Median Income
$56,188
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,500
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
330/100K
13% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.1%
91% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$921
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.0%
11% lower than US avg
How Vanderbilt Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population398
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density365/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,188
Per Capita$37,363
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty11.0%
County GDP$1,498M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,500
Rent$921
Ownership66.7%
Zillow$189,692
Housing Units229
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
F
Violent330/100K
Property5,860/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking18.9%
Depression30.1%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,101 ft (336 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.1%
High School+79.8%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute17 min
Broadband82.6%
EV Stations6
Libraries3
Is Vanderbilt a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vanderbilt receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Vanderbilt has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vanderbilt is $56,188, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. 11.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vanderbilt is $106,500, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $921 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
Violent crime in Vanderbilt is below the national average at 330 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,860 per 100,000, 199% above the national average.
Education
3.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Vanderbilt has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.9 inches, including 140.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Vanderbilt has a population of 398 with a density of 365 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.7% female and 57.3% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%), with 2.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Vanderbilt vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Vanderbilt vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Vanderbilt is $56,188, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,363. The average weekly wage is $1,022, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 811 business establishments, including 72 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Vanderbilt vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,188 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,363 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,022 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,187 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.0% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 811 |
| County GDP | $1,498M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 72 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 147 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,149 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.0% |
The median home value in Vanderbilt is $106,500, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,692, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $921 (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. 66.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 229 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,149 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% 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 | $106,500 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $189,692 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $921 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.3% |
| Housing Units | 229 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,149 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.90% |
In Vanderbilt, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 33.8% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 30.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,149. The dentist ratio is 1:1,425. 80.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vanderbilt vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.8% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 30.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,149 |
| Dentists | 1:1,425 |
| Mental Health | 1:314 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,434/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Vanderbilt has a violent crime rate of 330 per 100,000 residents, 13% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,860 per 100,000, 199% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Vanderbilt receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vanderbilt vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 330.1/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,859.7/100K |
| 199% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vanderbilt has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 66°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 36.9 inches. The area receives 140.3 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 1,101 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.5°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,101 ft (336 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 365/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.1436°N, 84.6639°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Otsego County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.9"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
106 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 70 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
25 km |
2 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
69 km |
1 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1973 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2018 |
EF1 |
99 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 |
68 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
51 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
NO PABLO |
5,266 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
34 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
35 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
26 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
82 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
32 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
48 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
34 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
80 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
56 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
63 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
60 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE MACK LAKE |
875 |
77 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
50 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-8°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Vanderbilt has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 16°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Vanderbilt. 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 | $520 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $571 |
| Toddler | $571 |
| Preschool | $551 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanderbilt
What is the population of Vanderbilt?
Vanderbilt has a population of 398 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 365 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 42.7% female and 57.3% male.
Is Vanderbilt expensive to live in?
Vanderbilt 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 $56,188, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,500 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $921 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 Vanderbilt safe?
Vanderbilt is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 330 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,860 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Vanderbilt receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vanderbilt?
Vanderbilt has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.9 inches, with 140.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Vanderbilt?
The job market in Vanderbilt is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,022. There are 811 business establishments in the area, including 72 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 12.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vanderbilt?
The median home value in Vanderbilt is $106,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,692. For renters, the median monthly rent is $921. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,149.
How are the schools in Vanderbilt?
Schools in Vanderbilt score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.1% of adults in Vanderbilt hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.8% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vanderbilt?
The obesity rate in Vanderbilt is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 30.1% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 80.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,149.
What is transportation like in Vanderbilt?
The average commute in Vanderbilt is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vanderbilt?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vanderbilt is 95.2% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 29.3% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
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