Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Harbor Beach, MI
Considering a move to Harbor Beach, MI? This small lakeside city of about 1,600 residents boasts affordable living, with median home prices around $96,000 and average rent just $675. You'll find a relaxed lifestyle, low crime rates, and short 14-minute commutes. The community is close-knit, with good access to basic healthcare and schools, plus the beauty of Lake Huron and a charming small-town feel. If you value peace, affordability, and a slower pace, Harbor Beach could be your next home.
Demographics - Harbor Beach, MI
Demographics - Harbor Beach, MI
Harbor Beach is a small, close-knit community of about 1,600 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 47.1 years. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming and stable environment for families and retirees.
Population:
1,604
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.5%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Harbor Beach, MI?
Living in Harbor Beach is highly affordable, with median home values near $96,000 and average rents around $675 per month. The overall cost of living index is significantly below the national average, ensuring residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Median House Value:
$96,000
Gross Rent:
$675
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.7
Grocery:
89.2
Housing:
52.3
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
84.1
Health Care:
88.5
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Harbor Beach, MI a safe place to live?
Harbor Beach enjoys very low crime rates, with just 115 violent crimes and 960 property crimes per 100,000 people. Residents benefit from a strong sense of safety, making it a reassuring choice for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
115
Property Crimes Per 100k:
960
Crime Index:
1,075
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 870
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 104
Weather
What is the weather like in Harbor Beach, MI year-round?
The city experiences all four seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 78°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. Harbor Beach receives about 31 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly half the year, perfect for those who appreciate a varied climate.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
31°F

Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
50%
Neighbors
Harbor Beach residents typically have a median household income of $44,335 and a family income of $56,000, with a poverty rate of 14.7%. Most neighbors are well-educated, with over 92% holding a high school diploma, and commute times are short, averaging just over 14 minutes.
Median Income:
$30,000
Household Income:
$44,335
Family Income:
$56,000
Per Capita Income:
$23,200
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
14.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.2%
Rent:
$675
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
14.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
15.8%
Education
How are the schools in Harbor Beach, MI?
Harbor Beach offers quality public education with small class sizes, supported by Harbor Beach Community High School and Elementary School. Higher education opportunities are available nearby, including Baker College of Cass City, just 32 miles away, catering to a range of academic needs.

Public Schools
Name:
Harbor Beach Community High School
Street:
402 S 5th St
Phone:
989-479-3261
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Harbor Beach Elementary School
Street:
402 S 5th St
Phone:
989-479-3261
Students:
275
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Colleges
Name:
Baker College of Cass City
City:
Cass City
State:
MI
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Healthcare in Harbor Beach is anchored by the Harbor Beach Community Hospital, providing critical access and emergency services locally. With nearly 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and close to 90% health insurance coverage, essential medical needs are well-supported.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Harbor Beach Community Hospital
Address:
210 S 1st St, Harbor Beach, MI 48441
Phone:
(989) 479-3201
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
72.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Harbor Beach, MI?
The housing market in Harbor Beach is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $96,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 77.8%. Rental vacancies are moderate, and home values have appreciated by over 4% in the past year, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$96,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$675
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
DMV services for Harbor Beach are provided by the Michigan Secretary of State office in nearby Bad Axe, offering accessible vehicle registration and licensing services. Residents can easily find information and complete transactions online or in-person at the local branch.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
100 W. Kinsel 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.