Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gaylord, MI
Thinking of moving to Gaylord, MI? With a friendly small-town vibe and a population of around 4,370, Gaylord offers a low cost of living, with median home values near $191,000 and average rents at $950. Commutes are a breeze at just 17 minutes, and you'll have access to quality healthcare and local schools. While crime rates are moderate, the area boasts all four seasons, beautiful natural surroundings, and year-round outdoor activities—making it a great choice for those seeking affordable, relaxed living in northern Michigan.
Demographics - Gaylord, MI
Demographics - Gaylord, MI
Gaylord, MI is a close-knit community of about 4,370 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 41.3, reflecting a mix of families and retirees. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
4,370
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.3
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gaylord, MI?
Living in Gaylord is quite affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $191,000. Residents benefit from modest rental rates and reasonable utility costs, making it an attractive option for those seeking value in northern Michigan.
Median House Value:
$191,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,175
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.2
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
68.9
Utilities:
93.7
Transportation:
97.6
Health Care:
95.3
Miscellaneous:
87.4
Crime
Is Gaylord, MI a safe place to live?
Gaylord experiences moderate crime, with a property crime rate that means about a 1 in 52 chance annually, and a violent crime risk of 1 in 398. While crime is present, it remains manageable for most residents, especially with the city's strong sense of community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
251
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,905
Crime Index:
2,156
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 398
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 52
Weather
What is the weather like in Gaylord, MI year-round?
Gaylord enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring cold, snowy winters with lows near 12°F and warm summers peaking around 78°F. Residents experience about 44% sunny days each year and an average annual rainfall of 32 inches, making it ideal for those who appreciate outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
27°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
57°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
The community in Gaylord is friendly and diverse, with a median household income of $48,700 and a poverty rate of nearly 14%. Most residents have completed high school, commutes are short at just over 17 minutes, and public transportation is limited, reflecting the area's small-town feel.
Median Income:
$30,100
Household Income:
$48,700
Family Income:
$61,900
Per Capita Income:
$26,100
Income Male:
$34,900
Income Female:
$26,400
Poverty Rate:
13.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
17.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.8%
Education
How are the schools in Gaylord, MI?
Gaylord offers a range of educational opportunities, from local public schools like Gaylord High School to private options and nearby colleges such as North Central Michigan College. Class sizes are moderate, and residents benefit from access to both K-12 and higher education within or near the city.

Public Schools
Name:
Gaylord High School
Street:
90 Livingston Blvd
Phone:
989-731-0969
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Name:
Gaylord Intermediate School
Street:
240 E 4th St
Phone:
989-731-0856
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary Cathedral School
Street:
321 N Otsego Ave
Phone:
989-732-5801
Students:
250

Colleges
Name:
North Central Michigan College (Gaylord Center)
City:
Gaylord
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
600
Name:
Kirtland Community College
City:
Grayling
State:
MI
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong in Gaylord, supported by Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital and a high insurance coverage rate of 91.7%. The city has nearly two physicians per thousand residents, ensuring most health needs are met locally.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital
Address:
825 N Center Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735
Phone:
(989) 731-2100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gaylord, MI?
Gaylord's housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $191,000 and over half of residents owning their homes. The area sees stable appreciation, low foreclosure rates, and a healthy mix of rental options, making it suitable for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$191,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Gaylord are conveniently provided by the Michigan Secretary of State office on S Otsego Ave, with accessible support and online resources available through the state website. Residents can easily manage licensing and registration locally.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
931 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735
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.