Median Income
$236,094
214% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
82.9%
146% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How South Gull Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,145
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density1,589/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans2.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$236,094
Per Capita$129,234
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$20,706M
Commute19 min
Housing
Ownership86.8%
Zillow$369,556
Housing Units863
Rent Burden13.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property776/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured4.6%
Smoking10.1%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation919 ft (280 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+82.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+27.4%
School Score5.27
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 58%
Commute19 min
Broadband97.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries14
Is South Gull Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Gull Lake receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. South Gull Lake stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Gull Lake is $236,094, which is significantly higher than the national average / 214% above $75,149. This places South Gull Lake among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
South Gull Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 776 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
South Gull Lake is a highly educated community / 82.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
South Gull Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
South Gull Lake has a population of 2,145 with a density of 1,589 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (96.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.9% of residents. 2.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 99.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Gull Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.9%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.1%
99% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Gull Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Gull Lake is $236,094, which is 214% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $129,234 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,264, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,972 business establishments, including 579 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 43.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Gull Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $236,094 |
| 214% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $129,234 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,264 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,017 |
| Gini Index | 0.461 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,972 |
| County GDP | $20,706M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 579 |
| Healthcare | 749 |
| Retail | 848 |
| Manufacturing | 295 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 45.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 43.2% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $369,556. Homes sell for 101.1% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 863 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $7,471 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| |
| Zillow ZHVI | $369,556 |
| Median List Price | $949,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $949,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $180 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.1% |
| Price Drops | 100.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
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 | 86.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.2% |
| Housing Units | 863 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
In South Gull Lake, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 26.7% have high blood pressure. 10.1% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 20.8% report binge drinking. 16.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 4.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,012. The dentist ratio is 1:1,312. 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Gull Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.7% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.1% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.9% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.2% |
| Short Sleep | 27.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.6% |
| Uninsured | 4.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,012 |
| Dentists | 1:1,312 |
| Mental Health | 1:184 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 73.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,811/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 749 |
South Gull Lake has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 776 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 31 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Gull Lake receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: South Gull Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 776.2/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
South Gull Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 919 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 919 ft (280 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,589/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3865°N, 85.4063°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Kalamazoo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0452 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively 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 |
17 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
80 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
40 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
372 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 90 fatalities, 1,541 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
73 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
32 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
73 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
5 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
28 km |
5 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
16 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 |
144 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
South Gull Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in February to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in South Gull Lake. 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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $585 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $806 |
| Toddler | $806 |
| Preschool | $788 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Gull Lake
What is the population of South Gull Lake?
South Gull Lake has a population of 2,145 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,589 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is South Gull Lake expensive to live in?
South Gull Lake 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 $236,094, 214% above the national average of $75,149.
Is South Gull Lake safe?
South Gull Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 776 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, South Gull Lake receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Gull Lake?
South Gull Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in South Gull Lake?
The job market in South Gull Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,264. There are 5,972 business establishments in the area, including 579 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 43.2% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in South Gull Lake?
Schools in South Gull Lake score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 82.9% of adults in South Gull Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 27.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Gull Lake?
The obesity rate in South Gull Lake is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 10.1% of adults are smokers. 16.9% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 4.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,012.
What is transportation like in South Gull Lake?
The average commute in South Gull Lake is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 45% of workers drive alone to work, and 43.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Gull Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Gull Lake is 96.7% White. 99.9% of residents speak only English at home. 2.4% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 99.6% have health insurance coverage.