Traverse City, MI, US
Cherry Capital of the World on Lake Michigan with wineries, beaches, and outdoor recreation.
Overview
Traverse City is a city in MI with a population of 16,000. Cherry Capital of the World on Lake Michigan with wineries, beaches, and outdoor recreation. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Traverse City vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.2%
- Sales Tax: 6.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $58,000
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Population: 16,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 165/year
- Summer High: 80°F
- Winter Low: 18°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: $400,000
- 1BR Rent: $1400/mo
Cost of Living
Traverse City's cost of living index is 105 (US average = 100).
| Category | Traverse City | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
| Housing | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $400,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1400/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $266 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Traverse City:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $127 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $82 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $329 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Traverse City scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Traverse City has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38°F | 18°F | 2.5" |
| April | 65°F | 33°F | 2.8" |
| July | 80°F | 55°F | 1.5" |
| October | 60°F | 36°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Traverse City faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms and blizzards.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Tornado risk in southern part of state.
Great Lakes coastal flooding.
Upper Peninsula with avalanches.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.25%
- Sales Tax: 6%
- Property Tax: ~1.54% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
State mandates 180 school days. Some districts start before Labor Day.
Demographics
The population of Traverse City is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Traverse City, MI, US?
The cost of living index in Traverse City is 105, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Traverse City?
The median home price in Traverse City is $400,000. The housing index is 115.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Traverse City is approximately $1400/mo.
Does Traverse City, MI have income tax?
Traverse City is in MI, which has an income tax rate of 4.25%.
What is the climate like in Traverse City?
Traverse City enjoys approximately 165 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 18°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.