Median Income
$61,827
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,600
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
395/100K
4% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$726
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.5%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How Vassar Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,704
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density1,258/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$61,827
Per Capita$28,535
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty13.6%
County GDP$1,769M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,600
Rent$726
Ownership64.3%
Zillow$192,133
Housing Units1,179
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent395/100K
Property276/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault355/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity41.5%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking17.4%
Depression28.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation637 ft (194 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score4.99
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute26 min
Broadband82.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries10
Is Vassar a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vassar receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Vassar has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vassar is $61,827, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.6% 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 Vassar is $134,600, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $726 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
The violent crime rate of 395 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 276 per 100,000, 86% below the national average.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Vassar experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Vassar has a population of 2,704 with a density of 1,258 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (85.3%), with 4.7% Hispanic, 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.5% of residents, while 8.5% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.5%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.5%
37% below US avg
The median household income in Vassar is $61,827, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,535 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $976, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 921 business establishments, including 66 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,827 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,535 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $976 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,247 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 921 |
| County GDP | $1,769M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 66 |
| Healthcare | 108 |
| Retail | 136 |
| Manufacturing | 51 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,650 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.71% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Vassar is $134,600, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,133, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $726 (38% 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. 64.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,179 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $3,650. 27.9% 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 | $134,600 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $192,133 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $726 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,179 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,650 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.71% |
In Vassar, 41.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 28.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,307. The dentist ratio is 1:2,787. 54.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vassar vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.5% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 28.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,307 |
| Dentists | 1:2,787 |
| Mental Health | 1:350 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,016/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 108 |
Vassar has a violent crime rate of 395 per 100,000 residents, 4% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 355.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 39.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 276 per 100,000, 86% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 276, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Vassar receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vassar vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 394.6/100K |
| 4% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 39.5/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 355.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 276.2/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 276.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vassar experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 34.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 637 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 637 ft (194 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,258/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3708°N, 83.5775°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Tuscola County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bishop International (FNT)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.2"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
319 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 142 fatalities, 1,474 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
37 km |
116 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF4 |
99 km |
11 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
42 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1953 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
22 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Sep 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 1984 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1952 |
LAKE HURON, MI |
Avalanche |
1.5 m |
— |
100 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Vassar has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 21°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Vassar. 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 | $462 |
| Toddler | $510 |
| Preschool | $510 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $705 |
| Toddler | $705 |
| Preschool | $683 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vassar
What is the population of Vassar?
Vassar has a population of 2,704 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,258 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Vassar expensive to live in?
Vassar 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 $61,827, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,600 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $726 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 Vassar safe?
The violent crime rate in Vassar is 395 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 276 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Vassar receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vassar?
Vassar has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Vassar?
The unemployment rate in Vassar is 5.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $976. There are 921 business establishments in the area, including 66 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vassar?
The median home value in Vassar is $134,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,133. For renters, the median monthly rent is $726. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,650.
How are the schools in Vassar?
Schools in Vassar score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.5% of adults in Vassar hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vassar?
The obesity rate in Vassar is 41.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 28.9% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 54.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,307.
What is transportation like in Vassar?
The average commute in Vassar is 26 minutes. 78.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vassar?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vassar is 85.3% White, 2.4% Black or African American, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino. 91.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.5% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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