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Moving to Elk Rapids, MI

Thinking of making a move to Elk Rapids, 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 Elk Rapids, MI

Considering a move to Elk Rapids, MI? This welcoming community of 1,627 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $308,000 and average rents near $1,080. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (48% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Elk Rapids's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Elk Rapids, MI

Elk Rapids has a population of 1,627 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 54 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 96% White, 0% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
1,627
Density
900 per sq mi
Median Age
53.8
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
3.4%

Ethnic Composition

White
96.4%
Black
0.2%
Asian
0.5%
Others
2.9%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Elk Rapids, MI?

The cost of living in Elk Rapids is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 98.2. Median home values are around $308,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,060. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$308,000
Gross Rent
$1,060
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$530
State Taxes
Low: 4.25%| High: 4.25%
Cost Of Living Index
98.2
Grocery
96.0
Housing
94.5
Utilities
104.1
Transportation
98.5
Health Care
97.2
Miscellaneous
95.0

Crime

Is Elk Rapids, MI a safe place to live?

Elk Rapids is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 81 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 83. 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
81
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,210
Crime Index
1,291
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,235
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 83

Weather

What is the weather like in Elk Rapids, MI year-round?

Elk Rapids experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 79°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
29°F

Summer

Min
56°F
Max
79°F

Spring

Min
36°F
Max
59°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $64,400 and a low poverty rate of 8.9%. Over 97% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 36% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,000
Household Income
$64,400
Family Income
$76,200
Per Capita Income
$38,200
Income Male
$45,000
Income Female
$34,000
Poverty Rate
8.9%
Non English Speakers
3.4%
Rent
$1,060
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
Public Transport Usage
0.2%
Commute Time
20.7 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
97.0%
Bachelors or More
35.7%

Education

How are the schools in Elk Rapids, MI?

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

Public Schools

Name
Elk Rapids High School
Street
308 Meguzee Point Rd
Phone
231-264-9181
Students
400
Student Teacher Ratio
19:1
Name
Lakeland Elementary School
Street
6870 U.S. 31 N
Phone
231-264-8289
Students
350
Student Teacher Ratio
16:1

Private Schools

Name
St. Mary School
Street
321 E. Third St, Charlevoix
Phone
231-547-9441
Students
150

Colleges

Name
Northwestern Michigan College
City
Traverse City
State
MI
Distance
17 miles
Students
3,600

Healthcare

Elk Rapids residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Munson Healthcare Elk Rapids Clinic and Munson Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people and 93.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Munson Healthcare Elk Rapids Clinic
Address
516 Bridge St, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
Phone
(231) 264-8132
Type
Family Medicine & Primary Care
Emergency Services
No
Name
Munson Medical Center
Address
1105 6th St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone
(231) 935-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage
93.8%
Health Care Index
77.5

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Elk Rapids, MI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $308,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 68%. The market has seen a 4.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Elk Rapids offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$308,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate
68.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.9%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Elk Rapids handle vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located in Traverse City. 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
701 S. Elmwood Ave, Traverse City, MI 49684
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 Elk Rapids, MI

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

Before moving to Elk Rapids, review the core fields on this page: population 1,627, median home value $308,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,080, commute time 20.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

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