Michigan / Van Buren County

Moving to Decatur, MI

Thinking of making a move to Decatur, MI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Decatur, MI

Considering a move to Decatur, MI? This welcoming community of 1,588 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $120,500 and average rents near $735. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (49% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Decatur's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Decatur, MI

Decatur has a population of 1,588 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 88% White, 2% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Decatur is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 81.7. Median home values are around $120,500 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $735. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Decatur is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 206 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 58. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Michigan.

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 four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 49% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
18°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
59°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
37°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
49%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $36,700 and a low poverty rate of 21.6%. Over 84% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 13% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Decatur High School, Decatur Middle School, and Decatur Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Southwestern Michigan College and Western Michigan University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Decatur residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Bronson LakeView Hospital and Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people and 89.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $120,500 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 70%. The market has seen a 4.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.8%. Decatur offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Decatur handle vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located in Paw Paw. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

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

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.

FAQs About Moving to Decatur, MI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Decatur, review the core fields on this page: population 1,588, median home value $120,500, average rent for 2 bedroom $735, commute time 23.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 49%.

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