City profile · Michigan · Census ACS 2023

Kalkaska, MI

Population, income, housing, safety, climate and schools for Kalkaska - drawn straight from Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA, NCES, HUD and FEMA, refreshed on the 2024–2025 release cycle.

2,370
Residents
$42,955
Median income
$121,300
Median home
$973
Median rent (state)

Kalkaska - the verdict

Nationally, Kalkaska sits in the 11th percentile for household income and the 54th percentile for safety among US cities with a population of 1,000 or more. Source: Census ACS + FBI UCR.

11th
percentile, household income
18th
percentile, home value
12th
percentile, median rent
54th
percentile, safety
📝 How we sourced this

Population, income, and housing-cost figures come from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates (B-series tables). Crime data uses FBI UCR; climate uses NOAA Climate Normals; school counts come from NCES Common Core of Data; permits use the Census Building Permits Survey (BPS). See our methodology page for the full ETL pipeline and OMB / FIPS join keys.

Data Snapshot: Kalkaska, MI

Michigan's Kalkaska is a small town, with 2,370 residents per the latest Census Bureau ACS figures. Median household income here is $42,955 per year, in the lower quartile of U.S. cities for household income, with a poverty rate of 14.5%. Home values in Kalkaska run a median of $121,300, and the median resident age is 40.1 years. About 18.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, while 48.7% of working-age residents are in the labor force.

Kalkaska reports a comparatively low crime rate: FBI UCR reporting places total crime at 1240.6 incidents per 100,000 residents, below the national average (voluntary agency reporting, reflects reporting activity, not a definitive danger score). The annual average temperature per NOAA climate normals runs 43.0°F with 33.7 inches of precipitation per year and 132.1 inches of snowfall.

Living costs in Michigan run below the national norm: on BEA's 100-equals-national-average cost index, Michigan scores 96.2 (Below Average), per the 2024 Regional Price Parities release. HUD Fair Market Rent for a typical two-bedroom in this state is $973 per month. Monthly utility costs average around $238 across Michigan, per EIA 2023 residential energy estimates. FEMA's National Risk Index rates natural-hazard exposure at 21.3 out of 100 (Very Low).

Population

2,370 residents

Census ACS 2023 - Michigan

Median Household Income

$42,955 /yr

Poverty 14.5%

Cost of Living Index (state)

96.2 (US=100)

Below Average - BEA RPP 2024, Michigan average

How does Kalkaska compare to other US cities?

Here's how Kalkaska stacks up against the full field of US cities (population 1,000+), computed live from Census and FBI data.

Household income 11% higher than other cities
Home value 18% pricier than other cities
Median rent 12% pricier than other cities
Safety 54% safer than other cities

"Safer than" reflects total crime rate from FBI UCR; the others use Census ACS estimates.

Zoom in to just Michigan and the picture shifts: Kalkaska ranks #127 of 254 Michigan cities by lowest crime rate, a different read than the national percentile above.

How we calculate these percentiles & ranks

For each metric we count every US city with population 1,000+ and a non-null value, then compute what share of them fall below Kalkaska's value: round(cities-below ÷ total × 100). Safety is inverted (percentile = share of cities with a higher crime rate) so a higher number always means safer. The in-state rank narrows that same crime-rate comparison to only the cities PlainCities tracks in Michigan, breaking ties alphabetically. See the methodology page for the full source-to-figure lineage.

11thIncome percentile
54thSafety percentile

11th percentile nationally for median household income · 54th percentile for safety (lower crime rate). Source: Census ACS 2023 / FBI UCR 2023.

Kalkaska's profile vs. every US city

Income, affordability, and safety percentile

Kalkaska's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown. 3-axis radar comparing 1 series across Income, Affordability, Safety. IncomeAffordabilitySafety 50 Avg. percentile National median
Kalkaska's percentile rank on 3 favorable-direction measures (income, affordability, safety) vs. every tracked US city -- higher on every axis is more favorable. Not a composite quality score, just the arithmetic mean of the axes shown.

