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Is Battle Creek a Good Place to Live? Battle Creek, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Battle Creek ranks #1253 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #504 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($141,900, #22 of 524) and low rents ($957/mo, #30 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (1,055 per 100,000, #433 of 442) and high unemployment (6.3%, #443 of 476).
Battle Creek by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Battle Creek's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Battle Creek?
Battle Creek's cost of living index is 90.5, 9% below the US level of 100 and #226 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $957/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $183,528, 31% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Battle Creek | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 90.5#226 of 1,308 | 94 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $183,528#87 of 1,187 | $266,292 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,138/mo#71 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $141,900#70 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $957/mo#162 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.6%#523 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Battle Creek housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Battle Creek is in the Battle Creek, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Battle Creek safe?
Battle Creek recorded 1,055 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.8 times the US rate of 373 and 2.5 times Michigan's 430. That ranks #1044 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #433 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Battle Creek Police Department. Property crime runs 2,373 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Battle Creek | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 1,055#1044 of 1,083 | 430 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,373#825 of 1,083 | 1,541 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Battle Creek?
The median household in Battle Creek earns $55,693, 28% below the US figure of $76,827 and 19% below Michigan ($68,505). Unemployment is 6.3% (US 4.2%). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Battle Creek | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $55,693#1136 of 1,312 | $68,505 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 6.3%#996 of 1,058 | 4.9% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 17.6%#1022 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Battle Creek?
The median resident of Battle Creek is 38 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 21.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1099 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Battle Creek | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 21.9%#1099 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 66% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Battle Creek's schools and health?
Battle Creek's 17 public schools graduate 77.6% of students in four years (Michigan 82%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $15,319 spent per pupil. 44.4% of adults are obese and 14.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Battle Creek | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 77.6%#933 of 1,063 | 82% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,319#549 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 44.4%#1271 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.3%#1113 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.6%#1122 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9.3%#557 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,471 students are enrolled in Battle Creek's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Battle Creek?
The average commute in Battle Creek is 18.6 minutes (Michigan 22); 0.5% of workers take transit and 8.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Battle Creek scores 7.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.7°F and winters 26.9°F, with 31.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Battle Creek | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18.6 min#231 of 1,312 | 22 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.6%#506 of 1,312 | 6.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.2% | 77.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 1.1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.3% | 2.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8.5% | 10.2% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.7#1122 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31.3 | 17.3 | 1.6 |
| Feb | 34.1 | 18.7 | 1.2 |
| Mar | 45.4 | 27.1 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 58.6 | 37.3 | 2.9 |
| May | 70.1 | 48.7 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 79.4 | 58.4 | 3.4 |
| Jul | 83 | 62 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 80.9 | 60.8 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 74 | 52.9 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 61.2 | 42 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 47.3 | 32.2 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 36.3 | 23.6 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Battle Creek Kellogg Airport.
| Measure | Battle Creek | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 26.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 31.5 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Battle Creek Kellogg Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Battle Creek?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Battle Creek's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Calhoun County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
| Measure | Battle Creek | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#233 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Calhoun County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Calhoun County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0087% | 89% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0058% | 74% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0018% | 39% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.06% | 22% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Battle Creek compare with similar-size cities?
Battle Creek is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #504 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 52,374.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battle Creek, MIPop. 52,374 | #1253 | 42.3 | $55,693 | $957/mo | 1,055 | 18.6 min |
| Kendale Lakes, FLPop. 52,622 | #1137 | 47.1 | $71,621 | $1,968/mo | no data | 32.8 min |
| Catalina Foothills, AZPop. 52,593 | #263 | 62.9 | $115,304 | $1,412/mo | no data | 22 min |
| Joplin, MOPop. 52,593 | #1121 | 47.5 | $52,097 | $962/mo | 559 | 18 min |
| Aloha, ORPop. 52,389 | #458 | 58.8 | $101,934 | $1,896/mo | no data | 25.4 min |
| Mooresville, NCPop. 52,381 | #373 | 60.5 | $89,647 | $1,626/mo | 247 | 24.7 min |
| Cathedral City, CAPop. 52,267 | #952 | 50.9 | $73,572 | $1,601/mo | 334 | 19.9 min |
| West New York, NJPop. 52,004 | #498 | 58.1 | $71,729 | $1,716/mo | 236 | 34.5 min |
| Levittown, NYPop. 51,904 | #13 | 74.8 | $146,068 | $2,656/mo | no data | 33.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Battle Creek compare with the rest of Michigan?
