Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Benton Harbor, MI
Thinking of moving to Benton Harbor, MI? This small city of 8,892 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $65,000 and average rents near $850. Benton Harbor has a short average commute of 16.5 minutes and a temperate climate with warm summers and snowy winters. While the cost of living is low, it's important to note higher crime rates and economic challenges, but the community is served by local schools, nearby colleges, and access to Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center.
Demographics - Benton Harbor, MI
Demographics - Benton Harbor, MI
Benton Harbor is a compact city of just under 9,000 people, with a youthful median age of 33.2 and a predominantly Black community making up over 80% of the population. The area features a moderate population density, and a small percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
8,892
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.2
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
12.7%
Black:
83.4%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
3.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Benton Harbor, MI?
Benton Harbor offers a notably affordable lifestyle, with median home values around $65,000 and average rents near $850 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making daily expenses and housing especially budget-friendly for new residents.
Median House Value:
$65,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.8
Grocery:
91.5
Housing:
32.0
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
85.1
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
90.3
Crime
Is Benton Harbor, MI a safe place to live?
Crime in Benton Harbor is higher than average, with violent crime rates at 2,145 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime risk of 1 in 29. Prospective residents should consider these factors when choosing neighborhoods and making safety decisions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
2,145
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,440
Crime Index:
5,585
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 47
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Benton Harbor, MI year-round?
Residents of Benton Harbor experience four distinct seasons, from snowy winters with lows in the 20s to warm summers reaching the low 80s. The city receives about 37 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly half the year, offering a balance of mild and brisk weather.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
The community faces some economic challenges, with a median household income near $22,000 and a poverty rate of 45%. Most residents have completed high school, but relatively few hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and unemployment rates are above the national average.
Median Income:
$19,190
Household Income:
$22,000
Family Income:
$28,800
Per Capita Income:
$14,200
Income Male:
$26,400
Income Female:
$21,000
Poverty Rate:
45.4%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
11.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.9%
Commute Time:
16.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
74.2%
Bachelors or More:
7.1%
Education
How are the schools in Benton Harbor, MI?
Benton Harbor features several public and private school options, including Benton Harbor High School and Lake Michigan Catholic School. Higher education is accessible with Lake Michigan College nearby, and Andrews University just a short drive away, supporting lifelong learning for residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Benton Harbor High School
Street:
870 Colfax Ave
Phone:
269-605-1000
Students:
680
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Fair Plain East Elementary School
Street:
745 Fairplain Ave
Phone:
269-605-1400
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Private Schools
Name:
Lake Michigan Catholic School
Street:
915 Pleasant St
Phone:
269-983-2511
Students:
330
Colleges
Name:
Lake Michigan College
City:
Benton Harbor
State:
MI
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
3,800
Name:
Andrews University
City:
Berrien Springs
State:
MI
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Benton Harbor is served by Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center, a full-service hospital offering emergency care nearby. Most residents are insured, and the area has about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, providing reasonable access to healthcare services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center
Address:
1234 Napier Ave, St Joseph, MI 49085
Phone:
(269) 983-8300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
66.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Benton Harbor, MI?
The local housing market is very accessible, with a median home price of $65,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $850. While homeownership rates are relatively low, rental vacancies are higher than average, and home values have seen modest appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$65,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
36.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State office located on Mall Drive in Benton Harbor. The office provides standard DMV services, and information is available on the official state website.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
1960 Mall Dr, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
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.