Median Income
$52,337
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,800
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
895/100K
136% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.7%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,094
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.4%
40% lower than US avg
How Vandercook Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,434
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density968/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,337
Per Capita$33,558
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty7.4%
County GDP$9,061M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,800
Rent$1,094
Ownership92.3%
Zillow$183,802
Housing Units2,146
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent895/100K
Property4,275/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking15.2%
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation973 ft (297 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.7%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score4.94
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute18 min
Broadband91.6%
EV Stations26
Libraries14
Is Vandercook Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vandercook Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Vandercook Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vandercook Lake is $52,337, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vandercook Lake is $125,800, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,094 per month. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 895 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 4,275 per 100,000, 118% above the national average.
Education
17.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Vandercook Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Vandercook Lake has a population of 4,434 with a density of 968 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.8% female and 53.2% male. The city is predominantly White (90.6%), with 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Vandercook Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Vandercook Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Vandercook Lake is $52,337, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,558 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,195, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,104 business establishments, including 259 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Vandercook Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,337 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,558 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,195 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,973 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.4% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,104 |
| County GDP | $9,061M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 259 |
| Healthcare | 404 |
| Retail | 484 |
| Manufacturing | 251 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,416 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Vandercook Lake is $125,800, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,802, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 107.7% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,094 (6% 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. 92.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,146 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $5,416 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,800 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,802 |
| Median List Price | $159,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $159,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $143 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 107.7% |
| Price Drops | 6.3% |
| Inventory | 16 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,094 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.7% |
| Housing Units | 2,146 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,416 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.31% |
In Vandercook Lake, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 28.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,320. The dentist ratio is 1:1,468. 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vandercook Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,320 |
| Dentists | 1:1,468 |
| Mental Health | 1:286 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,855/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 404 |
Vandercook Lake has a violent crime rate of 895 per 100,000 residents, 136% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,275 per 100,000, 118% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 28 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Vandercook Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vandercook Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 895.1/100K |
| 136% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,274.9/100K |
| 118% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vandercook Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 973 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 973 ft (297 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 968/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1914°N, 84.3855°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Capital Region International (LAN)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.2"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.58"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
86 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
70 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
113 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
55 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
103 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
137 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
104 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
114 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
108 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
439 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 92 fatalities, 1,436 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF4 |
100 km |
7 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
23 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
82 km |
4 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Sep 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
18 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Vandercook Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Vandercook Lake. 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 | $498 |
| Toddler | $511 |
| Preschool | $511 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $744 |
| Toddler | $744 |
| Preschool | $682 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vandercook Lake
What is the population of Vandercook Lake?
Vandercook Lake has a population of 4,434 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 968 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
Is Vandercook Lake expensive to live in?
Vandercook Lake 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 $52,337, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,800 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,094 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Vandercook Lake safe?
Public safety is a concern in Vandercook Lake, with a violent crime rate of 895 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 4,275 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Vandercook Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vandercook Lake?
Vandercook Lake 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 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Vandercook Lake?
The job market in Vandercook Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,195. There are 3,104 business establishments in the area, including 259 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vandercook Lake?
The median home value in Vandercook Lake is $125,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,802. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,094. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,416.
How are the schools in Vandercook Lake?
Schools in Vandercook Lake have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 17.7% of adults in Vandercook Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vandercook Lake?
The obesity rate in Vandercook Lake is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 28.8% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,320.
What is transportation like in Vandercook Lake?
The average commute in Vandercook Lake is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vandercook Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vandercook Lake is 90.6% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 22.0% of residents have a disability. 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
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