Median Income
$80,781
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$182,700
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
49/100K
87% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.7%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$892
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.3%
40% higher than US avg
How South Boardman Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population521
Median Age34.0 yrs
Density158/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$80,781
Per Capita$29,525
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty17.3%
County GDP$839M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$182,700
Rent$892
Ownership92.8%
Zillow$203,330
Housing Units249
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent49/100K
Property1,226/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking19.6%
Depression30.5%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation1,032 ft (315 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.7%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score4.46
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute36 min
Broadband86.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is South Boardman a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Boardman 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. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, long commute times, high obesity rates. South Boardman offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Boardman is $80,781, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 17.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Boardman is $182,700, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $892 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
South Boardman is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 49 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,226 per 100,000, 37% below the national average.
Education
20.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
South Boardman has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
South Boardman has a population of 521 with a density of 158 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 34.0 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96%), with 3.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.0yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Boardman vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Boardman vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Boardman is $80,781, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,525 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,162, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 388 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Boardman vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,781 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,525 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,162 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,719 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.3% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 388 |
| County GDP | $839M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,661 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in South Boardman is $182,700, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,330, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $892 (23% 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. 92.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 249 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,661 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $182,700 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $203,330 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $892 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.2% |
| Housing Units | 249 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,661 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.55% |
In South Boardman, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 19.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 27.0% are physically inactive. 30.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,495. The dentist ratio is 1:2,597. 43.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Boardman vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.6% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.0% |
| Depression | 30.5% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,495 |
| Dentists | 1:2,597 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,156 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,139/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
South Boardman has a violent crime rate of 49 per 100,000 residents, 87% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,226 per 100,000, 37% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Boardman receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Boardman vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 49.0/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,226.1/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Boardman has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,032 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 258 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,032 ft (315 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 158/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.6355°N, 85.2874°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Kalkaska County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 2, 2024.
| Aug 2, 2024 |
38 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin |
M2.9 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
121 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 95 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
50 km |
2 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
6 km |
1 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1975 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1973 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) (7,478 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) |
7,478 |
68 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
60 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
82 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
61 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
61 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
70 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
64 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
60 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
55 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
62 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
45 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
37 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
33 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE MACK LAKE |
875 |
95 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
79 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
South Boardman has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 20°F in February to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in South Boardman. 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 | $538 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $697 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $714 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Boardman
What is the population of South Boardman?
South Boardman has a population of 521 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 158 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is South Boardman expensive to live in?
South Boardman 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 $80,781, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $182,700 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $892 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Boardman safe?
South Boardman is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 49 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,226 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, South Boardman receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Boardman?
South Boardman has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in South Boardman?
The job market in South Boardman is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,162. There are 388 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Boardman?
The median home value in South Boardman is $182,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,330. For renters, the median monthly rent is $892. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,661.
How are the schools in South Boardman?
Schools in South Boardman have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 20.7% of adults in South Boardman hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Boardman?
The obesity rate in South Boardman is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.6% of adults are smokers. 27.0% are physically inactive. 30.5% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 43.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,495.
What is transportation like in South Boardman?
The average commute in South Boardman is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Boardman?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Boardman is 96% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 23.4% of residents have a disability. 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
