Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Battle Creek, MI
Considering a move to Battle Creek, MI? With a population of just over 51,000, Battle Creek offers affordable living, with median home prices around $121,000 and average rents near $900. Commute times are short at about 19 minutes, and residents enjoy four distinct seasons with pleasant summers. While the city has higher-than-average crime rates, it features a strong community spirit, local healthcare options, and access to education through public schools and Kellogg Community College. Battle Creek's cost of living is well below the national average, making it an attractive spot for budget-conscious movers.
Demographics - Battle Creek, MI
Demographics - Battle Creek, MI
Battle Creek, Michigan is home to just over 51,000 residents, offering a diverse community where about two-thirds identify as White and nearly one in five as Black or African American. The median age is 37, reflecting a balanced mix of young professionals and families, and around 8% of locals speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
51,097
Density:
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
66.0%
Black:
18.1%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
13.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Battle Creek, MI?
Battle Creek provides an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of about $120,800 and average rents around $900 per month. The overall cost of living index is significantly lower than the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice for individuals and families alike.
Median House Value:
$120,800
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.1
Grocery:
89.7
Housing:
60.4
Utilities:
102.1
Transportation:
94.9
Health Care:
88.6
Miscellaneous:
93.3
Crime
Is Battle Creek, MI a safe place to live?
Battle Creek experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a resident's chance of being a victim of violent crime at about 1 in 115. Property crime is more prevalent, but the city maintains active community safety initiatives to support its neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
870
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,410
Crime Index:
4,280
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 115
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Battle Creek, MI year-round?
Residents of Battle Creek enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs in the mid-80s and cold winters averaging lows in the upper teens. The city sees around 36 inches of annual rainfall and about half of the days are sunny, making for varied and vibrant seasonal living.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
The community features a mix of income levels, with a median household income of $46,000 and a notable poverty rate of 22.7%. Most residents have completed high school, and the average commute is a quick 19 minutes, reflecting the city’s accessible layout and local job opportunities.
Median Income:
$21,400
Household Income:
$46,000
Family Income:
$56,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,100
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$29,500
Poverty Rate:
22.7%
Non English Speakers:
8.4%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
19.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
17.4%
Education
How are the schools in Battle Creek, MI?
Battle Creek offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Battle Creek Central High School and Valley View Elementary, as well as private options and Kellogg Community College. Higher education is easily accessible, with Western Michigan University just 25 miles away, supporting students of all ages and backgrounds.
Public Schools
Name:
Battle Creek Central High School
Street:
100 W Van Buren St
Phone:
269-965-9526
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.1
Name:
Valley View Elementary School
Street:
960 Avenue A
Phone:
269-441-9250
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Philip Catholic Central High School
Street:
20 Cherry St
Phone:
269-963-4503
Students:
150
Colleges
Name:
Kellogg Community College
City:
Battle Creek
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,400
Name:
Western Michigan University
City:
Kalamazoo
State:
MI
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
18,700
Healthcare
Battle Creek is served by major healthcare facilities like Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, providing general and emergency services locally. With 93% of residents insured and a solid ratio of physicians per capita, the city meets most healthcare needs within the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bronson Battle Creek Hospital
Address:
300 North Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49017
Phone:
(269) 966-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.4%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Battle Creek, MI?
The local housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $120,800 and two-bedroom rents averaging $900. Over half of residents own their homes, and the area has seen steady home appreciation and low foreclosure rates, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$120,800
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services at the Michigan Secretary of State office on Beckley Road in Battle Creek, with comprehensive resources available online. The DMV offers convenient support for license renewals, registrations, and other essential transactions.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
5420 Beckley Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49015
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.