Michigan
Mears is a small town in Michigan with a population of 189. Residents earn $41,364 per year, which is 45% below the national average.
Based on current data, Mears receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. 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. Mears offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Mears is $41,364, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 17.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Mears is $107,600, 62% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,034 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.
21.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Mears experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.9 inches, including 78.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
| English Only | 86.2% |
| 10% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 13.8% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $41,364 |
| 45% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $29,167 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $878 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,589 |
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 17.2% |
| 39% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 567 |
| County GDP | $833M |
| Restaurants | 64 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 96 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,613 |
| 60% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.22% |
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
| Census Median | $107,600 |
| 62% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $310,206 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,034 |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 43.0% |
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,613 |
| 60% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 5.22% |
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,787/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 38.9 inches |
| 2% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 78.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 779 ft (237 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 166/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6835°N, 86.4222°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County FIPS | 26127 |
Winner: Republican by 30 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 21.4% |
| 36% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 93.1% |
| School Test Score | 5.23 |
| RUCC Code 8 | Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent |
| Population Density | 166/sq mi |
| Total Area | 1.1 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 92.0% |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
| Restaurants | 64 |
| Retail Stores | 96 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Commute | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |