Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chelsea, MI
Considering a move to Chelsea, MI? With a friendly population of about 5,500 and a median home price near $340,000, Chelsea offers a blend of small-town charm and convenient amenities. The city features excellent schools, a low violent crime rate of just 120 per 100K, and short average commutes of 23.5 minutes. Enjoy four distinct seasons, a vibrant arts scene, and easy access to high-quality healthcare—all in a welcoming community close to Ann Arbor.
Demographics - Chelsea, MI
Demographics - Chelsea, MI
Chelsea is a close-knit community of about 5,500 residents, with a median age of 44.2, reflecting a mix of families and retirees. The population is predominantly White, and just 6% speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
5,500
Density:
1,375 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chelsea, MI?
Residents of Chelsea experience a moderate cost of living, with a median home value around $340,000 and average rents near $1,150. The cost of living index sits slightly above the national average, but utilities and groceries remain affordable for most households.
Median House Value:
$340,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,290
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,825
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$675
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.0
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
105.5
Utilities:
103.0
Transportation:
104.6
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Chelsea, MI a safe place to live?
Chelsea boasts a low violent crime rate of 120 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crime is also relatively uncommon, giving newcomers peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
980
Crime Index:
1,100
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 830
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 102
Weather
What is the weather like in Chelsea, MI year-round?
Chelsea experiences all four seasons, with winter lows averaging 16°F and summer highs reaching about 83°F. The city receives around 33.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 52% of the year, offering a pleasant Midwestern climate.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Households in Chelsea enjoy a median income of $77,400, with a low poverty rate of 7.5%. Most residents are highly educated, with over 46% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and average commute times are a manageable 23.5 minutes.
Median Income:
$41,800
Household Income:
$77,400
Family Income:
$98,200
Per Capita Income:
$41,000
Income Male:
$52,000
Income Female:
$41,800
Poverty Rate:
7.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.0%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.4%
Bachelors or More:
46.7%
Education
How are the schools in Chelsea, MI?
Chelsea offers well-regarded public schools such as Chelsea High School and Beach Middle School, along with a private Montessori option. Higher education is within reach, with the University of Michigan and Washtenaw Community College only about 16–17 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Chelsea High School
Street:
740 N Freer Rd
Phone:
734-433-2201
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Name:
Beach Middle School
Street:
445 Mayer Dr
Phone:
734-433-2202
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1

Private Schools
Name:
Chelsea Montessori School
Street:
500 Washington St
Phone:
734-433-1000
Students:
55

Colleges
Name:
Washtenaw Community College
City:
Ann Arbor
State:
MI
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
11,000
Name:
University of Michigan
City:
Ann Arbor
State:
MI
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
48,000
Healthcare
Chelsea is served by Chelsea Hospital, a full-service facility with emergency care, and the community benefits from a high health insurance coverage rate of 97%. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, quality healthcare is readily accessible.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Chelsea Hospital (Trinity Health & University of Michigan Health)
Address:
775 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118
Phone:
(734) 593-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.0%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chelsea, MI?
The local housing market features a median home price of $340,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 63.5%. Home values have appreciated by 7.2% in the past year, signaling a healthy and stable market for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$340,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle needs through the Michigan Secretary of State office, conveniently located in nearby Ann Arbor. Services are accessible both in-person and online, making DMV tasks straightforward.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
1110 Eisenhower Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
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.