Median Income
$48,852
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,200
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
981/100K
158% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.2%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$815
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
7% lower than US avg
How Three Rivers Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,936
Median Age34.9 yrs
Density1,420/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,852
Per Capita$24,693
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty11.5%
County GDP$2,875M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,200
Rent$815
Ownership54.3%
Zillow$215,613
Housing Units3,489
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
F
Violent981/100K
Property4,606/100K
Murder13.1/100K
Assault654/100K
Burglary680/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking19.0%
Depression29.3%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain39.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation797 ft (243 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.2%
High School+90.1%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute19 min
Broadband90.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Three Rivers a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Three Rivers receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Three Rivers has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Three Rivers is $48,852, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Three Rivers is $120,200, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $815 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 981 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,606 per 100,000, 135% above the national average.
Education
15.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Three Rivers experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.7 inches, including 41.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Three Rivers has a population of 7,936 with a density of 1,420 people per square mile, spread across 5.7 square miles. The median age is 34.9 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (76.3%), with 1.9% Hispanic, 10.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 18.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.9yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Three Rivers vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.2%
61% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Three Rivers vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Three Rivers is $48,852, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,693 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,030, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,282 business establishments, including 106 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). 2.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Three Rivers vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,852 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,693 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,030 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,770 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.5% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,282 |
| County GDP | $2,875M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 106 |
| Healthcare | 134 |
| Retail | 192 |
| Manufacturing | 120 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,168 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.30% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |
The median home value in Three Rivers is $120,200, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,613, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $815 (30% 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. 54.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,489 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $5,168 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,200 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $215,613 |
| Median List Price | $211,200 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $211,200 |
| $/Sq Ft | $158 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.0% |
| Price Drops | 23.1% |
| Inventory | 26 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $815 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.7% |
| Housing Units | 3,489 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,168 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.30% |
In Three Rivers, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 34.4% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 29.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,574. The dentist ratio is 1:3,044. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Three Rivers vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.4% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 29.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,574 |
| Dentists | 1:3,044 |
| Mental Health | 1:483 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,116/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 134 |
Three Rivers has a violent crime rate of 981 per 100,000 residents, 158% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 654.2 per 100,000, robbery at 104.7, rape at 209.3. The murder rate is 13.1 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,606 per 100,000, 135% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,520, burglary at 680, vehicle theft at 406 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Three Rivers receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Three Rivers vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 981.3/100K |
| 158% above US avg |
| Murder | 13.1/100K |
| 108% above US avg |
| Rape | 209.3/100K |
| Robbery | 104.7/100K |
| Assault | 654.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,605.5/100K |
| 135% above US avg |
| Burglary | 680.4/100K |
| Theft | 3,519.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 405.6/100K |
| Arson | 13.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 80 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Three Rivers experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.7 inches. The area receives 41.2 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 797 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 797 ft (243 m) |
| Area | 5.7 sq mi (14.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,420/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9454°N, 85.6295°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | St. Joseph County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.7"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
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 |
36 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
127 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
53 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
43 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
406 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 151 fatalities, 2,064 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
92 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
45 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
62 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
55 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
37 km |
5 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
40 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
60 km |
5 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
47 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 |
107 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 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Three Rivers has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Three Rivers. 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 | $558 |
| Toddler | $558 |
| Preschool | $444 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $662 |
| Toddler | $662 |
| Preschool | $602 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Three Rivers
What is the population of Three Rivers?
Three Rivers has a population of 7,936 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,420 people per square mile, spread across 5.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Three Rivers expensive to live in?
Three Rivers 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 $48,852, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,200 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $815 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Three Rivers safe?
Public safety is a concern in Three Rivers, with a violent crime rate of 981 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,606 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Three Rivers receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Three Rivers?
Three Rivers has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.7 inches, with 41.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Three Rivers?
The unemployment rate in Three Rivers is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,030. There are 2,282 business establishments in the area, including 106 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 2.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Three Rivers?
The median home value in Three Rivers is $120,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,613. For renters, the median monthly rent is $815. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,168.
How are the schools in Three Rivers?
Schools in Three Rivers score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.2% of adults in Three Rivers hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Three Rivers?
The obesity rate in Three Rivers is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 29.3% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,574.
What is transportation like in Three Rivers?
The average commute in Three Rivers is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Three Rivers?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Three Rivers is 76.3% White, 10.8% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.4% of residents have a disability. 90.5% have health insurance coverage.
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