Median Income
$70,069
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,200
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
424/100K
12% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.9%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$804
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.5%
53% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.7%
2% higher than US avg
How Mecosta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population509
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density459/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$70,069
Per Capita$24,831
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty12.7%
County GDP$1,626M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,200
Rent$804
Ownership82.8%
Zillow$217,285
Housing Units223
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent424/100K
Property1,166/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking18.1%
Depression30.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation974 ft (297 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.9%
High School+90.3%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score4.99
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute24 min
Broadband88.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Mecosta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mecosta receives an overall livability score of 2.8 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. Mecosta has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mecosta is $70,069, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 12.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mecosta is $92,200, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $804 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 424 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,166 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
10.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Mecosta has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 20°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 37.9 inches, including 61.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Mecosta has a population of 509 with a density of 459 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (88.8%), with 5.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 31.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Mecosta is $70,069, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,831 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $869, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 696 business establishments, including 78 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 0.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,069 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,831 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $869 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,778 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.5% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.7% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 696 |
| County GDP | $1,626M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 78 |
| Healthcare | 102 |
| Retail | 151 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.5% |
The median home value in Mecosta is $92,200, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,285, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 102.9% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $804 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $796 for a one-bedroom to $1,010 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 223 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,526 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,200 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $217,285 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $96 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.9% |
| Price Drops | 100.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $804 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $715 |
| 1 Bedroom | $796 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,288 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,432 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.2% |
| Housing Units | 223 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.91% |
In Mecosta, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 30.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,107. The dentist ratio is 1:2,262. 57.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mecosta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 30.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,107 |
| Dentists | 1:2,262 |
| Mental Health | 1:534 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,230/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
Mecosta has a violent crime rate of 424 per 100,000 residents, 12% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,166 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mecosta receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mecosta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 424.0/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,165.9/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mecosta has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 20°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 37.9 inches. The area receives 61.3 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 974 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-6°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 974 ft (297 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 459/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6181°N, 85.2300°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Mecosta County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gerald R Ford International (GRR)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1994.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
238 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 298 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
5 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1994 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1989 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1984 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1977 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1975 |
EF2 |
48 km |
1 |
| May 21, 1975 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1975 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROSCOMMON4 (2,109 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
85 km |
| 2018 |
SER 438 / WHITE RIVER |
814 |
77 km |
| 2003 |
WARFIELD ROAD |
800 |
85 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
793 |
77 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
57 km |
| 2019 |
BALDWIN FUELS UNITS 1/2/6AB |
619 |
62 km |
| 2021 |
WARFIELD |
538 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
WHELAN LAKE BLOCK 1 PARTIAL 1 RX |
512 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-6°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
44°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Mecosta has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 20°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Mecosta. 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 | $481 |
| Toddler | $565 |
| Preschool | $565 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $706 |
| Toddler | $706 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mecosta
What is the population of Mecosta?
Mecosta has a population of 509 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 459 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Mecosta expensive to live in?
Mecosta 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 $70,069, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,200 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $804 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mecosta safe?
The violent crime rate in Mecosta is 424 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 1,166 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mecosta receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mecosta?
Mecosta has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 20°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 37.9 inches, with 61.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Mecosta?
The unemployment rate in Mecosta is 5.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $869. There are 696 business establishments in the area, including 78 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 0.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mecosta?
The median home value in Mecosta is $92,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,285. For renters, the median monthly rent is $804. Fair market rent is $796 for a 1-bedroom and $1,010 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,526.
How are the schools in Mecosta?
Schools in Mecosta score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.9% of adults in Mecosta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mecosta?
The obesity rate in Mecosta is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 30.4% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 57.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,107.
What is transportation like in Mecosta?
The average commute in Mecosta is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mecosta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mecosta is 88.8% White, 5.7% Black or African American. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 31.7% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
