Median Income
$71,783
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$319,300
13% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
35/100K
91% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
52.8%
57% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$872
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
58% lower than US avg
How Petoskey Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,851
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density1,136/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans4.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,783
Per Capita$48,658
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty5.2%
County GDP$855M
Commute16 min
Housing
A
Home Value$319,300
Rent$872
Ownership60.3%
Zillow$462,131
Housing Units3,231
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
F
Violent35/100K
Property522/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault17/100K
Burglary139/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Uninsured4.9%
Smoking11.8%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.7 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation789 ft (240 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+52.8%
High School+97.1%
Graduate+23.0%
School Score5.57
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute16 min
Broadband90.1%
EV Stations11
Libraries5
Is Petoskey a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Petoskey receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Petoskey offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Petoskey is $71,783, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Petoskey is $319,300, 13% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $872 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Petoskey is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 35 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 522 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
Petoskey is a highly educated community / 52.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Petoskey 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 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.7 inches, including 100.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Petoskey has a population of 5,851 with a density of 1,136 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (89.9%), with 5.6% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 4.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Petoskey is $71,783, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $48,658 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $826, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 599 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,783 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $48,658 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $826 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,571 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 599 |
| County GDP | $855M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 98 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,941 |
| 155% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 9.4% |
The median home value in Petoskey is $319,300, 13% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $462,131, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $872 (25% 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. 60.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,231 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $8,941 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $319,300 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $462,131 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $872 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.7% |
| Housing Units | 3,231 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,941 |
| 155% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.80% |
In Petoskey, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 11.8% are current smokers. 19.7% report binge drinking. 17.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 4.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,488. The dentist ratio is 1:3,031. 74.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Petoskey vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.8% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.9% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 29.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 4.9% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,488 |
| Dentists | 1:3,031 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,627 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 73.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,259/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
Petoskey has a violent crime rate of 35 per 100,000 residents, 91% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 17.4 per 100,000, robbery at 17.4, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 522 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 365, burglary at 139, vehicle theft at 17 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Petoskey receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Petoskey vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 34.8/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 17.4/100K |
| Assault | 17.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 522.0/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| Burglary | 139.2/100K |
| Theft | 365.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 17.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 33 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Petoskey 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 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 33.7 inches. The area receives 100.2 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 789 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.6°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 789 ft (240 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,136/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3649°N, 85.0107°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Antrim County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pellston Regional/Emmet County (PLN)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.7"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively 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
71 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 70 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
45 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2012 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2004 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF1 |
21 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CRAWFORD15 (6,868 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
84 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
68 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
57 km |
| 1998 |
CAMP FAUNCE |
1,922 |
100 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
65 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
79 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
67 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
84 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
83 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
75 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
MACKINAC3 |
741 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
HAGAMAN ROAD |
658 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
65 km |
| 1987 |
KALKASKA17 |
520 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Petoskey has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 22°F in February to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Petoskey. 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 | $636 |
| Toddler | $654 |
| Preschool | $654 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Petoskey
What is the population of Petoskey?
Petoskey has a population of 5,851 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,136 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Petoskey expensive to live in?
Petoskey 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 $71,783, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $319,300 (13% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $872 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Petoskey safe?
Petoskey is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 35 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 522 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Petoskey receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Petoskey?
Petoskey 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 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.7 inches, with 100.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Petoskey?
The job market in Petoskey is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $826. There are 599 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 9.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Petoskey?
The median home value in Petoskey is $319,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $462,131. For renters, the median monthly rent is $872. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.3%. The average annual property tax is $8,941.
How are the schools in Petoskey?
Schools in Petoskey score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 52.8% of adults in Petoskey hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.1% have completed high school. 23.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Petoskey?
The obesity rate in Petoskey is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.8% of adults are smokers. 17.9% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 4.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,488.
What is transportation like in Petoskey?
The average commute in Petoskey is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Petoskey?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Petoskey is 89.9% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 4.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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