Battle Creek ranks #20 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 42.3 against Michigan's statewide 47.7. Its households earn 19% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 31% below the typical Michigan home.
| City | Rank in MI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy, MIPop. 87,898 | #1 | 69.5 | $120,045 | $1,602/mo | 93 |
| Rochester Hills, MIPop. 77,089 | #2 | 68.7 | $120,694 | $1,644/mo | 62 |
| Royal Oak, MIPop. 57,950 | #3 | 68.6 | $101,109 | $1,381/mo | 153 |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #4 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 |
| Farmington Hills, MIPop. 83,515 | #5 | 65.8 | $104,836 | $1,551/mo | 144 |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #6 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 |
| Livonia, MIPop. 93,851 | #7 | 64.4 | $98,460 | $1,322/mo | 217 |
| St. Clair Shores, MIPop. 58,140 | #8 | 57.9 | $73,500 | $1,183/mo | 233 |
| Sterling Heights, MIPop. 133,573 | #9 | 56.9 | $79,909 | $1,292/mo | 220 |
| Wyoming, MIPop. 77,353 | #10 | 55.9 | $73,677 | $1,196/mo | 459 |
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #11 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 |
| Westland, MIPop. 83,633 | #12 | 54.1 | $62,076 | $1,158/mo | 424 |
| Kentwood, MIPop. 54,296 | #13 | 53.8 | $74,373 | $1,260/mo | 583 |
| Southfield, MIPop. 76,236 | #14 | 51.2 | $68,166 | $1,340/mo | 585 |
| Grand Rapids, MIPop. 198,535 | #15 | 50.9 | $69,108 | $1,266/mo | 894 |
| Dearborn Heights, MIPop. 61,771 | #16 | 50.8 | $60,391 | $1,331/mo | 387 |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #17 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 |
| Taylor, MIPop. 62,081 | #18 | 45.3 | $61,081 | $1,101/mo | 749 |
| Lansing, MIPop. 113,023 | #19 | 45.0 | $54,382 | $993/mo | 1,337 |
| Battle Creek, MIPop. 52,374 | #20 | 42.3 | $55,693 | $957/mo | 1,055 |
| Kalamazoo, MIPop. 73,076 | #21 | 40.7 | $52,272 | $1,078/mo | 1,084 |
| Pontiac, MIPop. 62,104 | #22 | 38.1 | $44,329 | $1,063/mo | 820 |
| Flint, MIPop. 80,175 | #23 | 32.6 | $37,646 | $915/mo | 1,097 |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #24 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 |
All 24 Michigan cities we track, by overall score. Michigan statewide: median income $68,505, violent crime 430 per 100,000.
How is Battle Creek's score calculated?
Battle Creek scores 42.3 out of 100, #1253 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Michigan's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Battle Creek. Similar-size median 55.5.
30.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Battle Creek's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
26.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Battle Creek. Similar-size median 58.9.
29.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Battle Creek's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
49.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Battle Creek's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
85.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Battle Creek. Similar-size median 56.1.
32.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Battle Creek. Similar-size median 42.4.
30.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Battle Creek. Similar-size median 50.0.
48.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Battle Creek's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
35.3 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
84.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Battle Creek's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Battle Creek has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Battle Creek
Is Battle Creek, MI a good place to live?
Battle Creek ranks #1253 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #504 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($141,900, #22 of 524) and low rents ($957/mo, #30 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (1,055 per 100,000, #433 of 442) and high unemployment (6.3%, #443 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Battle Creek?
Battle Creek's cost of living index is 90.5, 9% below the US level of 100 and #226 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $957/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $183,528, 31% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Battle Creek?
Battle Creek recorded 1,055 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.8 times the US rate of 373 and 2.5 times Michigan's 430. That ranks #1044 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #433 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Battle Creek Police Department. Property crime runs 2,373 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Battle Creek?
The median household in Battle Creek earns $55,693, 28% below the US figure of $76,827 and 19% below Michigan ($68,505). Unemployment is 6.3% (US 4.2%). 17.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Battle Creek?
Median rent in Battle Creek is $957/mo (Census), #162 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,138/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Battle Creek?
Zillow's typical home value in Battle Creek is $183,528, up 3.6% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $141,900.
How are the public schools in Battle Creek?
Battle Creek's 17 public schools graduate 77.6% of students in four years (Michigan 82%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $15,319 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Battle Creek?
The average commute is 18.6 minutes, #231 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22 minutes across Michigan. 4.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Battle Creek?
Battle Creek averages 49.3°F over the year, 70.7°F in summer and 26.9°F in winter, with 31.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Battle Creek walkable?
Battle Creek scores 7.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Battle Creek at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Calhoun County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
Who lives in Battle Creek?
Battle Creek has 52,374 residents. The median resident of Battle Creek is 38 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 21.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1099 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Battle Creek compare with the rest of Michigan?
Battle Creek ranks #20 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 42.3 against Michigan's statewide 47.7. Its households earn 19% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 31% below the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Battle Creek?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Battle Creek's population of 52,374 are Kendale Lakes, FL (#1137 overall), Catalina Foothills, AZ (#263 overall), Joplin, MO (#1121 overall), Aloha, OR (#458 overall), and Mooresville, NC (#373 overall). Battle Creek is #1253.