Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Decatur, MI
Considering a move to Decatur, MI? This friendly small town of 1,588 offers affordable living with a median home price of just $120,500 and average rent around $735. Residents enjoy a moderate commute time of 23 minutes, four distinct seasons, and access to nearby healthcare and educational options. Crime rates are typical for rural Michigan, and the cost of living is substantially below the national average. Decatur is a great fit for those seeking an affordable, quiet community with a classic Midwest lifestyle.
Demographics - Decatur, MI
Demographics - Decatur, MI
Decatur is a welcoming small town of 1,588 people, with a median age of 37.6 and a population density of 1,002 per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with modest diversity, and most residents speak English at home.
Population:
1,588
Density:
1,002 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.6
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.8%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
9.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Decatur, MI?
Decatur offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $120,500 and average monthly rent of $735. Housing, utilities, and groceries are all well below national averages, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$120,500
Gross Rent:
$735
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,410
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.7
Grocery:
91.4
Housing:
68.2
Utilities:
94.1
Transportation:
87.8
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
90.2
Crime
Is Decatur, MI a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Decatur are comparable to similar rural Michigan communities, with a 1 in 485 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 58 chance of property crime. Overall, residents enjoy a sense of safety typical of small towns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
206
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,710
Crime Index:
1,916
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 485
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 58
Weather
What is the weather like in Decatur, MI year-round?
Decatur experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 39 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine nearly half the year, offering a classic Midwest climate.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Local households in Decatur have a median income of $36,700, and about 21% of residents live below the poverty line. The community enjoys a relaxed pace, with short commutes averaging 23 minutes and a high school graduation rate of over 84%.
Median Income:
$24,200
Household Income:
$36,700
Family Income:
$41,800
Per Capita Income:
$19,300
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$25,800
Poverty Rate:
21.6%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$735
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.3%
Bachelors or More:
12.6%
Education
How are the schools in Decatur, MI?
Decatur’s public schools serve students from elementary through high school, with small class sizes averaging 16–17 students per teacher. Higher education is accessible at Southwestern Michigan College, just 14 miles away, and Western Michigan University in nearby Kalamazoo.
Public Schools
Name:
Decatur High School
Street:
110 Cedar St
Phone:
269-423-6900
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Name:
Decatur Middle School
Street:
110 Cedar St
Phone:
269-423-6900
Students:
190
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Decatur Elementary School
Street:
110 Cedar St
Phone:
269-423-6972
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Colleges
Name:
Southwestern Michigan College
City:
Dowagiac
State:
MI
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
2,100
Name:
Western Michigan University
City:
Kalamazoo
State:
MI
Distance:
31 miles
Students:
16,600
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to nearby hospitals like Bronson LakeView and Borgess-Lee Memorial, with 89% of locals having health insurance coverage. There are 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, supporting the community’s healthcare needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bronson LakeView Hospital
Address:
408 Hazen St, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Phone:
(269) 657-3141
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Address:
420 W High St, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Phone:
(269) 782-7820
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
71.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Decatur, MI?
The Decatur housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $120,500 and 70% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available, and the market is stable, showing steady appreciation over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$120,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$735
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
DMV and licensing services for Decatur are provided by the Michigan Secretary of State, with a convenient branch located in nearby Paw Paw. Residents can handle vehicle registration, licensing, and other services both in person and online.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
Secretary of State Branch Office, 103 S. Kalamazoo St., Paw Paw, MI 49079
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.