Michigan · Metropolitan Area
Saginaw is a mid-size city in Michigan with a population of 43,879. Residents earn $37,298 per year, which is 50% below the national average.
Based on current data, Saginaw receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Saginaw has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Saginaw is $37,298, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 27.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Saginaw is $54,000, 81% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $909 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
With 1,689 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 2,417 per 100,000, 23% above the national average.
11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Saginaw experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.0 inches, including 40.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
| English Only | 96.3% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 3.7% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $37,298 |
| 50% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $20,522 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,050 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,334 |
| Unemployment | 6.2% |
| 72% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 27.0% |
| 118% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 2,117 |
| County GDP | $4,724M |
| Restaurants | 211 |
| Healthcare | 326 |
| Retail | 355 |
| Manufacturing | 99 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,313 |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.99% |
| Commute Time | 19.0 min |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
| Census Median | $54,000 |
| 81% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $123,169 |
| Median List Price | $83,500 |
| Median List Price | $83,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $71 |
| Homes Sold | 36 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.4% |
| Price Drops | 24.4% |
| Inventory | 180 |
| Census Median Rent | $909 |
| 22% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $986 |
| Studio | $770 |
| 1 Bedroom | $851 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,117 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,440 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,479 |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.0% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,313 |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 7.99% |
| Obesity | 45.5% |
| 42% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 17.7% |
| Heart Disease | 8.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.4% |
| Asthma | 14.1% |
| COPD | 11.7% |
| Stroke | 5.4% |
| Binge Drinking | 13.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 41.0% |
| Depression | 27.6% |
| Mental Distress | 23.1% |
| Physical Distress | 19.3% |
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Checkup Rate | 80.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,515/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 326 |
| Total Violent | 1,689.0/100K |
| 344% above US avg | |
| Murder | 22.0/100K |
| 249% above US avg | |
| Rape | 139.9/100K |
| Robbery | 247.9/100K |
| Assault | 1,279.2/100K |
| Total Property | 2,416.6/100K |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,109.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,185.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 121.9/100K |
| Arson | 28.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 34.0 inches |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 40.7 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 594 ft (181 m) |
| Area | 17.1 sq mi (44.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,566/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4199°N, 83.9502°W |
| County FIPS | 26017 |
Winner: Republican by 14.7 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 11.7% |
| 65% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 83.2% |
| School Test Score | 4.74 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 2,566/sq mi |
| Total Area | 17.1 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 20 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 27 |
| Public Libraries | 5 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 326 |
| Restaurants | 211 |
| Retail Stores | 355 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Avg Commute | 19.0 min |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |