Median Income
$50,430
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,900
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.4%
78% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$956
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.6%
47% lower than US avg
How Mancelona Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,496
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density1,496/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,430
Per Capita$24,947
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty6.6%
County GDP$839M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,900
Rent$956
Ownership68.2%
Zillow$193,828
Housing Units712
Rent Burden24.6%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking20.4%
Depression29.9%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.7 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,118 ft (341 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.4%
High School+84.6%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score4.46
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Mancelona a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mancelona receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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 above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Mancelona offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mancelona is $50,430, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mancelona is $123,900, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $956 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Mancelona 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
7.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Mancelona has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.7 inches, including 132.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Mancelona has a population of 1,496 with a density of 1,496 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.9% female and 44.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with 3.8% Hispanic, 2.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mancelona vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mancelona vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mancelona is $50,430, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,947 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,162, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 388 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mancelona vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,430 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,947 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,162 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,719 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 388 |
| County GDP | $839M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,661 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.5% |
The median home value in Mancelona is $123,900, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,828, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $956 (18% 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. 68.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 712 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $4,661 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,900 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,828 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $956 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.8% |
| Housing Units | 712 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,661 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.76% |
In Mancelona, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 33.4% have high blood pressure. 20.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 29.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,495. The dentist ratio is 1:2,597. 43.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mancelona vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.4% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 29.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,495 |
| Dentists | 1:2,597 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,156 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,139/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Mancelona has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Mancelona vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Mancelona has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 67°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 33.7 inches. The area receives 132.1 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 1,118 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,118 ft (341 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,496/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9024°N, 85.0613°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Kalkaska County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.7"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
110 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 70 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
16 km |
2 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
29 km |
1 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1973 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1963 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF2 |
95 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 |
63 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
NO PABLO |
5,266 |
91 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
39 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
40 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
64 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
82 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
83 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
37 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
42 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
40 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
40 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
39 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
34 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE MACK LAKE |
875 |
85 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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 |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Mancelona has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 18°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Mancelona. 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 | $538 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $697 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $714 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mancelona
What is the population of Mancelona?
Mancelona has a population of 1,496 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,496 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.9% female and 44.1% male.
Is Mancelona expensive to live in?
Mancelona 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 $50,430, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,900 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $956 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mancelona safe?
Mancelona 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Mancelona?
Mancelona 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 67°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.7 inches, with 132.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Mancelona?
The unemployment rate in Mancelona is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,162. There are 388 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 2.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mancelona?
The median home value in Mancelona is $123,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,828. For renters, the median monthly rent is $956. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,661.
How are the schools in Mancelona?
Schools in Mancelona have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.4% of adults in Mancelona hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.6% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mancelona?
The obesity rate in Mancelona is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.4% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 29.9% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 43.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,495.
What is transportation like in Mancelona?
The average commute in Mancelona is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mancelona?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mancelona is 92.1% White, 2.8% Black or African American, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 20.0% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
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