84 |
| Restaurants | 97 |
| Retail Stores | 115 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Commute | 14.9 min |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |