Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Beaver Island, MI
Considering a move to Beaver Island, MI? With a close-knit population of around 600, this beautiful island community offers peaceful living and affordable housing, with median home prices at $225,000 and average rents of $900. Crime rates are very low, and commutes are a breeze at just 7.5 minutes. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by nature, with a highly rated local K-12 school and mild, breezy summers. Explore the simple island life and welcoming atmosphere Beaver Island has to offer!
Demographics - Beaver Island, MI
Demographics - Beaver Island, MI
Beaver Island is home to about 600 residents, offering a tranquil, low-density setting ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life. The median age is 52.4, reflecting a mature community, and the population is predominantly White with a small percentage of non-English speakers.
Population:
600
Density:
20 per sq mi
Median Age:
52.4
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Beaver Island, MI?
Living costs on Beaver Island are generally below the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.0. Housing is relatively affordable, with median home values at $225,000 and typical rents around $900, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median House Value:
$225,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.0
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
88.0
Utilities:
102.0
Transportation:
90.0
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Beaver Island, MI a safe place to live?
Beaver Island offers a safe environment, with a very low violent crime rate of 70 per 100,000 residents and property crime remaining infrequent. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is just 1 in 1,430, contributing to the community’s peaceful reputation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
70
Property Crimes Per 100k:
420
Crime Index:
490
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,430
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 238
Weather
What is the weather like in Beaver Island, MI year-round?
The island experiences cool, breezy summers with highs averaging 77°F and crisp winters dipping to 15°F. Residents enjoy around 49% sunny days each year, and the area receives about 32.5 inches of rainfall annually, supporting lush natural surroundings.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
With a median household income of $48,500 and a poverty rate of 13.5%, Beaver Island's residents enjoy a modest but comfortable lifestyle. The community is well-educated, with over 92% having completed high school, and commute times are short, averaging just 7.5 minutes.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$48,500
Family Income:
$56,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,000
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
7.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Beaver Island, MI?
Beaver Island is served by a well-regarded community school with small class sizes, offering personalized attention for its 60 students. For higher education, North Central Michigan College is accessible by ferry, expanding educational opportunities for island residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Beaver Island Community School
Street:
37895 Kings Hwy
Phone:
231-448-2744
Students:
60
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.5
Colleges
Name:
North Central Michigan College
City:
Petoskey
State:
MI
Distance:
35 miles by ferry/road
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Primary care is locally available at the Beaver Island Rural Health Center, while emergency and advanced services are accessible via ferry to Charlevoix Hospital. Most residents are insured, and there are about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring basic healthcare needs are met.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Beaver Island Rural Health Center
Address:
37304 Kings Hwy, Beaver Island, MI 49782
Phone:
(231) 448-2275
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital
Address:
14700 Lake Shore Dr, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Phone:
(231) 547-4024
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Beaver Island, MI?
The housing market is stable, with a median home price of $225,000 and owner occupancy at 78%. Rental options are limited but affordable, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.3%, suggesting a healthy local real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$225,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services for Beaver Island residents are managed by the Michigan Secretary of State, with resources available online and in-person at the Lansing office. Residents can conveniently access licensing and registration support through the state’s official website.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
111 E. Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906
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.