How Kalkaska's home value compares nationally

Median home value vs. every US city (population 1,000+)

$121,300 Among the most affordable more affordable than 82% of 15,600 US cities

$0–$25,000: 5 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $25,000–$50,000: 54 US cities (0%). Below this entry. $50,000–$75,000: 352 US cities (2%). Below this entry. $75,000–$100,000: 1,086 US cities (7%). Below this entry. $100,000–$125,000: 1,516 US cities (10%). This entry sits in this band. $125,000–$150,000: 1,170 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $150,000–$175,000: 1,278 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $175,000–$200,000: 1,229 US cities (8%). Above this entry. $200,000–$225,000: 1,035 US cities (7%). Above this entry. $225,000–$250,000: 976 US cities (6%). Above this entry. $250,000–$275,000: 754 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $275,000–$300,000: 712 US cities (5%). Above this entry. $300,000–$325,000: 521 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $325,000–$350,000: 526 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $350,000–$375,000: 465 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $375,000–$400,000: 393 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $400,000–$425,000: 317 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $425,000–$450,000: 300 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $450,000–$475,000: 307 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $475,000–$500,000: 250 US cities (2%). Above this entry. $500,000–$525,000: 160 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $525,000–$550,000: 156 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $550,000–$575,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $575,000–$600,000: 172 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $600,000–$625,000: 163 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $625,000–$650,000: 167 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $650,000–$675,000: 135 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $675,000–$700,000: 101 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $700,000–$725,000: 95 US cities (1%). Above this entry. $725,000–$750,000: 71 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $750,000–$775,000: 65 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $775,000–$800,000: 70 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $800,000–$825,000: 57 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $825,000–$850,000: 67 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $850,000–$875,000: 60 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $875,000–$900,000: 58 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $900,000–$925,000: 47 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $925,000–$950,000: 37 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $950,000–$975,000: 31 US cities (0%). Above this entry. $975,000–$1,000,000: 470 US cities (3%). Above this entry. $1,000,000–$1,025,000: 0 US cities (0%). Above this entry. Kalkaska $0 $1,025,000 every US city, bucketed by value

Each bar is a $25K-wide band; taller bars hold more US cities. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates · 2023

Income distribution context

Household income distribution - Kalkaska, MI Kalkaska, MI's reported median household income shown against the U.S. national quintile-share pattern (not Kalkaska, MI-specific quintile data). The Lorenz curve traces the national cumulative income share against cumulative population share, perfect equality is the diagonal; observed inequality bows below. $ Household Income Distribution Kalkaska, MI median $42,955/yr, vs. U.S. national quintile pattern QUINTILE SHARE OF AGGREGATE INCOME Lowest 20% 3.4% Second 20% 9.2% Middle 20% 15.1% Fourth 20% 23.2% Top 20% 49.1% LORENZ CURVE cumulative income vs. population 100% 0% 100% pop. 0%
Kalkaska, MI's median household income (Census ACS 5-year estimate) plotted against the U.S. national income-quintile distribution pattern for context; the quintile shares and Lorenz curve are national figures, not computed specifically for Kalkaska, MI. Diagonal = perfect equality.

Key socioeconomic indicators

Bachelor's degree or higher (adults 25+) 18.5%

Census ACS S1501, educational attainment

Poverty rate (households below FPL) 14.5%

Census ACS S1701, poverty status

Labor force participation (adults 16+) 48.7%

Census ACS S2301, share of working-age residents in the labor force

Population
2,370
Median Income
$42,955
Median Home Value
$121,300
Median Age
40.1
Poverty Rate
14.5%
Labor force participation
48.7%
Bachelor's Degree+
18.5%

Safety & Crime

Total Crime Rate
1240.6
per 100,000 residents
Violent Crime
88.6
per 100,000 residents
Property Crime
1152.0
per 100,000 residents

Reflects incidents reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program — agency participation is voluntary and reporting completeness varies by jurisdiction and year, so this reflects reporting activity, not a definitive danger score. Not adjusted for tourism, commuter, or daytime population.

Climate

Avg Temperature
43.0°F
Annual Precipitation
33.7"
Annual Snowfall
132.1"

Schools

Total Schools
5
Public schools in this city

Population Change

Annual U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program (PEP) estimates, 2020–2025

See the fastest-growing cities →
2,150 residents2,200 residents2,250 residents2,300 residents 202020212022202320242025 2,180 residents 2,258 residents ▲ +3.6%
Kalkaska's Census PEP population estimates, 2020–2025.

Commute Patterns

How workers travel to work, Census ACS 2023

Drive Alone
84.6%
Carpool
9.8%
Public Transit
0.0%
Walk
3.3%
Work from Home
1.3%
Other
1.0%

Based on 898 workers 16 and over.

Monthly Utility Costs

State-average estimates for Michigan - EIA 2023 residential energy data

Electricity
$105
avg/month
Natural Gas
$85
avg/month
Water & Sewer
$48
avg/month
Total Utilities
$238
estimated/month

Estimates reflect Michigan state averages. Actual costs vary by home size, usage, and local rates. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023.

