Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Elwell, MI
Considering a move to Elwell, MI? This small rural community of around 210 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $112,000 and rents near $800. Enjoy a quiet lifestyle with low violent crime (160 per 100k), short 27-minute commutes, and easy access to public schools and nearby healthcare. While educational attainment is modest, Elwell boasts four distinct seasons and a friendly, close-knit atmosphere—perfect for those seeking simplicity and value.
Demographics - Elwell, MI
Demographics - Elwell, MI
Elwell, MI is a small rural community with a population of about 210 residents, primarily White, and a median age of 44.1 years. The town has a balanced gender ratio and a close-knit feel, with only 3% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Low population density ensures a quiet and spacious environment.
Population:
210
Density:
100 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Elwell, MI?
Elwell offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $112,000 and average rents at $800. Essential expenses such as utilities and groceries are lower than national averages, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and retirees alike. State taxes are moderate, and overall living costs rate well below the U.S. average.
Median House Value:
$112,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
90.0
Housing:
67.0
Utilities:
96.0
Transportation:
91.0
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Elwell, MI a safe place to live?
Elwell experiences relatively low crime, with a violent crime rate of 160 per 100,000 and property crime slightly higher but still manageable for a small town. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 625, contributing to the town’s reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live. Residents enjoy peace of mind thanks to the community’s low crime index.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
160
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,150
Crime Index:
1,310
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 625
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in Elwell, MI year-round?
Elwell features four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging 15°F to 31°F and warm summers ranging from 57°F to 82°F. The area receives about 32.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year. Residents can expect a classic Michigan climate, perfect for those who appreciate seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
31°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Elwell’s neighbors tend to have modest incomes, with household earnings around $53,500 and a family income of $61,000. The area has a low unemployment rate of 5.7% and a typical commute time of 27 minutes, while 89.1% of adults have at least a high school diploma. Friendly, hardworking residents contribute to the town’s welcoming atmosphere.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$53,500
Family Income:
$61,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,400
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
14.3%
Non English Speakers:
3.0%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
16.5%
Education
How are the schools in Elwell, MI?
Families in Elwell have access to local public schools, including St. Louis High School and Carrie Knause Elementary, both offering supportive environments and reasonable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is within reach thanks to Alma College, just 9 miles away, providing additional academic opportunities. While bachelor's degree attainment is modest, the area values foundational education.

Public Schools
Name:
St. Louis High School
Street:
113 E Saginaw St
Phone:
989-681-2500
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Carrie Knause Elementary School
Street:
400 E. Washington St
Phone:
989-681-3527
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.9

Colleges
Name:
Alma College
City:
Alma
State:
MI
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Residents benefit from quality healthcare access, with the nearby MyMichigan Medical Center Gratiot offering comprehensive services and emergency care. There are about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 95% of the population has health insurance coverage. Elwell’s healthcare index suggests reliable and accessible medical support for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
MyMichigan Medical Center Gratiot
Address:
300 E Warwick Dr, Alma, MI 48801
Phone:
(989) 463-1101
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
76.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Elwell, MI?
Elwell’s housing market is attractive for buyers, featuring a median home price of $112,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 81.5%. Rental options are available with average rents at $800, and the area has seen a 6.2% appreciation in home values over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a stable, healthy housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$112,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Elwell residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Michigan Secretary of State office in nearby Ithaca. The local branch is conveniently located, with accessible services and a user-friendly website for online transactions. This makes managing DMV needs straightforward for both new and long-time residents.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
1022 E. Center Street, Ithaca, MI 48847
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.