Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cedar River, MI
Considering a move to Cedar River, MI? This small lakeshore community of about 200 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $128,000 and average rents near $750. Crime rates are low, and the pace of life is relaxed, with average commutes of 27 minutes and most homes owner-occupied. While educational and healthcare resources are available in nearby towns, you’ll enjoy four seasons, Lake Michigan scenery, and a welcoming, tight-knit community feel.
Demographics - Cedar River, MI
Demographics - Cedar River, MI
Cedar River is a small community of about 200 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age over 53, reflecting a mature and stable demographic. The area has a slightly higher number of males than females, and the majority of residents speak English at home, creating a close-knit and familiar environment.
Population:
200
Density:
45 per sq mi
Median Age:
53.2
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cedar River, MI?
Living in Cedar River is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $128,000. Residents benefit from affordable housing, modest utility and insurance costs, and reasonably priced groceries and healthcare.
Median House Value:
$128,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$995
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.3
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
70.5
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
89.8
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
90.2
Crime
Is Cedar River, MI a safe place to live?
Cedar River experiences very low crime rates, with fewer than 80 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a low risk of property crime. This makes it a safe and secure place for families and retirees seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
78
Property Crimes Per 100k:
985
Crime Index:
1,063
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,282
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 102
Weather
What is the weather like in Cedar River, MI year-round?
The city experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows in the teens and pleasant summers with highs in the upper 70s. Cedar River sees moderate rainfall and enjoys sunshine about half the year, offering a classic northern Michigan climate.

Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
29°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
58°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Cedar River’s residents have a median household income of about $42,800 and a family income over $52,000, with a poverty rate just above 13%. Most people commute around 27 minutes to work, and the community is known for its friendly, hardworking neighbors and quiet rural lifestyle.
Median Income:
$30,500
Household Income:
$42,800
Family Income:
$52,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,500
Income Male:
$31,700
Income Female:
$25,900
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.2%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
27.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.3%
Bachelors or More:
16.5%
Education
How are the schools in Cedar River, MI?
Families in Cedar River can access local public and private schools, with additional educational opportunities at Bay College in Escanaba, just 24 miles away. The area supports strong foundational education in close-knit school environments.

Public Schools
Name:
Bark River-Harris Elementary School
Street:
111 Willard Ave
Phone:
906-466-5334
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1

Private Schools
Name:
Holy Name Catholic School
Street:
409 S 22nd St, Escanaba, MI
Phone:
906-786-7550
Students:
260

Colleges
Name:
Bay College
City:
Escanaba
State:
MI
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is solid, with major hospitals located nearby in Escanaba and Oconto offering emergency services. Over 91% of residents have health insurance, and the area maintains a good ratio of physicians to population for a rural community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group
Address:
3401 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
Phone:
(906) 786-5707
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Bellin Health Oconto Hospital
Address:
820 Arbutus Ave, Oconto, WI 54153
Phone:
(920) 835-1100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cedar River, MI?
The housing market in Cedar River is stable and affordable, with most homes owner-occupied and a median price of $128,000. Rental options are available at reasonable rates, and the area has a low foreclosure rate and steady home appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$128,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Cedar River residents are served by the Michigan Secretary of State office in nearby Escanaba for all driver and vehicle needs, offering convenient access to DMV services and information both in-person and online.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
305 Ludington St, Escanaba, MI 49829
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.