Median Income
$46,786
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,100
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
565/100K
49% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.3%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$380
67% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How McBain Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population825
Median Age37.3 yrs
Density655/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,786
Per Capita$22,137
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$678M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,100
Rent$380
Ownership60.9%
Zillow$242,915
Housing Units306
Rent Burden31.9%
Crime
F
Violent565/100K
Property3,304/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking16.6%
Depression29.2%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,236 ft (377 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.3%
High School+92.6%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score5.24
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute18 min
Broadband80.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is McBain a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, McBain receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. McBain has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in McBain is $46,786, 38% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in McBain is $116,100, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $380 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
The violent crime rate of 565 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,304 per 100,000, 69% above the national average.
Education
9.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
McBain has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.4 inches, including 74.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
McBain has a population of 825 with a density of 655 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 37.3 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.4% female and 39.6% male. The city is predominantly White (76.6%), with 2.7% Hispanic, 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 26.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.3yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in McBain is $46,786, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,137 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $886, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 388 business establishments, including 23 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,786 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,137 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $886 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,174 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 388 |
| County GDP | $678M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 23 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,479 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in McBain is $116,100, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,915, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $380 (67% 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. 60.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 306 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,479 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.9% 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 | $116,100 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $242,915 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $380 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.1% |
| Housing Units | 306 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,479 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.86% |
In McBain, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 29.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,043. The dentist ratio is 1:5,071. 17.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: McBain vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 29.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,043 |
| Dentists | 1:5,071 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,531 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,753/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 17.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
McBain has a violent crime rate of 565 per 100,000 residents, 49% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,304 per 100,000, 69% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, McBain receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: McBain vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 565.3/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,303.8/100K |
| 69% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
McBain has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°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. The area receives 74.0 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 1,236 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,236 ft (377 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 655/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1961°N, 85.2154°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Missaukee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR) 62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.4"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0433 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 1.7 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 2, 2024.
| Aug 2, 2024 |
38 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin |
M2.9 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
167 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 156 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
53 km |
1 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1975 |
EF2 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 21, 1975 |
EF2 |
59 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 |
73 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
85 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
88 km |
| 2017 |
GRANT RX |
2,204 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
49 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
91 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
82 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
76 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
89 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
78 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
54 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
55 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE MACK LAKE |
875 |
99 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
79 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
McBain has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 19°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in McBain. 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 | $502 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $688 |
| Preschool | $688 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About McBain
What is the population of McBain?
McBain has a population of 825 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 655 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.3 years. The population is 60.4% female and 39.6% male.
Is McBain expensive to live in?
McBain 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 $46,786, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,100 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $380 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 McBain safe?
The violent crime rate in McBain is 565 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 3,304 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, McBain receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in McBain?
McBain has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.4 inches, with 74.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in McBain?
McBain has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $886. There are 388 business establishments in the area, including 23 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in McBain?
The median home value in McBain is $116,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,915. For renters, the median monthly rent is $380. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,479.
How are the schools in McBain?
Schools in McBain score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.3% of adults in McBain hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is McBain?
The obesity rate in McBain is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 29.2% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 17.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,043.
What is transportation like in McBain?
The average commute in McBain is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of McBain?
The racial and ethnic makeup of McBain is 76.6% White, 2.4% Black or African American, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 26.0% of residents have a disability. 86.0% have health insurance coverage.