Living Costs & Risk

Cost of living is a Michigan state average from BEA; rent and hazard risk are county-level figures from HUD and FEMA for the county Kalkaska sits in

Cost of Living Index
96.2
Below Average
US average = 100 · BEA RPP 2024
Typical 2-BR Rent
$973/mo
HUD Fair Market Rent
County-level FMR estimate
Natural Hazard Risk
21.3 / 100
Very Low
FEMA NRI composite score (county)

Similar Cities in Michigan

Edgemont Park
2,367 people
Manchester
2,375 people
Argentine
2,357 people
Bridgman
2,383 people
Hudson
2,385 people
Spring Arbor
2,385 people

Cities of a Similar Size Nationwide

Population-matched peers from other states, closest to Kalkaska's 2,370 residents (Census ACS 5-Year 2023).

Bayard, NM
2,370 people
Middlebranch, OH
2,370 people
Remlap, AL
2,369 people
Bay, AR
2,369 people
Loma Rica, CA
2,371 people
Carthage, TN
2,369 people

Cities with a Similar Household Income Nationwide

Median-household-income-matched peers from other states, closest to Kalkaska's $42,955 (Census ACS 5-Year 2023, table B19013).

Bethel, OH
$42,961 median income
Henderson, AR
$42,948 median income
Trion, GA
$42,969 median income
Kellnersville, WI
$42,969 median income
Dewey, OK
$42,940 median income
Millinocket, ME
$42,936 median income

Race & Ethnicity Composition

Race and ethnicity - Kalkaska, MI Race categories sum to one hundred percent per Census methodology. Hispanic or Latino is shown separately as an ethnicity overlay; it cuts across all race categories per OMB Directive 15. Race & Ethnicity Composition Kalkaska, MI - Census ACS, OMB race + ethnicity categories RACE, sums to 100% 87.5% 6.9% ETHNICITY, Hispanic or Latino (any race) 1.6% White 87.5% Black or African American 3.3% Asian 0.5% American Indian 0.2% Native Hawaiian 0.0% Some other race 1.6% Two or more races 6.9% Per OMB Directive 15: Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is reported separately from the race categories.
Race categories sum to 100%. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity is reported separately and cuts across race per Census/OMB methodology.

City-level race and ethnicity, Census ACS 5-year 2023 (tables B02001, B03001), OMB Directive 15 categories.

How Kalkaska compares to nearby Michigan cities

Population + median household income, sourced from Census Bureau ACS 5-year B01001 (population) and B19013 (median household income).

City Population Median Household Income
Kalkaska (this city) 2,370 $42,955
Edgemont Park 2,367 $62,120
Manchester 2,375 $81,393
Argentine 2,357 $100,733
Census ACS 5-year FIPS MI FBI UCR NOAA Normals NCES CCD OMB Bulletin 23-01

What do people ask about Kalkaska, MI?

What is the population of Kalkaska, MI? +

2,370 people live in Kalkaska, MI according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023 estimates.

What is the median household income in Kalkaska, MI? +

Kalkaska households earn a median of $42,955 annually, based on Census ACS 2023 data.

What is the cost of living in Kalkaska? +

BEA does not publish a city-level cost-of-living figure for Kalkaska; the closest available measure is the Michigan state average, a cost of living index of 96.2 (U.S. average = 100), rated "Below Average" based on BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 data. Costs within Michigan vary by metro area.

Is Kalkaska, MI safe? +

Kalkaska has a total crime rate of 1240.6 per 100,000 residents, which is below the national average. This reflects incidents reported to the FBI UCR program, not a definitive safety score -- agency reporting is voluntary and completeness varies by jurisdiction.

What is the median home value in Kalkaska, MI? +

A typical home in Kalkaska is worth $121,300, according to Census ACS 2023 estimates.

What is the climate like in Kalkaska? +

Kalkaska has an average annual temperature of 43.0°F, 33.7 inches of precipitation, and 132.1 inches of snowfall per year. Source: NOAA Climate Normals.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year 2023, FBI UCR, NOAA Climate Normals, NCES CCD, Census ACS B08301/B08136, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2023, BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, HUD Fair Market Rents 2026, FEMA National Risk Index.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Primary sources: Census ACS, FBI UCR, NOAA Climate Normals, NCES.

Citation & verification links Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainCities Editorial

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Every figure on PlainCities is rendered directly from Census ACS source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on Census ACS source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.