Median Income
$65,000
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$64,200
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
115/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.5%
81% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,168
0% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How Vandalia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population369
Median Age27.2 yrs
Density373/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 65%
Veterans1.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,000
Per Capita$24,466
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$2,875M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$64,200
Rent$1,168
Ownership69.7%
Zillow$326,028
Housing Units140
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent115/100K
Property860/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking14.7%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain39.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation863 ft (263 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.5%
High School+78.4%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score4.97
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute29 min
Broadband72.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Vandalia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vandalia 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, a low poverty rate. Vandalia has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vandalia is $65,000, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vandalia is $64,200, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,168 per month. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Vandalia is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 115 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 860 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
6.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Vandalia 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.
Vandalia has a population of 369 with a density of 373 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 27.2 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.3% female and 57.7% male. The city is predominantly White (65%), with 15.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.2% of residents, while 13.8% speak Spanish. 1.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.2yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.2%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.8%
3% above US avg
The median household income in Vandalia is $65,000, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,466 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,030, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. 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 29 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,466 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,030 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,770 |
| Gini Index | 0.409 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% 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 | 8.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Vandalia is $64,200, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $326,028, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,168 (0% 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. 69.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 140 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $5,168 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $64,200 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $326,028 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $385 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,168 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.3% |
| Housing Units | 140 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,168 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.05% |
In Vandalia, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 16.2% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% 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: Vandalia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,574 |
| Dentists | 1:3,044 |
| Mental Health | 1:483 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,116/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 134 |
Vandalia has a violent crime rate of 115 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 860 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Vandalia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vandalia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 114.7/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 860.1/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vandalia 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 863 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 | 863 ft (263 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 373/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9228°N, 85.9156°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | St. Joseph County County |
| Nearest Airport | South Bend International (SBN)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.7"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.86"
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 |
53 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
76 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
52 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
403 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 160 fatalities, 2,136 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
85 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
47 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
38 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
65 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
45 km |
36 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
45 km |
5 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
67 km |
5 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
56 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 |
84 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 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Vandalia has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Vandalia. 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 Vandalia
What is the population of Vandalia?
Vandalia has a population of 369 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 373 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.3% female and 57.7% male.
Is Vandalia expensive to live in?
Vandalia 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 $65,000, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $64,200 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,168 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Vandalia safe?
Vandalia is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 115 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 860 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Vandalia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vandalia?
Vandalia 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 Vandalia?
The unemployment rate in Vandalia is 5.0%, 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 29 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vandalia?
The median home value in Vandalia is $64,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $326,028. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,168. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,168.
How are the schools in Vandalia?
Schools in Vandalia score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.5% of adults in Vandalia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.4% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vandalia?
The obesity rate in Vandalia is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,574.
What is transportation like in Vandalia?
The average commute in Vandalia is 29 minutes. 76.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vandalia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vandalia is 65% White, 15.7% Black or African American. 86.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.8% speak Spanish. 1.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 99.0% have health insurance coverage.
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