Median Income
$43,938
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$83,400
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
56/100K
85% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$703
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.7%
6% lower than US avg
How Sturgis Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,827
Median Age44.9 yrs
Density1,164/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$43,938
Per Capita$25,054
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty11.7%
County GDP$1,146M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$83,400
Rent$703
Ownership60.0%
Zillow$103,946
Housing Units772
Rent Burden34.3%
Crime
F
Violent56/100K
Property557/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary111/100K
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain48.2 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation368 ft (112 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+89.6%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute20 min
Broadband82.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Sturgis a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sturgis 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 below-average incomes. Sturgis has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sturgis is $43,938, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sturgis is $83,400, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $703 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sturgis is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 56 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 557 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Sturgis enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches, including 7.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sturgis has a population of 1,827 with a density of 1,164 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 44.9 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (92.8%), with 3.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 40.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.9yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Sturgis is $43,938, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,054 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,175, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 390 business establishments, including 23 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,938 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,054 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,175 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,483 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 390 |
| County GDP | $1,146M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 23 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,260 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.71% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.8% |
The median home value in Sturgis is $83,400, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $103,946, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $703 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 772 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $2,260 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 34.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $83,400 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $103,946 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $703 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.0% |
| Housing Units | 772 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,260 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.71% |
In Sturgis, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,515. The dentist ratio is 1:1,620. 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sturgis vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:4,515 |
| Dentists | 1:1,620 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,191 |
| Dental Visits | 55.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,035/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Sturgis has a violent crime rate of 56 per 100,000 residents, 85% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 55.7, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 557 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 390, burglary at 111, vehicle theft at 56 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sturgis receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sturgis vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 55.7/100K |
| 85% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 55.7/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 557.4/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| Burglary | 111.5/100K |
| Theft | 390.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 55.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sturgis enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 305 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 368 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.8°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 368 ft (112 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,164/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5462°N, 87.9874°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Union County County |
| Nearest Airport | Evansville Regional (EVV) 42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.2"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 69.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
112 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
101 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
102 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
54 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
108 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
101 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
116 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
148 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
56 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
98 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
101 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
114 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
50 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
101 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
125 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.5 |
130 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
96 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
540 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 52 fatalities, 831 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
61 km |
8 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
97 km |
2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jul 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
93 km |
3 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2009 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
80 km |
3 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
37 km |
24 |
| Nov 6, 2005 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FRANKLIN CREEK RX (2,828 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FRANKLIN CREEK RX |
2,828 |
80 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
51 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,282 |
81 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,837 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
GAP VIEW RX |
1,575 |
42 km |
| 2022 |
DENNISON HOLLOW RX |
1,573 |
40 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD DEER |
1,557 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
56 km |
| 2022 |
ONE HORSE GAP RX |
1,502 |
41 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
40 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
95 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,447 |
40 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
51 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,299 |
41 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
98 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,216 |
41 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,203 |
42 km |
| 2024 |
LBL - NWDA UNIT 3 RX |
1,187 |
75 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,167 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
4.1 in |
|
Sturgis has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 34°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Sturgis. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $586 |
| Toddler | $554 |
| Preschool | $554 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $529 |
| Toddler | $451 |
| Preschool | $451 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sturgis
What is the population of Sturgis?
Sturgis has a population of 1,827 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 1,164 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Sturgis expensive to live in?
Sturgis is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,938, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $83,400 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $703 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sturgis safe?
Sturgis is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 56 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 557 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sturgis receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sturgis?
Sturgis enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.2 inches, with 7.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Sturgis?
The job market in Sturgis is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,175. There are 390 business establishments in the area, including 23 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 1.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sturgis?
The median home value in Sturgis is $83,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $103,946. For renters, the median monthly rent is $703. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,260.
How are the schools in Sturgis?
Schools in Sturgis score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.6% of adults in Sturgis hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sturgis?
The obesity rate in Sturgis is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,515.
What is transportation like in Sturgis?
The average commute in Sturgis is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sturgis?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sturgis is 92.8% White, 3.8% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 40.5% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.