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Mackinac Island, MI

Michigan · Emmet County

Mackinac Island is a small town in Michigan with a population of 663. Residents earn $100,125 per year, which is 33% above the national average.

2.7 /5.0
C+ Fair
663 Population 152/sq mi density
$100,125 Median Income $46,601 per capita
$834,600 Home Value $469,995 Zillow
$1,164 Median Rent 13.5% income on rent
43°F Avg Temperature 270 sunny days/yr
1,020 Violent Crime/100K 33,061 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.7 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.8 / 5.0
$100,125 median income, 7.0% unemployment
D
Affordability
2.0 / 5.0
$834,600 home value, $1,164/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
1,020 violent crimes/100K (169% above avg)
A
Education
4.0 / 5.0
38.1% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $100,125
33% higher than US avg
Home Value $834,600
196% higher than US avg
Violent Crime 1,020/100K
169% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 38.1%
13% higher than US avg
Median Rent $1,164
0% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 41.5%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment 7.0%
94% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 13.7%
10% higher than US avg

How Mackinac Island Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population663
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density152/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 56%
Veterans3.1%

Economy

B+
Median Income$100,125
Per Capita$46,601
Unemployment7.0%
Poverty13.7%
County GDP$2,559M
Commute16 min

Housing

D
Home Value$834,600
Rent$1,164
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$469,995
Housing Units957
Rent Burden13.5%

Crime

F
Violent1,020/100K
Property33,061/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary408/100K

Health

Obesity41.5%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking19.2%
Depression28.7%
Heart Disease6.9%

Climate

Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation800 ft (244 m)

Education

A
Bachelor's+38.1%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+12.0%
School Score6.05

Community

2024 VoteR 55% / D 44%
Commute16 min
Broadband93.6%
Libraries5

Is Mackinac Island a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Mackinac Island receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Mackinac Island has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Mackinac Island is $100,125, which is significantly higher than the national average — 33% above $75,149. This places Mackinac Island among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 7.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Mackinac Island is $834,600, making it a premium housing market at 196% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,164 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 8.3x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.

Safety & Crime

With 1,020 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 33,061 per 100,000, 1587% above the national average.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 38.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 88.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.

Climate & Weather

Mackinac Island 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 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.

Mackinac Island has a population of 663 with a density of 152 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.2% female and 57.8% male. The city is predominantly White (56.4%), with 12.7% Hispanic, 13.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87% of residents, while 13% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 77.2% have health insurance coverage.

Population

663
Total Population
152
People / sq mi
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
4.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 57.8%
Female 42.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Mackinac Island vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only87.0%
11% above US avg
Spanish13.0%
3% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Mackinac Island vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Mackinac Island is $100,125, which is 33% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,601 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,558 business establishments, including 145 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Mackinac Island vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$100,125
33% above US avg
Per Capita Income$46,601
Avg Weekly Wage$1,066
IRS Avg AGI$92,368

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.0%
94% above US avg
Poverty Rate13.7%
10% above US avg
Establishments (County)1,558
County GDP$2,559M

Business (County)

Restaurants145
Healthcare188
Retail248
Manufacturing59

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$10,226
192% above US avg
Cost of Living96.20 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate1.23%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time16.2 min
Drive Alone4.1%
Public Transit14.2%
Work from Home8.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Mackinac Island is $834,600, 196% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $469,995, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,164 (0% 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. There are 957 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $10,226 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.3x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$834,600
196% above US avg
Zillow ZHVI$469,995

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,164
0% below US avg
Rent Burden13.5%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$807
1 Bedroom$891
2 Bedrooms$1,113
3 Bedrooms$1,419
4 Bedrooms$1,588

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied48.5%
Renter-Occupied51.5%
Housing Units957
Median Year Built1969

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$10,226
192% above US avg
Effective Rate1.23%
In Mackinac Island, 41.5% 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. 33.3% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 28.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:856. The dentist ratio is 1:854. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Mackinac Island vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity41.5%
29% above US avg
Diabetes11.7%
Heart Disease6.9%
High Blood Pressure33.3%
Asthma12.1%
COPD8.7%
Cancer7.4%
Stroke3.6%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking19.2%
37% above US avg
Binge Drinking18.2%
Physical Inactivity26.7%
Depression28.7%
Mental Distress20.6%
Physical Distress15.5%
Short Sleep35.5%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate77.2%
Uninsured8.7%
1% above US avg
Primary Care1:856
Dentists1:854
Mental Health1:217
Checkup Rate77.0%
Dental Visits64.3%
Premature Death6,730/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment7.8/10
Exercise Access76.6%
Healthcare Facilities188
Mackinac Island has a violent crime rate of 1,020 per 100,000 residents, 169% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 1,020.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 33,061 per 100,000, 1587% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 32,653, burglary at 408, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mackinac Island receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Mackinac Island vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent1,020.4/100K
169% above US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape1,020.4/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault0.0/100K

Property Crime

Total Property33,061.2/100K
1587% above US avg
Burglary408.2/100K
Theft32,653.1/100K
Vehicle Theft0.0/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)6

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Mackinac Island 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 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 800 feet.

