Median Income
$53,702
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$121,500
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
674/100K
77% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$831
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.7%
6% lower than US avg
How Owosso Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population14,658
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density2,792/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,702
Per Capita$31,760
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty11.7%
County GDP$2,377M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$121,500
Rent$831
Ownership66.2%
Zillow$179,004
Housing Units6,978
Rent Burden30.2%
Crime
F
Violent674/100K
Property1,368/100K
Murder6.9/100K
Assault472/100K
Burglary306/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking18.6%
Depression30.6%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation741 ft (226 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.02
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute23 min
Broadband88.1%
EV Stations5
Libraries11
Is Owosso a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Owosso receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Owosso offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Owosso is $53,702, 29% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Owosso is $121,500, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $831 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 674 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,368 per 100,000, 30% below the national average.
Education
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Owosso experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°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 33.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Owosso has a population of 14,658 with a density of 2,792 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Owosso is $53,702, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,760 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $988, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,180 business establishments, including 110 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,702 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,760 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $988 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,111 |
| Gini Index | 0.414 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,180 |
| County GDP | $2,377M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 110 |
| Healthcare | 141 |
| Retail | 189 |
| Manufacturing | 64 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,441 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Owosso is $121,500, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,004, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $831 (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. 66.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 6,978 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $4,441 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $121,500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,004 |
| Median List Price | $157,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $157,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $124 |
| Homes Sold | 19 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.7% |
| Price Drops | 17.1% |
| Inventory | 35 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $831 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.8% |
| Housing Units | 6,978 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,441 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.66% |
In Owosso, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 33.3% have high blood pressure. 18.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 30.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,715. The dentist ratio is 1:2,267. 70.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-24)
PM2.5
1.8
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
1.8
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
4.5
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.4
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
147.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Owosso vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.3% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 30.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,715 |
| Dentists | 1:2,267 |
| Mental Health | 1:482 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 64.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,145/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 141 |
Owosso has a violent crime rate of 674 per 100,000 residents, 77% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 472.3 per 100,000, robbery at 48.6, rape at 145.8. The murder rate is 6.9 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,368 per 100,000, 30% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 972, burglary at 306, vehicle theft at 90 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Owosso receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Owosso vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 673.7/100K |
| 77% above US avg |
| Murder | 6.9/100K |
| 10% above US avg |
| Rape | 145.8/100K |
| Robbery | 48.6/100K |
| Assault | 472.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,368.2/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| Burglary | 305.6/100K |
| Theft | 972.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 90.3/100K |
| Arson | 20.8/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Owosso experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°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 33.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 741 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 741 ft (226 m) |
| Area | 5.4 sq mi (13.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,792/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9953°N, 84.1758°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Shiawassee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bishop International (FNT)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.6"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.4 / 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 |
Very 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: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
133 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
41 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
118 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
130 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
382 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 136 fatalities, 1,297 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
29 km |
116 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
40 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
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 |
- |
145 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Owosso has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Owosso. 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 | $690 |
| Toddler | $701 |
| Preschool | $701 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $655 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Owosso
What is the population of Owosso?
Owosso has a population of 14,658 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 2,792 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is Owosso expensive to live in?
Owosso 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 $53,702, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $121,500 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $831 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Owosso safe?
Public safety is a concern in Owosso, with a violent crime rate of 674 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,368 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Owosso receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Owosso?
Owosso has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 33.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Owosso?
Owosso has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $988. There are 1,180 business establishments in the area, including 110 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Owosso?
The median home value in Owosso is $121,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,004. For renters, the median monthly rent is $831. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,441.
How are the schools in Owosso?
Schools in Owosso score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.7% of adults in Owosso hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Owosso?
The obesity rate in Owosso is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.6% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 30.6% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 70.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,715.
What is transportation like in Owosso?
The average commute in Owosso is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Owosso?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Owosso is 94.7% White, 1% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
