Home Value
$85,500
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
238/100K
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.6%
60% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.8%
89% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.8%
52% higher than US avg
How Riverdale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population262
Median Age45.3 yrs
Density380/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
Per Capita$25,908
Unemployment6.8%
Poverty18.8%
County GDP$1,982M
Commute20 min
Housing
Home Value$85,500
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$177,573
Housing Units145
Rent Burden30.3%
Crime
F
Violent238/100K
Property1,501/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking19.4%
Depression30.4%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation794 ft (242 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute20 min
Broadband95.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries6
Is Riverdale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Riverdale receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Riverdale faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 6.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 18.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Riverdale is $85,500, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Riverdale is below the national average at 238 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,501 per 100,000, 23% below the national average.
Education
13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Riverdale experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°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 34.5 inches, including 39.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Riverdale has a population of 262 with a density of 380 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 45.3 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.3yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Riverdale vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Riverdale vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $25,908 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,055, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 794 business establishments, including 73 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.5% of workers work from home.
Income: Riverdale vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $25,908 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,055 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,876 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.8% |
| 89% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.8% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 794 |
| County GDP | $1,982M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 124 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 54.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.5% |
The median home value in Riverdale is $85,500, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,573, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 145 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $3,958. 30.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,500 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,573 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 145 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.63% |
In Riverdale, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 19.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 30.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,077. The dentist ratio is 1:2,418. 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Riverdale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.4% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 30.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,077 |
| Dentists | 1:2,418 |
| Mental Health | 1:426 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,638/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Riverdale has a violent crime rate of 238 per 100,000 residents, 37% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,501 per 100,000, 23% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Riverdale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Riverdale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 237.6/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,501.1/100K |
| 23% below 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 |
Riverdale experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°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 34.5 inches. The area receives 39.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 794 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 794 ft (242 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 380/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3824°N, 84.8408°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Gratiot County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.3 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
136 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
68 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
317 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 131 fatalities, 1,183 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
86 km |
116 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
92 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
97 km |
2 |
| Aug 21, 2003 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1994 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROSCOMMON4 (2,109 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
97 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Riverdale has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 22°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Riverdale. 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 | $614 |
| Toddler | $614 |
| Preschool | $578 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $636 |
| Toddler | $636 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Riverdale
What is the population of Riverdale?
Riverdale has a population of 262 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 380 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Riverdale expensive to live in?
Riverdale has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $85,500 (70% below the U.S. median).
Is Riverdale safe?
Riverdale is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 238 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,501 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Riverdale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Riverdale?
Riverdale has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°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 34.5 inches, with 39.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Riverdale?
The unemployment rate in Riverdale is 6.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,055. There are 794 business establishments in the area, including 73 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 13.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Riverdale?
The median home value in Riverdale is $85,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,573. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,958.
How are the schools in Riverdale?
Schools in Riverdale score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.6% of adults in Riverdale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Riverdale?
The obesity rate in Riverdale is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.4% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 30.4% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,077.
What is transportation like in Riverdale?
The average commute in Riverdale is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 54.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Riverdale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Riverdale is 96.9% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability. 86.1% have health insurance coverage.
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