Median Income
$44,375
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,900
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
342/100K
10% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.8%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$820
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
5% lower than US avg
How Marlette Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,771
Median Age40.2 yrs
Density1,093/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$44,375
Per Capita$32,046
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty11.8%
County GDP$3,258M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,900
Rent$820
Ownership59.3%
Zillow$177,838
Housing Units848
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
F
Violent342/100K
Property911/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault285/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking19.8%
Depression30.5%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation837 ft (255 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.8%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute27 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries13
Is Marlette a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Marlette receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Marlette has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Marlette is $44,375, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.8% 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 Marlette is $116,900, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Marlette is below the national average at 342 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 911 per 100,000, 54% below the national average.
Education
11.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Marlette experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°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 34.3 inches, including 41.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Marlette has a population of 1,771 with a density of 1,093 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 40.2 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.6% female and 53.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 24.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.2yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Marlette is $44,375, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,046 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.8% 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. 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,375 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,046 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,575 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.8% |
| 5% below 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 | 3.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Marlette is $116,900, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,838, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $820 (29% 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. 59.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 848 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $4,567 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% 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 | $116,900 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,838 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $820 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.7% |
| Housing Units | 848 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,567 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.91% |
In Marlette, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 33.9% have high blood pressure. 19.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 29.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% 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: Marlette vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.9% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.8% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 30.5% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,766 |
| Dentists | 1:1,850 |
| Mental Health | 1:614 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 59.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,510/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 207 |
Marlette has a violent crime rate of 342 per 100,000 residents, 10% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 284.7 per 100,000, robbery at 57.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 911 per 100,000, 54% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 911, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Marlette receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Marlette vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 341.7/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 57.0/100K |
| Assault | 284.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 911.2/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 911.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Marlette experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°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 34.3 inches. The area receives 41.6 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 837 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 837 ft (255 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,093/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3264°N, 83.0805°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Lapeer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bishop International (FNT)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.54"
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
6 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 |
137 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
141 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
129 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
250 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 138 fatalities, 1,417 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
67 km |
116 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF4 |
76 km |
11 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
61 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1953 |
EF4 |
60 km |
2 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
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 |
- |
61 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Marlette has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 22°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Marlette. 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 Marlette
What is the population of Marlette?
Marlette has a population of 1,771 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,093 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.2 years. The population is 46.6% female and 53.4% male.
Is Marlette expensive to live in?
Marlette 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 $44,375, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,900 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $820 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Marlette safe?
Marlette is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 342 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 911 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Marlette receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Marlette?
Marlette has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°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 34.3 inches, with 41.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Marlette?
The unemployment rate in Marlette is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Marlette?
The median home value in Marlette is $116,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,838. For renters, the median monthly rent is $820. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,567.
How are the schools in Marlette?
Schools in Marlette score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.8% of adults in Marlette hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Marlette?
The obesity rate in Marlette is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.8% of adults are smokers. 29.4% are physically inactive. 30.5% of residents report depression. 8.3% 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 Marlette?
The average commute in Marlette is 27 minutes. 74.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Marlette?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Marlette is 95% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 24.4% of residents have a disability. 90.0% have health insurance coverage.
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