Median Income
$41,779
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$154,500
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
638/100K
68% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.9%
29% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$831
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.1%
22% higher than US avg
How Port Sanilac Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population787
Median Age41.5 yrs
Density926/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans13.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,779
Per Capita$32,110
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty15.1%
County GDP$1,747M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$154,500
Rent$831
Ownership79.5%
Zillow$256,025
Housing Units474
Rent Burden30.3%
Crime
F
Violent638/100K
Property2,850/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking16.4%
Depression29.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation622 ft (190 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.9%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute35 min
Broadband93.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Port Sanilac a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Port Sanilac 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, long commute times. Port Sanilac offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Port Sanilac is $41,779, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. The poverty rate of 15.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Port Sanilac is $154,500, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $831 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 638 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 2,850 per 100,000, 45% above the national average.
Education
23.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Port Sanilac experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 23°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 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Port Sanilac has a population of 787 with a density of 926 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 41.5 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.6%), with 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 13.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.5yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Port Sanilac vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Port Sanilac vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Port Sanilac is $41,779, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,110 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 879 business establishments, including 71 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Port Sanilac vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,779 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,110 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $935 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,237 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 879 |
| County GDP | $1,747M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 71 |
| Healthcare | 103 |
| Retail | 134 |
| Manufacturing | 54 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,870 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Port Sanilac is $154,500, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,025, higher than the Census estimate. 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. 79.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 474 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $3,870. 30.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $154,500 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $256,025 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $831 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.5% |
| Housing Units | 474 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,870 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.50% |
In Port Sanilac, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 29.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,116. The dentist ratio is 1:2,904. 40.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Port Sanilac vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 29.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,116 |
| Dentists | 1:2,904 |
| Mental Health | 1:481 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 68.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,591/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 103 |
Port Sanilac has a violent crime rate of 638 per 100,000 residents, 68% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,850 per 100,000, 45% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Port Sanilac receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Port Sanilac vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 638.0/100K |
| 68% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,849.9/100K |
| 45% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Port Sanilac experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 23°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 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 622 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 622 ft (190 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 926/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4277°N, 82.5447°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Sanilac County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Clair County International (PHN)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.4"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.3 / 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 Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
144 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
59 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
129 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 344 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF4 |
87 km |
11 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1953 |
EF4 |
57 km |
2 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2021 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1984 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1983 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1975 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 1974 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1974 |
EF2 |
93 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 |
- |
38 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Port Sanilac has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 23°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Port Sanilac. 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 | $482 |
| Toddler | $528 |
| Preschool | $528 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $718 |
| Toddler | $718 |
| Preschool | $696 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Sanilac
What is the population of Port Sanilac?
Port Sanilac has a population of 787 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 926 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Port Sanilac expensive to live in?
Port Sanilac 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 $41,779, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $154,500 (45% 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 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Port Sanilac safe?
Public safety is a concern in Port Sanilac, with a violent crime rate of 638 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 2,850 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Port Sanilac receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Port Sanilac?
Port Sanilac has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Port Sanilac?
The job market in Port Sanilac is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $935. There are 879 business establishments in the area, including 71 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Port Sanilac?
The median home value in Port Sanilac is $154,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,025. 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 79.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,870.
How are the schools in Port Sanilac?
Schools in Port Sanilac score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.9% of adults in Port Sanilac hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Port Sanilac?
The obesity rate in Port Sanilac is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 29.9% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 40.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,116.
What is transportation like in Port Sanilac?
The average commute in Port Sanilac is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Port Sanilac?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Port Sanilac is 95.6% White, 1.5% Black or African American. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 13.8% of the population are military veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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