Temperature

18°F Jan (-8°C) 66°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average42.5°F
21% below US avg
January Average18°F (-8°C)
July Average66°F (19°C)
Sunny Days270 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall33.4 inches
12% below US avg

Air Quality

AQI Median38.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation800 ft (244 m)
Area4.4 sq mi (11.3 km²)
Population Density152/sq mi
Coordinates45.8602°N, 84.6258°W
TimezoneAmerica/Detroit
CountyEmmet County County
County FIPS26047

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 18°F (-8°C) 1.9 in Coldest
February 20°F (-7°C) 1.3 in Driest
March 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 in
April 39°F (4°C) 2.2 in
May 50°F (10°C) 2.7 in
June 60°F (15°C) 2.7 in
July 66°F (19°C) 2.9 in Warmest
August 65°F (18°C) 3.1 in
September 57°F (14°C) 3.9 in Wettest
October 47°F (8°C) 2.7 in
November 37°F (3°C) 2.8 in
December 25°F (-4°C) 2.2 in

Mackinac Island has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F — from 18°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.3").

Mackinac Island is located in Emmet County. It is classified as Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, a smaller urban community. 38.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 13% above the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 12.0% hold a graduate or professional degree. Area schools have an average test score of 6.1 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 54.6% of the vote, a 10.8-point margin. 93.6% of households have broadband internet access. There are 5 public libraries serving the community. 188 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 4.1% of workers drive alone to work, while 14.2% use public transit.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 54.6%
D 43.8%

Winner: Republican by 10.8 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+38.1%
13% above US avg
High School+88.0%
Graduate Degree+12.0%
School Test Score6.05
A Education Grade (4.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 7Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K
Population Density152/sq mi
Total Area4.4 sq mi
CountyEmmet County County

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access93.6%
Public Libraries5
Healthcare Facilities188
Restaurants145
Retail Stores248

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)6
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute16.2 min
Drive Alone4.1%
Public Transit14.2%
Work from Home8.2%

Frequently Asked Questions About Mackinac Island

What is the population of Mackinac Island?

Mackinac Island has a population of 663 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 152 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 42.2% female and 57.8% male.

Is Mackinac Island expensive to live in?

Mackinac Island 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 $100,125, 33% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $834,600 (196% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,164 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Mackinac Island safe?

Public safety is a concern in Mackinac Island, with a violent crime rate of 1,020 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 33,061 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mackinac Island receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Mackinac Island?

Mackinac Island 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 33.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.

How is the job market in Mackinac Island?

The unemployment rate in Mackinac Island is 7.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 1,558 business establishments in the area, including 145 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 8.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Mackinac Island?

The median home value in Mackinac Island is $834,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $469,995. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,164. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The average annual property tax is $10,226.

How are the schools in Mackinac Island?

Schools in Mackinac Island score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.1% of adults in Mackinac Island hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 12.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Mackinac Island?

The obesity rate in Mackinac Island is 41.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 28.7% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:856.

What is transportation like in Mackinac Island?

The average commute in Mackinac Island is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 4.1% of workers drive alone to work, 14.2% use public transit, and 8.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Mackinac Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Mackinac Island is 56.4% White, 13.6% Black or African American, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino. 87% of residents speak only English at home, while 13% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 77.2% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

St. Ignace, MI 2,409 pop · 5.4 mi Cheboygan, MI 4,801 pop · 16.9 mi Kincheloe, MI 2,875 pop · 29.4 mi Indian River, MI 2,210 pop · 29.7 mi Harbor Springs, MI 1,015 pop · 34.4 mi Petoskey, MI 5,851 pop · 39.0 mi Sault Ste. Marie, MI 13,373 pop · 44.3 mi Laird, ON 1,121 pop · 45.8 mi Sault Ste. Marie, ON 72,051 pop · 47.5 mi Boyne City, MI 3,829 pop · 48.5 mi Charlevoix, MI 2,420 pop · 48.5 mi Rogers City, MI 2,873 pop · 50.1 mi Newberry, MI 1,453 pop · 54.4 mi East Jordan, MI 1,776 pop · 54.7 mi
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