Median Income
$59,464
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$117,100
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
247/100K
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,013
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.8%
3% higher than US avg
How Pellston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population834
Median Age35.4 yrs
Density428/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,464
Per Capita$25,411
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty12.8%
County GDP$2,559M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$117,100
Rent$1,013
Ownership73.5%
Zillow$231,004
Housing Units361
Rent Burden21.1%
Crime
F
Violent247/100K
Property5,062/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking16.9%
Depression28.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain30.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation696 ft (212 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score6.05
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 44%
Commute24 min
Broadband86.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Pellston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pellston 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 below-average incomes. Pellston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pellston is $59,464, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. 12.8% 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 Pellston is $117,100, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,013 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Pellston is below the national average at 247 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,062 per 100,000, 158% above the national average.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Pellston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Pellston has a population of 834 with a density of 428 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 35.4 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (78.1%), with 19.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.4yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Pellston is $59,464, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,411 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,558 business establishments, including 145 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 2.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,464 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,411 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,368 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.8% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,558 |
| County GDP | $2,559M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 145 |
| Healthcare | 188 |
| Retail | 248 |
| Manufacturing | 59 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,226 |
| 192% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.5% |
The median home value in Pellston is $117,100, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,004, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,013 (13% 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. 73.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 361 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $10,226 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,100 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $231,004 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,013 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.5% |
| Housing Units | 361 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,226 |
| 192% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.73% |
In Pellston, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.0% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 28.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:856. The dentist ratio is 1:854. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pellston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 28.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:856 |
| Dentists | 1:854 |
| Mental Health | 1:217 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 188 |
Pellston has a violent crime rate of 247 per 100,000 residents, 35% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,062 per 100,000, 158% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pellston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pellston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 246.9/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,061.7/100K |
| 158% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pellston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 66°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 30.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 696 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 42.6°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 696 ft (212 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 428/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5516°N, 84.7834°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Emmet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pellston Regional/Emmet County (PLN)
1 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.0"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
65 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 64 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2004 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1999 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1993 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1993 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1993 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CRAWFORD15 (6,868 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
97 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
54 km |
| 1998 |
CAMP FAUNCE |
1,922 |
77 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
94 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
80 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
MACKINAC3 |
741 |
70 km |
| 2019 |
RIFLE RANGE |
729 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Pellston has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 18°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Pellston. 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 | $577 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $586 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pellston
What is the population of Pellston?
Pellston has a population of 834 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 428 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Pellston expensive to live in?
Pellston 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 $59,464, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,100 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,013 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pellston safe?
Pellston is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 247 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,062 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pellston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pellston?
Pellston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Pellston?
The job market in Pellston is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 1,558 business establishments in the area, including 145 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 2.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pellston?
The median home value in Pellston is $117,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,004. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,013. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.5%. The average annual property tax is $10,226.
How are the schools in Pellston?
Schools in Pellston score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Pellston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pellston?
The obesity rate in Pellston is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 28.9% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:856.
What is transportation like in Pellston?
The average commute in Pellston is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pellston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pellston is 78.1% White, 19.5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
