Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Barbeau, MI
Considering a move to Barbeau, MI? This small rural community of around 900 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $145,000 and average rents of $810. Enjoy peaceful surroundings, low violent crime rates (132 per 100K), and short average commutes of 23 minutes. While winters are cold and snowy, Barbeau offers access to local schools, nearby Lake Superior State University, and the region's natural beauty—perfect for those seeking a quiet, close-knit lifestyle in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Demographics - Barbeau, MI
Demographics - Barbeau, MI
Barbeau is a small, close-knit community of about 900 residents, featuring a median age of 48 and a population density of 25 people per square mile. The area is predominantly White, with over 86% of residents, and has a nearly even gender balance. Most residents speak English at home, with only 2.4% speaking another language, reflecting the town’s traditional and stable character.
Population:
900
Density:
25 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
12.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Barbeau, MI?
Living in Barbeau is notably affordable, with a median home value of $145,000 and average rent at $810 per month. The cost of living index is 87.9, well below the national average, allowing residents to enjoy reasonable housing, utility, and transportation costs. Michigan's flat state income tax of 4.25% and modest expenses for essentials make Barbeau attractive for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$145,000
Gross Rent:
$810
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.9
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
65.7
Utilities:
95.8
Transportation:
89.6
Health Care:
92.3
Miscellaneous:
91.7
Crime
Is Barbeau, MI a safe place to live?
Barbeau is a safe place to live, with a low violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,060 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 757 chance of experiencing violent crime, which is considerably below national averages. The community's small size and rural setting contribute to its reputation for safety and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
132
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,060
Crime Index:
1,192
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 757
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 94
Weather
What is the weather like in Barbeau, MI year-round?
Barbeau experiences classic Upper Peninsula seasons, with cold, snowy winters—lows around 9°F—and mild summers reaching up to 77°F. The area gets about 32.5 inches of rainfall annually, and sunny days make up 45% of the year. Residents should be prepared for brisk falls and springs, enjoying outdoor activities during the pleasant summer months.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
26°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
56°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Barbeau's residents enjoy a median household income of $54,200 and a family income of $60,500, with a poverty rate of 13.5%. The average commute is a manageable 23 minutes, and nearly 90% of adults have at least a high school diploma. With minimal public transit use, most locals rely on personal vehicles for daily travel in this rural community.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$54,200
Family Income:
$60,500
Per Capita Income:
$25,750
Income Male:
$32,800
Income Female:
$25,100
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.4%
Rent:
$810
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
23.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.5%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Barbeau, MI?
Families in Barbeau benefit from access to local public schools such as Rudyard Area Schools and Sault Area Middle School, both offering reasonable student-teacher ratios around 15:1. While there are no private schools locally, higher education is accessible at Lake Superior State University, just 18 miles away. The community values education, with nearly 90% of adults having completed high school or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
Rudyard Area Schools
Street:
11185 W 2nd St
Phone:
906-478-3771
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Sault Area Middle School
Street:
684 Marquette Ave
Phone:
906-635-3839
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Colleges
Name:
Lake Superior State University
City:
Sault Ste. Marie
State:
MI
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Barbeau residents have convenient access to War Memorial Hospital in nearby Sault Ste. Marie, which provides general and emergency care. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 92% of residents covered by health insurance, healthcare is accessible for most in the area. The local healthcare index of 68.4 reflects generally good availability and affordability.
Major Hospitals
Name:
War Memorial Hospital
Address:
500 Osborn Blvd, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Phone:
(906) 635-4460
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.3%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Barbeau, MI?
The housing market in Barbeau is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $145,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 79%. Renting is also accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $810 and a rental vacancy rate of 6%. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year, reflecting steady but modest growth.
Median Home Price:
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$810
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Barbeau manage vehicle registrations and licensing through the Michigan Secretary of State office in nearby Sault Ste. Marie. The DMV provides a full range of services both in person and online, making it convenient to handle driving and registration needs. The office is located at 2700 W. Chicago Blvd and offers assistance by phone or through the state website.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
2700 W. Chicago Blvd, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.