Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Deford, MI
Considering a move to Deford, MI? This friendly rural community of about 1,200 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $120,000 and average rents near $750. Commute times average 27 minutes, and the area enjoys low crime rates alongside peaceful surroundings. While schools are small and close-knit, access to healthcare and year-round outdoor recreation make Deford ideal for those seeking a quiet, budget-friendly lifestyle with small-town charm.
Demographics - Deford, MI
Demographics - Deford, MI
Deford, Michigan is a small rural community of approximately 1,200 residents, with a median age of 44.7 and a predominately White population. The area maintains a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its close-knit and homogenous character.
Population:
1,200
Density:
45 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.7
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Deford, MI?
Living in Deford is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $120,000 and average rent at $750. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making the area an attractive option for those seeking affordable housing and daily expenses.
Median House Value:
$120,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.7
Grocery:
91.2
Housing:
61.1
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
94.3
Health Care:
91.6
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Deford, MI a safe place to live?
Deford is a relatively safe place to live, with low violent crime rates and a 1 in 617 chance of being a victim of violent crime. Property crime is also limited, fostering a sense of security in this small-town setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
162
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,175
Crime Index:
1,337
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 617
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 85
Weather
What is the weather like in Deford, MI year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons in Deford, with cold winters averaging lows around 15°F and warm summers reaching highs near 82°F. The area receives about 32.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 53% of the year, offering diverse weather for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
30°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $54,600 and a poverty rate of 12.1%. Most residents commute about 27 minutes to work, and public transport usage is negligible, reflecting the area’s rural nature and reliance on personal vehicles.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$54,600
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$24,800
Income Male:
$35,200
Income Female:
$29,300
Poverty Rate:
12.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.8%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.4%
Bachelors or More:
13.9%
Education
How are the schools in Deford, MI?
Deford is served by small public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, and a local private academy is also available. Nearby colleges such as Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University are within a 45-minute drive, expanding educational opportunities for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Cass City Jr./Sr. High School
Street:
4868 N Seeger St, Cass City, MI 48726
Phone:
989-872-2146
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Kingston Elementary School
Street:
3644 Ross St, Kingston, MI 48741
Phone:
989-683-2281
Students:
315
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.6

Private Schools
Name:
Deford Christian Academy
Street:
5715 E Cass City Rd, Deford, MI 48729
Phone:
989-872-3541
Students:
48

Colleges
Name:
Delta College
City:
University Center
State:
MI
Distance:
44 miles
Students:
8,100
Name:
Saginaw Valley State University
City:
University Center
State:
MI
Distance:
48 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Deford residents have access to nearby hospitals with emergency services, such as Hills & Dales General Hospital and McKenzie Health System. The area boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.7%, ensuring most people have access to medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Hills & Dales General Hospital
Address:
4675 Hill St, Cass City, MI 48726
Phone:
(989) 872-2121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
McKenzie Health System
Address:
120 Delaware St, Sandusky, MI 48471
Phone:
(810) 648-3770
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Deford, MI?
Deford's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $120,000 and 81.5% owner occupancy. Rental vacancy rates are moderate, and home values have appreciated steadily in the past year, making it a viable choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$120,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
DMV services for Deford are provided by the Michigan Secretary of State office located in Bad Axe, offering convenient access for vehicle registration and licensing needs. Residents can also utilize the state’s online portal for many transactions.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
706 S Main St, Bad Axe, MI 48413
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.