Median Income
$123,125
64% higher than US avg
Home Value
$524,700
86% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
305/100K
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
63.7%
89% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.7%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Suttons Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population587
Median Age69.4 yrs
Density459/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans11.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$123,125
Per Capita$71,963
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$7,470M
Commute15 min
Housing
A
Home Value$524,700
Ownership82.4%
Zillow$598,415
Housing Units560
Rent Burden29.8%
Crime
F
Violent305/100K
Property1,840/100K
Health
Obesity31.7%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking11.8%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain31.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation630 ft (192 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+63.7%
High School+97.0%
Graduate+49.4%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute15 min
Broadband92.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Suttons Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Suttons Bay receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Suttons Bay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Suttons Bay is $123,125, which is significantly higher than the national average / 64% above $75,149. This places Suttons Bay among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Suttons Bay is $524,700, making it a premium housing market at 86% above the U.S. median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Suttons Bay is below the national average at 305 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,840 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Suttons Bay is a highly educated community / 63.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Suttons Bay experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.2 inches, including 114.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Suttons Bay has a population of 587 with a density of 459 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 69.4 years, 78% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.2% female and 53.8% male. The city is predominantly White (86.4%), with 5.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.5% of residents, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 11.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
69.4yrs
Median Age
78% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Suttons Bay vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.5%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.5%
44% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Suttons Bay vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Suttons Bay is $123,125, which is 64% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $71,963 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,140, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,762 business establishments, including 290 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 24.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Suttons Bay vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $123,125 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $71,963 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,140 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,357 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,762 |
| County GDP | $7,470M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 290 |
| Healthcare | 395 |
| Retail | 551 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,269 |
| 136% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 50.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 24.2% |
The median home value in Suttons Bay is $524,700, 86% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $598,415, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 560 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $8,269 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $524,700 |
| 86% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $598,415 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 82.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.6% |
| Housing Units | 560 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,269 |
| 136% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.58% |
In Suttons Bay, 31.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 11.8% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 18.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:755. The dentist ratio is 1:946. 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Suttons Bay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.7% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.8% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.2% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:755 |
| Dentists | 1:946 |
| Mental Health | 1:176 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 74.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,589/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 395 |
Suttons Bay has a violent crime rate of 305 per 100,000 residents, 20% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,840 per 100,000, 6% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Suttons Bay receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Suttons Bay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 304.5/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,840.5/100K |
| 6% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Suttons Bay experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 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 31.2 inches. The area receives 114.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 630 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 630 ft (192 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 459/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9796°N, 85.6507°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Grand Traverse County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.2"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
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 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
77 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 93 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1974 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1973 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1963 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2012 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CRAWFORD15 (6,868 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
44 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
88 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
78 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
73 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
73 km |
| 2003 |
WARFIELD ROAD |
800 |
84 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
19-SLBE PETERSON |
605 |
45 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
WARFIELD |
538 |
84 km |
| 1987 |
KALKASKA17 |
520 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Suttons Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in February to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Suttons Bay. 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 | $674 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $742 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Suttons Bay
What is the population of Suttons Bay?
Suttons Bay has a population of 587 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 459 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 69.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.2% female and 53.8% male.
Is Suttons Bay expensive to live in?
Suttons Bay 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 $123,125, 64% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $524,700 (86% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Suttons Bay safe?
Suttons Bay is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 305 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,840 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Suttons Bay receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Suttons Bay?
Suttons Bay has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.2 inches, with 114.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Suttons Bay?
The job market in Suttons Bay is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,140. There are 3,762 business establishments in the area, including 290 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 24.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Suttons Bay?
The median home value in Suttons Bay is $524,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $598,415. The homeownership rate is 82.4%. The average annual property tax is $8,269.
How are the schools in Suttons Bay?
Schools in Suttons Bay score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 63.7% of adults in Suttons Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. 49.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Suttons Bay?
The obesity rate in Suttons Bay is 31.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.8% of adults are smokers. 18.2% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 77.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:755.
What is transportation like in Suttons Bay?
The average commute in Suttons Bay is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 50.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 24.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Suttons Bay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Suttons Bay is 86.4% White, 5.5% Black or African American. 92.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 11.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
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