Median Income
$118,309
57% higher than US avg
Home Value
$619,400
120% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
75.5%
124% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$505
57% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.4%
5% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.0%
21% higher than US avg
How Saugatuck Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population751
Median Age55.6 yrs
Density540/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans2.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$118,309
Per Capita$88,246
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty15.0%
County GDP$6,699M
Commute57 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$619,400
Rent$505
Ownership82.2%
Zillow$631,265
Housing Units924
Rent Burden26.1%
Health
Obesity30.4%
Uninsured2.4%
Smoking8.3%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease4.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI46 (Good)
Rain34.8 in/yr
Elevation585 ft (178 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+75.5%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+24.9%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 36%
Commute57 min
Broadband91.2%
EV Stations7
Libraries11
Is Saugatuck a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Saugatuck receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, long commute times. Saugatuck stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Saugatuck is $118,309, which is significantly higher than the national average / 57% above $75,149. This places Saugatuck among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. The poverty rate of 15.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 57 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Saugatuck is $619,400, making it a premium housing market at 120% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $505 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.2x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
Saugatuck is a highly educated community / 75.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Saugatuck experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.8 inches, including 109.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 46.
Saugatuck has a population of 751 with a density of 540 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 55.6 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 2.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
751
Total Population
2023 Census
55.6yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Saugatuck vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Saugatuck vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Saugatuck is $118,309, which is 57% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $88,246 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,158, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,678 business establishments, including 218 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 57 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 30.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Saugatuck vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $118,309 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $88,246 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,158 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,443 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,678 |
| County GDP | $6,699M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 218 |
| Healthcare | 200 |
| Retail | 338 |
| Manufacturing | 226 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,953 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 56.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 52.6% |
| Public Transit | 1.7% |
| Work from Home | 30.6% |
The median home value in Saugatuck is $619,400, 120% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $631,265. Monthly rent averages $505 (57% 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. 82.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 924 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $6,953 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.2x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $619,400 |
| 120% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $631,265 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $505 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.8% |
| Housing Units | 924 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,953 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.12% |
In Saugatuck, 30.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.2% of residents, below the national average. 25.7% have high blood pressure. 8.3% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 20.8% report binge drinking. 15.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 2.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,838. The dentist ratio is 1:2,886. 58.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Saugatuck vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.4% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.7% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 4.1% |
| Cancer | 8.1% |
| Stroke | 2.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 8.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.6% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 9.4% |
| Short Sleep | 28.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 2.4% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,838 |
| Dentists | 1:2,886 |
| Mental Health | 1:924 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.9% |
| Dental Visits | 78.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,999/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 200 |
Saugatuck experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.8 inches. The area receives 109.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 46. 63% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 585 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 585 ft (178 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 540/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6614°N, 86.2046°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Allegan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gerald R Ford International (GRR)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.8"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
4.22"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 46.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 63.2% |
| Unhealthy Days | 4 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0475 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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: 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 |
132 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
221 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 30 fatalities, 700 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
2 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
46 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
57 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2024 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1998 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
121 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
16 km |
| 2018 |
SER 438 / WHITE RIVER |
814 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
793 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Saugatuck has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 26°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.8 inches, with October being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Saugatuck. 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 | $535 |
| Toddler | $544 |
| Preschool | $544 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $790 |
| Toddler | $790 |
| Preschool | $722 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Saugatuck
What is the population of Saugatuck?
Saugatuck has a population of 751 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 540 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Saugatuck expensive to live in?
Saugatuck 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 $118,309, 57% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $619,400 (120% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $505 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Saugatuck?
Saugatuck has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.8 inches, with 109.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 46.
How is the job market in Saugatuck?
The job market in Saugatuck is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,158. There are 2,678 business establishments in the area, including 218 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 57 minutes, and 30.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Saugatuck?
The median home value in Saugatuck is $619,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $631,265. For renters, the median monthly rent is $505. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,953.
How are the schools in Saugatuck?
Schools in Saugatuck score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 75.5% of adults in Saugatuck hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 24.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Saugatuck?
The obesity rate in Saugatuck is 30.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 8.3% of adults are smokers. 15.6% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 2.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 58.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,838.
What is transportation like in Saugatuck?
The average commute in Saugatuck is 57 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 52.6% of workers drive alone to work, 1.7% use public transit, and 30.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Saugatuck?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Saugatuck is 98% White. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 2.8% of the population are military veterans. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.