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 9,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $92,000 and average rents near $860. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% 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 9,900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 30 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 14% White, 81% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
9,900
Density
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age
29.7
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
14.0%
Black
80.5%
Asian
0.5%
Others
5.0%

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 77.4. Median home values are around $92,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $860. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$92,000
Gross Rent
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges
$126
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$360
State Taxes
Low: 4.25%| High: 4.25%
Cost Of Living Index
77.4
Grocery
95.0
Housing
39.2
Utilities
101.8
Transportation
94.6
Health Care
98.1
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 1,230 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 25. 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
1,230
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,980
Crime Index
5,210
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 81
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 25

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 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
21°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $41,800 and a low poverty rate of 35.8%. Over 79% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 11% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 11% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$28,500
Household Income
$41,800
Family Income
$48,900
Per Capita Income
$20,200
Income Male
$29,800
Income Female
$25,700
Poverty Rate
35.8%
Non English Speakers
10.6%
Rent
$860
Unemployment Rate
8.7%
Public Transport Usage
11.4%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
78.5%
Bachelors or More
10.8%

Education

How are the schools in Benton Harbor, MI?

Benton Harbor offers quality education options, with public schools like Benton Harbor High School and Mildred C. Wells Preparatory Academy known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Lake Michigan College and Western Michigan 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
520
Student Teacher Ratio
16.0
Name
Mildred C. Wells Preparatory Academy
Street
205 Territorial Rd
Phone
269-605-1100
Students
410
Student Teacher Ratio
15.4

Private Schools

Name
St. John Catholic School
Street
501 Broadway Ave
Phone
269-925-5885
Students
220

Colleges

Name
Lake Michigan College
City
Benton Harbor
State
MI
Distance
3 miles
Students
3,000
Name
Western Michigan University
City
Kalamazoo
State
MI
Distance
40 miles
Students
18,000

Healthcare

Benton Harbor residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph and Bronson LakeView Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 89.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph
Address
1234 Napier Ave, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Phone
(269) 983-8300
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Bronson LakeView Hospital
Address
408 Hazen St, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Phone
(269) 657-1400
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
89.1%
Health Care Index
64.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Benton Harbor, MI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $92,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 44%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.1%. Benton Harbor offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$92,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$860
Owner Occupied Rate
43.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate
1.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Benton Harbor handle vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located in Lansing. 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
Lansing, MI 48918
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 9,900, median home value $92,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $860, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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