Median Income
$49,816
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,300
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
53/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$603
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.6%
50% higher than US avg
How St. Charles Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,857
Median Age46.6 yrs
Density889/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,816
Per Capita$31,898
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty18.6%
County GDP$11,010M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,300
Rent$603
Ownership71.0%
Zillow$201,711
Housing Units833
Rent Burden35.5%
Crime
F
Violent53/100K
Property899/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault53/100K
Burglary106/100K
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking16.8%
Depression29.9%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation601 ft (183 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score4.74
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 48%
Commute26 min
Broadband83.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is St. Charles a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. Charles receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. St. Charles has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in St. Charles is $49,816, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 18.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in St. Charles is $106,300, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $603 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
St. Charles is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 899 per 100,000, 54% below the national average.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
St. Charles experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°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 34.5 inches, including 38.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
St. Charles has a population of 1,857 with a density of 889 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 46.6 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 3.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.6yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. Charles vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
Social Characteristics
St. Charles vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. Charles is $49,816, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,898 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,116, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,966 business establishments, including 417 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 10.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: St. Charles vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,816 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,898 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,116 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,856 |
| Gini Index | 0.475 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.6% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,966 |
| County GDP | $11,010M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 417 |
| Healthcare | 603 |
| Retail | 754 |
| Manufacturing | 184 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,370 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.6% |
The median home value in St. Charles is $106,300, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,711, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $603 (48% 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. 71.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 833 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $5,370 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,300 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $201,711 |
| Median List Price | $212,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $212,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $332 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.9% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $603 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.0% |
| Housing Units | 833 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,370 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.05% |
In St. Charles, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 18.1% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 29.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,156. The dentist ratio is 1:1,239. 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: St. Charles vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 29.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,156 |
| Dentists | 1:1,239 |
| Mental Health | 1:277 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,742/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 603 |
St. Charles has a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 52.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 899 per 100,000, 54% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 793, burglary at 106, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, St. Charles receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: St. Charles vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 52.9/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 52.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 899.0/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| Burglary | 105.8/100K |
| Theft | 793.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
St. Charles experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°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 34.5 inches. The area receives 38.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 601 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 601 ft (183 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 889/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2983°N, 84.1476°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Saginaw County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
67 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
148 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
350 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 130 fatalities, 1,150 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
33 km |
116 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
50 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
73 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1952 |
LAKE HURON, MI |
Avalanche |
1.5 m |
— |
143 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
St. Charles has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in St. Charles. 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 | $655 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $660 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Charles
What is the population of St. Charles?
St. Charles has a population of 1,857 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 889 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is St. Charles expensive to live in?
St. Charles 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 $49,816, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,300 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $603 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is St. Charles safe?
St. Charles is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 53 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 899 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, St. Charles receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in St. Charles?
St. Charles has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 34.5 inches, with 38.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in St. Charles?
The job market in St. Charles is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,116. There are 3,966 business establishments in the area, including 417 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 10.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. Charles?
The median home value in St. Charles is $106,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,711. For renters, the median monthly rent is $603. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,370.
How are the schools in St. Charles?
Schools in St. Charles have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.7% of adults in St. Charles hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. Charles?
The obesity rate in St. Charles is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 29.9% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,156.
What is transportation like in St. Charles?
The average commute in St. Charles is 26 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. Charles?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Charles is 92.7% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.8% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
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