Median Income
$46,000
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$162,100
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
161/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.6%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$676
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.4%
24% higher than US avg
How Port Austin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population676
Median Age58.1 yrs
Density683/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans10.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$46,000
Per Capita$35,321
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty15.4%
County GDP$2,158M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$162,100
Rent$676
Ownership69.2%
Zillow$238,748
Housing Units659
Rent Burden29.7%
Crime
F
Violent161/100K
Property1,452/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault161/100K
Burglary484/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking15.5%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation603 ft (184 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.6%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+9.2%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute23 min
Broadband69.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Port Austin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Port Austin receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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, high obesity rates. Port Austin offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Port Austin is $46,000, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. The poverty rate of 15.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Port Austin is $162,100, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $676 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Port Austin is below the national average at 161 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,452 per 100,000, 26% below the national average.
Education
28.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Port Austin 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 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Port Austin has a population of 676 with a density of 683 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 58.1 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (85.1%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.2% of residents, while 13.8% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.1yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Port Austin vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.2%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.8%
3% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Port Austin vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Port Austin is $46,000, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,321. The average weekly wage is $967, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 999 business establishments, including 93 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). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Port Austin vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,000 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,321 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $967 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,518 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 999 |
| County GDP | $2,158M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 101 |
| Retail | 130 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,733 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.7% |
| Public Transit | 3.3% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Port Austin is $162,100, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,748, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $676 (42% 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. 69.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 659 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $4,733 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $162,100 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $238,748 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $676 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.8% |
| Housing Units | 659 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,733 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.92% |
In Port Austin, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 17.8% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,736. The dentist ratio is 1:1,838. 65.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Port Austin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,736 |
| Dentists | 1:1,838 |
| Mental Health | 1:631 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,757/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 101 |
Port Austin has a violent crime rate of 161 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 161.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,452 per 100,000, 26% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 968, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Port Austin receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Port Austin vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 161.3/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 161.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,451.6/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| Burglary | 483.9/100K |
| Theft | 967.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Port Austin 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 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 603 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 603 ft (184 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 683/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0426°N, 82.9951°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Huron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.4"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very 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: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
114 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 fatalities, 52 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1984 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1977 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1974 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1973 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1971 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
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 |
- |
115 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRITTLE (5,912 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BRITTLE |
5,912 |
68 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,759 |
73 km |
| 2018 |
BRITTLE 04/30/2018 |
3,484 |
73 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,349 |
70 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,796 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,751 |
52 km |
| 1984 |
RIVER ROAD |
1,693 |
53 km |
| 2017 |
BRITTLE 20 AND 23 RX |
1,557 |
71 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,434 |
68 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,276 |
74 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,217 |
65 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,168 |
68 km |
| 2010 |
BRITTLE FUELS BLOCK 10 |
1,076 |
74 km |
| 2016 |
MEMORABLE RX |
946 |
65 km |
| 2018 |
BRITTLE 05/05/2018 |
867 |
65 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
642 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
GALION |
637 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
KIMBERLIN OAK 5/8/2018 |
564 |
82 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
564 |
74 km |
| 2019 |
MEMORABLE MIDDLE |
550 |
64 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 (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
53°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Port Austin has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 23°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Port Austin. 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 | $514 |
| Toddler | $556 |
| Preschool | $556 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $558 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Austin
What is the population of Port Austin?
Port Austin has a population of 676 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 683 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Port Austin expensive to live in?
Port Austin 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 $46,000, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $162,100 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $676 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Port Austin safe?
Port Austin is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 161 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,452 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Port Austin receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Port Austin?
Port Austin 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 32.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Port Austin?
The job market in Port Austin is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $967. There are 999 business establishments in the area, including 93 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Port Austin?
The median home value in Port Austin is $162,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $238,748. For renters, the median monthly rent is $676. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,733.
How are the schools in Port Austin?
Schools in Port Austin score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.6% of adults in Port Austin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 9.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Port Austin?
The obesity rate in Port Austin is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 65.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,736.
What is transportation like in Port Austin?
The average commute in Port Austin is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.7% of workers drive alone to work, 3.3% use public transit, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Port Austin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Port Austin is 85.1% White, 5% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 86.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.8% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 20.4% of residents have a disability. 89.0% have health insurance coverage.
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