Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Clare, MI
Considering a move to Clare, MI? This friendly small town of 3,224 offers a budget-friendly cost of living, with median home prices near $110,000 and average rents around $820. Crime rates are below national averages, and you'll enjoy a short average commute of 19 minutes. Clare is known for its close-knit community, accessible healthcare, and classic four-season Michigan weather. Local schools are well-regarded, and you'll find plenty of outdoor recreation in the heart of Michigan.
Demographics - Clare, MI
Clare, MI is a small, close-knit community of about 3,200 residents, with a median age of 39 and a population density that ensures a friendly, small-town feel. The city is predominantly White, with a small but present mix of other ethnicities, and just under 4% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
3,224
Density:
1,090 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
2.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Clare, MI?
Clare offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $110,000 and average rent around $820, making it attractive for budget-conscious families and individuals. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, and residents benefit from moderate utility and insurance costs.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
92.2
Housing:
60.1
Utilities:
96.7
Transportation:
89.8
Health Care:
98.3
Miscellaneous:
94.1
Crime
Is Clare, MI a safe place to live?
Clare experiences relatively low crime rates, with violent crimes at 218 per 100,000 residents and property crime rates that are lower than many cities of similar size. Residents enjoy a good sense of safety in their neighborhoods, making it a comfortable place to settle down.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
218
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,440
Crime Index:
1,658
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 459
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Clare, MI year-round?
Clare experiences classic Michigan four-season weather, with cold winters, warm summers reaching up to 81°F, and comfortable transitions in spring and fall. The city receives about 31.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year.

Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
31°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
81°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Residents in Clare typically earn a median household income of about $39,300, with a family income slightly higher at $53,100. Most neighbors have completed high school, commute times are short at just 19 minutes, and the community maintains a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Median Income:
$28,800
Household Income:
$39,300
Family Income:
$53,100
Per Capita Income:
$21,900
Income Male:
$31,700
Income Female:
$25,200
Poverty Rate:
19.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
19.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.6%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Clare, MI?
Clare features several well-regarded public schools, including Clare Primary, Middle, and High School, each offering a supportive learning environment and manageable student-teacher ratios. Nearby colleges such as Mid Michigan College offer convenient options for higher education.

Public Schools
Name:
Clare Primary School
Street:
205 E Wheaton Ave
Phone:
989-386-6561
Students:
440
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Clare Middle School
Street:
307 Schoolcrest Ave
Phone:
989-386-9979
Students:
460
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Name:
Clare High School
Street:
306 Schoolcrest Ave
Phone:
989-386-7789
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.7

Private Schools
Name:
Clare SDA School
Street:
202 E Seventh St
Phone:
989-386-3386
Students:
30

Colleges
Name:
Mid Michigan College
City:
Harrison
State:
MI
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
4,500
Healthcare
Clare is served by MyMichigan Medical Center, providing general and emergency care, and there are nearly two physicians per 1,000 residents. Most people in Clare have health insurance, contributing to a strong sense of community well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
MyMichigan Medical Center Clare
Address:
703 N McEwan St, Clare, MI 48617
Phone:
(989) 802-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.4%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Clare, MI?
The local housing market is accessible, with median home prices at $110,000 and an owner-occupied rate over 60%. Modest home appreciation and a reasonable vacancy rate offer opportunities for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can handle vehicle and licensing needs at the Michigan Secretary of State office on Enterprise Dr in Clare, with full information and services available online and by phone. The DMV provides essential local support for new arrivals and longtime residents alike.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
2181 Enterprise Dr, Clare, MI 48617
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.