Median Income
$84,250
12% higher than US avg
Home Value
$260,000
8% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
106/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
46.5%
38% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.2%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
65% lower than US avg
How Walloon Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population258
Median Age49.9 yrs
Density190/mi²
Male / Female63% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans10.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$84,250
Per Capita$68,260
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty4.3%
County GDP$2,559M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$260,000
Ownership72.1%
Zillow$392,643
Housing Units212
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent106/100K
Property1,273/100K
Health
Obesity34.2%
Uninsured5.3%
Smoking13.1%
Depression27.6%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.6 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation952 ft (290 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+46.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+11.1%
School Score6.05
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 44%
Commute21 min
Broadband93.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Walloon Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Walloon Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Walloon Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Walloon Lake is $84,250, 12% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Walloon Lake is $260,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Walloon Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,273 per 100,000, 35% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 46.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Walloon Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.6 inches, including 120.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Walloon Lake has a population of 258 with a density of 190 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 49.9 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.2% female and 62.8% male. The city is predominantly White (96.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 10.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 4.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.9yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Walloon Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Walloon Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Walloon Lake is $84,250, which is 12% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $68,260 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,558 business establishments, including 145 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Walloon Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,250 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $68,260 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,368 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.3% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,558 |
| County GDP | $2,559M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 145 |
| Healthcare | 188 |
| Retail | 248 |
| Manufacturing | 59 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,226 |
| 192% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Walloon Lake is $260,000, 8% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $392,643, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 212 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $10,226 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $260,000 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $392,643 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.9% |
| Housing Units | 212 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,226 |
| 192% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.93% |
In Walloon Lake, 34.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 19.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 5.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:856. The dentist ratio is 1:854. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Walloon Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.2% |
| Depression | 27.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:856 |
| Dentists | 1:854 |
| Mental Health | 1:217 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 72.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 188 |
Walloon Lake has a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,273 per 100,000, 35% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Walloon Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Walloon Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 106.1/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,273.2/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Walloon Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 67°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 36.6 inches. The area receives 120.2 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 952 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 952 ft (290 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 190/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2719°N, 84.9412°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Emmet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.6"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very 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
83 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 70 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
33 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
71 km |
1 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2012 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
19 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 |
89 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
98 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
55 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
57 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
48 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
54 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
67 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
56 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
72 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
72 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
64 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
86 km |
| 1999 |
MACKINAC3 |
741 |
95 km |
| 1996 |
HAGAMAN ROAD |
658 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
582 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
KALKASKA17 |
520 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Walloon Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 19°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Walloon 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 | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $577 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $586 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Walloon Lake
What is the population of Walloon Lake?
Walloon Lake has a population of 258 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 190 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.2% female and 62.8% male.
Is Walloon Lake expensive to live in?
Walloon 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 $84,250, 12% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $260,000 (8% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Walloon Lake safe?
Walloon Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,273 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Walloon Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Walloon Lake?
Walloon Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.6 inches, with 120.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Walloon Lake?
The job market in Walloon Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 1,558 business establishments in the area, including 145 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Walloon Lake?
The median home value in Walloon Lake is $260,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $392,643. The homeownership rate is 72.1%. The average annual property tax is $10,226.
How are the schools in Walloon Lake?
Schools in Walloon Lake score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 46.5% of adults in Walloon Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 11.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Walloon Lake?
The obesity rate in Walloon Lake is 34.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 19.2% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents report depression. 5.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:856.
What is transportation like in Walloon Lake?
The average commute in Walloon Lake is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Walloon Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Walloon Lake is 96.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 10.8% of the population are military veterans. 4.2% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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