Median Income
$41,364
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,600
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
95/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.4%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,034
11% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.2%
39% higher than US avg
How Mears Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population189
Median Age51.3 yrs
Density166/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 68%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,364
Per Capita$29,167
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty17.2%
County GDP$833M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,600
Rent$1,034
Ownership68.5%
Zillow$310,206
Housing Units102
Rent Burden43.0%
Crime
F
Violent95/100K
Property7,211/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking15.2%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation779 ft (237 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.4%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score4.61
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute18 min
Broadband92.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Mears a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mears receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Mears is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,211 per 100,000, 268% above the national average.
Education
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 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
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. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.9 inches, including 78.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Mears has a population of 189 with a density of 166 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 51.3 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.4% female and 55.6% male. The city is predominantly White (67.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.2% of residents, while 13.8% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.3yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.2%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.8%
3% above US avg
The median household income in Mears is $41,364, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,167 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $878, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 567 business establishments, including 64 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). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,364 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,167 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $878 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,589 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.2% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 567 |
| County GDP | $833M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 64 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 96 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,613 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Mears is $107,600, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,206, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,034 (11% 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. 68.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 102 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $5,613 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 43.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,600 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $310,206 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,034 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 43.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.5% |
| Housing Units | 102 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,613 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.22% |
In Mears, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,063. The dentist ratio is 1:3,372. 85.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mears vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,063 |
| Dentists | 1:3,372 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,075 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 67.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,787/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Mears has a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,211 per 100,000, 268% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mears receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mears vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 94.9/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,210.6/100K |
| 268% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mears experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.9 inches. The area receives 78.5 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 779 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| 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 | Oceana County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gerald R Ford International (GRR)
72 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.9"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
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 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
91 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 215 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF2 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1975 |
EF2 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 1974 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1972 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1968 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1966 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1966 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 1965 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 1965 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1961 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF2 |
46 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GRANT RX (2,204 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
GRANT RX |
2,204 |
47 km |
| 2018 |
SER 438 / WHITE RIVER |
814 |
29 km |
| 2003 |
WARFIELD ROAD |
800 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
793 |
29 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
48 km |
| 2019 |
BALDWIN FUELS UNITS 1/2/6AB |
619 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
WARFIELD |
538 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
WHELAN LAKE BLOCK 1 PARTIAL 1 RX |
512 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Mears has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 23°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Mears. 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 | $646 |
| Toddler | $646 |
| Preschool | $620 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $674 |
| Toddler | $674 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mears
What is the population of Mears?
Mears has a population of 189 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 166 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.4% female and 55.6% male.
Is Mears expensive to live in?
Mears 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 $41,364, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,600 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,034 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 Mears safe?
Mears is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,211 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mears receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mears?
Mears has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.9 inches, with 78.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Mears?
The job market in Mears is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $878. There are 567 business establishments in the area, including 64 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mears?
The median home value in Mears is $107,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,206. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,034. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,613.
How are the schools in Mears?
Schools in Mears have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.4% of adults in Mears hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mears?
The obesity rate in Mears is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 85.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,063.
What is transportation like in Mears?
The average commute in Mears is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mears?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mears is 67.7% White. 86.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.8% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 19.8% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
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