Median Income
$42,167
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,500
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
251/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$917
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.1%
10% lower than US avg
How Tower Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population271
Median Age55.3 yrs
Density502/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans13.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$42,167
Per Capita$20,647
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty11.1%
County GDP$912M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$91,500
Rent$917
Ownership63.3%
Zillow$194,492
Housing Units195
Rent Burden26.9%
Crime
F
Violent251/100K
Property2,871/100K
Health
Obesity42.7%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking20.4%
Depression32.3%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation748 ft (228 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+83.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.12
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute26 min
Broadband98.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Tower a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tower receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Tower has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tower is $42,167, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tower is $91,500, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Tower is below the national average at 251 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,871 per 100,000, 46% above the national average.
Education
11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Tower has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.0 inches, including 86.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Tower has a population of 271 with a density of 502 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 55.3 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.9% female and 60.1% male. The city is predominantly White (87.8%), with 4.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 13.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.3yrs
Median Age
42% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Tower is $42,167, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,647 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $921, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 825 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,167 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,647 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $921 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,647 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.1% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.1% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 825 |
| County GDP | $912M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 62 |
| Retail | 128 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,886 |
| 68% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Tower is $91,500, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,492, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $917 (21% 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. 63.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 195 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $5,886 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $91,500 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $194,492 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $917 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.7% |
| Housing Units | 195 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,886 |
| 68% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.43% |
In Tower, 42.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 20.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.7% report binge drinking. 27.8% are physically inactive. 32.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,839. The dentist ratio is 1:2,594. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tower vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 13.4% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.4% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.8% |
| Depression | 32.3% |
| Mental Distress | 22.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,839 |
| Dentists | 1:2,594 |
| Mental Health | 1:704 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,234/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 62 |
Tower has a violent crime rate of 251 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,871 per 100,000, 46% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Tower receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tower vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 251.5/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,870.9/100K |
| 46% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tower has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°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 32.0 inches. The area receives 86.9 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 748 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 44.5°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 748 ft (228 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 502/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3518°N, 84.2937°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Cheboygan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pellston Regional/Emmet County (PLN)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.0"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
84 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 64 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
62 km |
2 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2012 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2008 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) (7,478 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) |
7,478 |
90 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
NO PABLO |
5,266 |
89 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
61 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
61 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
20 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
96 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
60 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
75 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
60 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE MACK LAKE |
875 |
87 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
83 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Tower has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 19°F in February to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Tower. 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 | $539 |
| Toddler | $539 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $635 |
| Toddler | $635 |
| Preschool | $612 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tower
What is the population of Tower?
Tower has a population of 271 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 502 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.9% female and 60.1% male.
Is Tower expensive to live in?
Tower 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 $42,167, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,500 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Tower safe?
Tower is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 251 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,871 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Tower receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tower?
Tower has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.0 inches, with 86.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Tower?
The unemployment rate in Tower is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $921. There are 825 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tower?
The median home value in Tower is $91,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,492. For renters, the median monthly rent is $917. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,886.
How are the schools in Tower?
Schools in Tower score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.4% of adults in Tower hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tower?
The obesity rate in Tower is 42.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.4% of adults are smokers. 27.8% are physically inactive. 32.3% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,839.
What is transportation like in Tower?
The average commute in Tower is 26 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tower?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tower is 87.8% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 13.2% of the population are military veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
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