Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Benzonia, MI
Considering a move to Benzonia, MI? This small village of around 500 residents offers a tranquil, low-density lifestyle with affordable housing—median home prices at $172,000 and rents averaging $830. Crime rates are low, and average commutes are a manageable 21 minutes. While the cost of living is below the national average, Benzonia boasts access to K–12 schools and a local hospital. Experience the charm of northern Michigan living with four distinct seasons and plenty of outdoor recreation nearby.
Demographics - Benzonia, MI
Demographics - Benzonia, MI
Benzonia, MI is a small, close-knit village of about 500 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 47.2 years. The community is slightly older than the national average, and most people speak English at home, contributing to a friendly, familiar atmosphere.
Population:
497
Density:
390 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.8%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Benzonia, MI?
The cost of living in Benzonia is quite affordable, with a median home value of $172,000 and average rents around $830. Daily expenses such as groceries and utilities are below national averages, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$172,000
Gross Rent:
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,090
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$435
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.3
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
71.8
Utilities:
96.4
Transportation:
86.2
Health Care:
97.3
Miscellaneous:
88.9
Crime
Is Benzonia, MI a safe place to live?
Benzonia experiences low crime rates, with violent crimes occurring at 145 per 100,000 people and property crimes at 1,125 per 100,000. This means residents enjoy a safe, peaceful environment with a low overall risk of crime.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
145
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,125
Crime Index:
1,270
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 690
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Benzonia, MI year-round?
Benzonia features four true seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 16°F and warm summers peaking near 78°F. Residents can expect about 44% sunny days annually and moderate yearly rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal changes and outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
31°F

Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Households in Benzonia typically earn a median income of $46,500, with a poverty rate of 14.1% and an average commute of just over 21 minutes. Most residents have completed high school, and public transport use is minimal, reflecting the village's rural character.
Median Income:
$30,700
Household Income:
$46,500
Family Income:
$57,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,800
Income Male:
$32,100
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
14.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$830
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.4%
Bachelors or More:
16.7%
Education
How are the schools in Benzonia, MI?
Families in Benzonia benefit from local public schools such as Benzie Central Middle and High School, both offering manageable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is accessible at Northwestern Michigan College, located about 34 miles away in Traverse City.

Public Schools
Name:
Benzie Central Middle School
Street:
9300 Homestead Rd
Phone:
231-882-4497
Students:
290
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Benzie Central High School
Street:
9300 Homestead Rd
Phone:
231-882-4497
Students:
440
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.1

Colleges
Name:
Northwestern Michigan College
City:
Traverse City
State:
MI
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to general and surgical care at nearby Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital in Frankfort, and the area boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.8%. Healthcare services are supported by 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring basic medical needs are met locally.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital
Address:
224 Park Ave, Frankfort, MI 49635
Phone:
(231) 352-2200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Benzonia, MI?
Benzonia's housing market is affordable with a median home price of $172,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of nearly 72%. The market has seen steady appreciation, and rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $830.
Median Home Price:
$172,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services in Benzonia are handled by the Michigan Secretary of State office in nearby Beulah, with convenient online resources and local support for residents' DMV needs.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
448 Court Pl, Beulah, MI 49617
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.