Median Income
$48,250
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,600
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
330/100K
13% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.1%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$600
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.0%
102% higher than US avg
How Wolverine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population226
Median Age39.2 yrs
Density231/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,250
Per Capita$24,947
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty25.0%
County GDP$912M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,600
Rent$600
Ownership91.4%
Zillow$185,552
Housing Units111
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent330/100K
Property5,860/100K
Health
Obesity43.1%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking19.8%
Depression30.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation820 ft (250 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.1%
High School+90.6%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score5.12
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute31 min
Broadband93.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Wolverine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wolverine receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Wolverine has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wolverine is $48,250, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. The poverty rate of 25.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wolverine is $123,600, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $600 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wolverine 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
10.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Wolverine experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.2 inches, including 111.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Wolverine has a population of 226 with a density of 231 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 39.2 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.1% female and 50.9% male. The city is predominantly White (88.1%), with 8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.1% of residents, while 8.9% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.2yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wolverine vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.1%
16% above US avg
Spanish
8.9%
34% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wolverine vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wolverine is $48,250, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,947 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $921, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 25.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 825 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wolverine vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,250 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,947 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $921 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,647 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.0% |
| 102% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 825 |
| County GDP | $912M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 62 |
| Retail | 128 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,886 |
| 68% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in Wolverine is $123,600, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,552, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $600 (48% 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. 91.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 111 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $5,886 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,600 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $185,552 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $600 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.6% |
| Housing Units | 111 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,886 |
| 68% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.76% |
In Wolverine, 43.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 19.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 30.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,839. The dentist ratio is 1:2,594. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wolverine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.8% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 30.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,839 |
| Dentists | 1:2,594 |
| Mental Health | 1:704 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,234/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 62 |
Wolverine 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 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wolverine receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wolverine 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) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wolverine experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 71°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 36.2 inches. The area receives 111.7 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 820 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 820 ft (250 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 231/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2736°N, 84.6055°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Cheboygan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.2"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 79.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively 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
93 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 70 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
40 km |
2 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
83 km |
1 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1974 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2012 |
EF1 |
77 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 |
81 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
86 km |
| 2000 |
NO PABLO |
5,266 |
90 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
49 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
23 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
93 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
46 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
62 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
48 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
78 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
75 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE MACK LAKE |
875 |
87 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
66 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD16 |
777 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Wolverine has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 19°F in February to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Wolverine. 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 | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $635 |
| Toddler | $635 |
| Preschool | $612 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wolverine
What is the population of Wolverine?
Wolverine has a population of 226 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 231 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.2 years. The population is 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
Is Wolverine expensive to live in?
Wolverine 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 $48,250, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,600 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $600 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wolverine safe?
Wolverine 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, Wolverine receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wolverine?
Wolverine has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.2 inches, with 111.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Wolverine?
The job market in Wolverine is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $921. There are 825 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wolverine?
The median home value in Wolverine is $123,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,552. For renters, the median monthly rent is $600. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,886.
How are the schools in Wolverine?
Schools in Wolverine score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.1% of adults in Wolverine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wolverine?
The obesity rate in Wolverine is 43.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.8% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 30.9% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 65.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,839.
What is transportation like in Wolverine?
The average commute in Wolverine is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wolverine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wolverine is 88.1% White, 8% Hispanic or Latino. 91.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.9% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
