Michigan / County

Moving to Benton Harbor, MI

Thinking of making a move to Benton Harbor, MI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Benton Harbor, MI

Considering a move to Benton Harbor, MI? This welcoming community of 8,892 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $65,000 and average rents near $850. Commute times average 17 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (49% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Benton Harbor's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Benton Harbor, MI

Benton Harbor has a population of 8,892 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 33 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 13% White, 83% Black, and 0% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Benton Harbor is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 74.8. Median home values are around $65,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Benton Harbor is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 2,145 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 29. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Michigan.

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?

Benton Harbor experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 21°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 49% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
21°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
60°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
49%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $22,000 and a low poverty rate of 45.4%. Over 74% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 17 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Benton Harbor High School and Fair Plain East Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Lake Michigan College and Andrews University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people and 89.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 strong, with a median home price of $65,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 36%. The market has seen a 6.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 11.1%. Benton Harbor offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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 of Benton Harbor handle vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located in Benton Harbor. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Michigan
Department
Michigan Secretary of State
Address
1960 Mall Dr, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Phone
1-888-767-6424

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.

FAQs About Moving to Benton Harbor, MI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Benton Harbor, review the core fields on this page: population 8,892, median home value $65,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $850, commute time 16.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 49%.

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