Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dafter, MI
Moving to Dafter, MI offers a serene rural lifestyle with a small-town community of 1,174 residents. The cost of living is notably affordable, with median home prices around $142,000 and average rents near $750. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short 21.5-minute commutes, and easy access to nature. While educational attainment is modest and winters are cold, the area blends affordable living with peaceful surroundings—ideal for those seeking quiet, space, and outdoor opportunities.
Demographics - Dafter, MI
Demographics - Dafter, MI
Dafter, Michigan is a close-knit rural community of 1,174 residents, featuring a predominantly White and Native American population with a median age of 47.2 years. The area is sparsely populated, offering plenty of open space and a balanced gender ratio, making it appealing for those seeking a quieter, small-town lifestyle.
Population:
1,174
Density:
25 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dafter, MI?
Living in Dafter is affordable, with median home values at $142,000 and average rents around $750 per month. The cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals or families seeking value in housing and daily expenses.
Median House Value:
$142,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$118
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.7
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
62.5
Utilities:
101.3
Transportation:
96.8
Health Care:
98.4
Miscellaneous:
93.5
Crime
Is Dafter, MI a safe place to live?
Dafter experiences low crime rates, with violent crime occurring at 182 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime at 1,031 per 100,000, offering a sense of security for residents. The chances of being a victim of violent or property crime are significantly lower than in many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
182
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,031
Crime Index:
1,213
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 550
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 97
Weather
What is the weather like in Dafter, MI year-round?
Residents in Dafter experience cold, snowy winters with temperatures dropping to 7°F and mild summers peaking around 76°F. The area receives about 32.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate distinct, seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
25°F
Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
55°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
76°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
58°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Dafter's households typically earn a median income of $54,000, with a poverty rate of 14.2% and unemployment around 5.9%. The community is well-educated at the high school level, and most commutes are relatively short, averaging just over 21 minutes.
Median Income:
$28,200
Household Income:
$54,000
Family Income:
$63,500
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$33,400
Income Female:
$25,100
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.4%
Bachelors or More:
13.8%
Education
How are the schools in Dafter, MI?
Public education is served by Rudyard Area Schools, offering a student-teacher ratio of 16.5, and higher education opportunities are available at Lake Superior State University, just 13 miles away. While there are no private schools in town, residents have access to quality public and nearby college options.
Public Schools
Name:
Rudyard Area Schools
Street:
11185 W. 2nd St, Rudyard, MI 49780
Phone:
906-478-3771
Students:
590
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Colleges
Name:
Lake Superior State University
City:
Sault Ste. Marie
State:
MI
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Dafter is strong, with 91.7% of residents insured and the nearby War Memorial Hospital providing essential services. There are 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring that medical needs are met within the local area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
War Memorial Hospital
Address:
500 Osborn Blvd, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Phone:
(906) 635-4460
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dafter, MI?
The housing market in Dafter is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $142,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are available with an average rate of $750 for a two-bedroom, and home values have appreciated by 5.2% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$142,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Dafter residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State office in nearby Sault Ste. Marie. The office offers convenient assistance for licensing, registration, and other DMV needs.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
2700 Davenport Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
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.