Median Income
$64,157
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$183,300
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
284/100K
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.4%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$415
64% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.5%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
15% lower than US avg
How Saranac Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,973
Median Age33.4 yrs
Density1,716/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,157
Per Capita$26,724
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$2,329M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$183,300
Rent$415
Ownership67.2%
Zillow$281,541
Housing Units790
Rent Burden30.6%
Crime
F
Violent284/100K
Property2,320/100K
Health
Obesity38.5%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking14.9%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation681 ft (208 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.4%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+12.1%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute23 min
Broadband90.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Saranac a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Saranac receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Saranac offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Saranac is $64,157, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 10.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Saranac is $183,300, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $415 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Saranac is below the national average at 284 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,320 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Saranac 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 35.9 inches, including 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Saranac has a population of 1,973 with a density of 1,716 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 33.4 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (96%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.4yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Saranac is $64,157, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,724 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,090 business establishments, including 85 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). 13.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,157 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,724 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $935 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,052 |
| Gini Index | 0.376 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.5% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,090 |
| County GDP | $2,329M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 85 |
| Healthcare | 111 |
| Retail | 136 |
| Manufacturing | 65 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,340 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.4% |
The median home value in Saranac is $183,300, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,541, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $415 (64% 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. 67.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 790 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $4,340 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $183,300 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $281,541 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $415 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.8% |
| Housing Units | 790 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,340 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.37% |
In Saranac, 38.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,953. The dentist ratio is 1:2,386. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Saranac vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,953 |
| Dentists | 1:2,386 |
| Mental Health | 1:614 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 68.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,910/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 111 |
Saranac has a violent crime rate of 284 per 100,000 residents, 25% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,320 per 100,000, 18% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Saranac receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Saranac vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 283.6/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,320.2/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 37 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Saranac 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 35.9 inches. The area receives 54.2 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 681 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 681 ft (208 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,716/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9273°N, 85.2095°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Ionia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gerald R Ford International (GRR)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 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 Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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 |
79 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
51 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
88 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
340 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 40 fatalities, 813 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
88 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
59 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
81 km |
5 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
79 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
82 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Saranac has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Saranac. 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 | $524 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $674 |
| Toddler | $691 |
| Preschool | $691 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Saranac
What is the population of Saranac?
Saranac has a population of 1,973 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,716 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.
Is Saranac expensive to live in?
Saranac 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 $64,157, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $183,300 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $415 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Saranac safe?
Saranac is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 284 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,320 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Saranac receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Saranac?
Saranac 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 35.9 inches, with 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Saranac?
The job market in Saranac is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $935. There are 1,090 business establishments in the area, including 85 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 13.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Saranac?
The median home value in Saranac is $183,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,541. For renters, the median monthly rent is $415. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,340.
How are the schools in Saranac?
Schools in Saranac score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.4% of adults in Saranac hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 12.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Saranac?
The obesity rate in Saranac is 38.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,953.
What is transportation like in Saranac?
The average commute in Saranac is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Saranac?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Saranac is 96% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
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