Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Buchanan, MI
Thinking of moving to Buchanan, MI? With a small-town population of about 4,350, Buchanan offers affordable living—median home prices are around $142,000 and average rents are just $910. Commute times are short at 22 minutes, and the cost of living is well below the national average. Residents enjoy a friendly community, access to local schools, and nearby healthcare facilities, all set against Michigan’s scenic climate with four seasons and over 50% sunny days each year. Buchanan is a great fit for those seeking a quiet, budget-friendly lifestyle.
Demographics - Buchanan, MI
Demographics - Buchanan, MI
Buchanan is a small Michigan city of around 4,350 residents, with a population density of 1,350 per square mile and a median age close to 40. The community is predominantly White, but also includes Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and about 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The area offers a balanced gender ratio and a welcoming small-town feel.
Population:
4,350
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.6%
Black:
7.7%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Buchanan, MI?
Living in Buchanan is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index of 83.1, well below the national average. Median home values are affordable at $142,000, and average rents are just $910 per month, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking value. Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities also tend to be lower than in many U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$142,000
Gross Rent:
$910
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,160
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$485
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.1
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
60.4
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
85.7
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
94.1
Crime
Is Buchanan, MI a safe place to live?
Buchanan experiences a lower violent crime rate, with the chance of being a victim at about 1 in 476, while property crime is more common with a 1 in 61 chance. The overall crime index is moderate, suggesting residents generally enjoy a safe community with typical small-town security concerns. Neighborhood watch and community engagement help maintain safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,650
Crime Index:
1,860
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 61
Weather
What is the weather like in Buchanan, MI year-round?
Buchanan features four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging in the low 30s and pleasant summers reaching up to 83°F. The city receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny conditions about 52% of the year. Residents can expect mild springs and crisp autumns, ideal for experiencing Michigan’s changing landscapes.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Households in Buchanan typically earn a median income of $50,800, with about 15% of residents living below the poverty line. Commute times are short, averaging about 22 minutes, and the vast majority of locals drive to work. Most adults have completed high school, and the community enjoys a quiet, neighborly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$33,500
Household Income:
$50,800
Family Income:
$62,900
Per Capita Income:
$25,200
Income Male:
$39,600
Income Female:
$29,800
Poverty Rate:
15.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.3%
Rent:
$910
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
16.1%
Education
How are the schools in Buchanan, MI?
Buchanan offers quality public schools, including Buchanan High School and Ottawa Elementary, with manageable class sizes and dedicated staff. Private education is also available at St. Anthony Catholic School, and higher education options are nearby, such as Southwestern Michigan College and Andrews University. The area provides educational opportunities for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Buchanan High School
Street:
401 W Chicago St
Phone:
269-695-8404
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.0
Name:
Ottawa Elementary School
Street:
109 Ottawa St
Phone:
269-695-8409
Students:
270
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Anthony Catholic School
Street:
210 W. Third St
Phone:
269-695-3692
Students:
85
Colleges
Name:
Southwestern Michigan College
City:
Dowagiac
State:
MI
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
2,700
Name:
Andrews University
City:
Berrien Springs
State:
MI
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Residents of Buchanan have access to nearby hospitals such as Spectrum Health Lakeland Niles and Corewell Health Watervliet, both offering emergency services. The city maintains a strong healthcare infrastructure, with 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage. Healthcare is accessible and reliable for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Spectrum Health Lakeland Niles Hospital
Address:
31 N St Joseph Ave, Niles, MI 49120
Phone:
(269) 683-5510
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Corewell Health Watervliet Hospital
Address:
400 Medical Park Dr, Watervliet, MI 49098
Phone:
(269) 463-3111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Buchanan, MI?
The Buchanan housing market is affordable, with median home prices around $142,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $910. Owner-occupancy rates are high at about 66%, and home values have appreciated by 5.2% over the past year, signaling a stable investment environment. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering a range of options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$142,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$910
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Buchanan residents are served by the Michigan Secretary of State office located in nearby Three Oaks. This branch provides essential services such as driver licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers. For more information, locals can visit the Michigan SOS website or call the regional office.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
401 E. Ash Street, Three Oaks, MI 49128
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.