Median Income
$64,338
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$372,200
32% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
555/100K
46% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
42.1%
25% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$718
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.7%
2% higher than US avg
How South Haven Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,994
Median Age59.5 yrs
Density1,154/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,338
Per Capita$44,638
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty12.7%
County GDP$6,699M
Commute17 min
Housing
B
Home Value$372,200
Rent$718
Ownership72.8%
Zillow$359,203
Housing Units3,416
Rent Burden27.6%
Crime
F
Violent555/100K
Property5,964/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault370/100K
Burglary324/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking15.4%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation620 ft (189 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+42.1%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+19.0%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 36%
Commute17 min
Broadband85.5%
EV Stations6
Libraries11
Is South Haven a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Haven receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. South Haven offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Haven is $64,338, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 12.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Haven is $372,200, 32% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $718 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.8x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 555 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,964 per 100,000, 204% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 42.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
South Haven experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 28°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 37.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
South Haven has a population of 3,994 with a density of 1,154 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 59.5 years, 53% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (78.6%), with 1.7% Hispanic, 10.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.7% of residents, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.5yrs
Median Age
53% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Haven vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.7%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.3%
60% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Haven vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Haven is $64,338, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,638 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,158, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. 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 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 19.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Haven vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,338 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,638 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,158 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,443 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.7% |
| 2% 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 | 1.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 19.1% |
The median home value in South Haven is $372,200, 32% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $359,203. Monthly rent averages $718 (38% 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. 72.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,416 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $6,953 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.8x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $372,200 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $359,203 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $718 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.2% |
| Housing Units | 3,416 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,953 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.87% |
In South Haven, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 16.3% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. 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: South Haven vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,838 |
| Dentists | 1:2,886 |
| Mental Health | 1:924 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.1% |
| Dental Visits | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,999/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 200 |
South Haven has a violent crime rate of 555 per 100,000 residents, 46% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 369.9 per 100,000, robbery at 23.1, rape at 161.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 5,964 per 100,000, 204% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 5,479, burglary at 324, vehicle theft at 162 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 22 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Haven receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Haven vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 554.8/100K |
| 46% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 161.8/100K |
| Robbery | 23.1/100K |
| Assault | 369.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,963.9/100K |
| 204% above US avg |
| Burglary | 323.6/100K |
| Theft | 5,478.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 161.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 22 |
| Traffic Accidents | 136 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Haven experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 28°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 37.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 620 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 620 ft (189 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,154/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4013°N, 86.2684°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Allegan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Michigan Regional (BEH)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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
5 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 |
72 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
105 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
271 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 102 fatalities, 1,383 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
28 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
5 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
47 km |
5 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2024 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF2 |
81 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 |
93 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 |
27 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
South Haven has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 27°F in February to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in South Haven. 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 South Haven
What is the population of South Haven?
South Haven has a population of 3,994 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,154 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is South Haven expensive to live in?
South Haven 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 $64,338, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $372,200 (32% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $718 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.8x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is South Haven safe?
The violent crime rate in South Haven is 555 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,964 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Haven receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Haven?
South Haven has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 28°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 37.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in South Haven?
The job market in South Haven is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / 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 17 minutes, and 19.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Haven?
The median home value in South Haven is $372,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $359,203. For renters, the median monthly rent is $718. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,953.
How are the schools in South Haven?
Schools in South Haven score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 42.1% of adults in South Haven hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 19.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Haven?
The obesity rate in South Haven is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 58.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,838.
What is transportation like in South Haven?
The average commute in South Haven is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 19.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Haven?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Haven is 78.6% White, 10.2% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 94.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
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