Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hessel, MI
Considering a move to Hessel, MI? This charming community of about 200 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $168,000 and average rents of $790. Hessel boasts a relaxed rural lifestyle, low crime rates (violent crime at 110 per 100K), and short average commutes of under 20 minutes. Families will find a welcoming environment with access to local schools and natural beauty in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, though amenities are limited and the climate features snowy winters and mild summers.
Demographics - Hessel, MI
Demographics - Hessel, MI
Hessel, MI is a small rural community with about 200 residents, a median age of 57, and a population density of 40 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White (85%) with a notable Native American presence and a slightly higher number of males than females. This close-knit area has a low percentage of non-English speakers, fostering a quiet and neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
approximately 200
Density:
40 per sq mi
Median Age:
57.0
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
0.5%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hessel, MI?
Hessel offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $168,000 and average rents at $790. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making daily expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation more budget-friendly for residents. State income tax is consistent at 4.25%, helping keep overall living costs manageable.
Median House Value:
$168,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.0
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
71.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
93.0
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Hessel, MI a safe place to live?
Hessel experiences low crime rates, with violent crime at 110 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 950 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a relatively safe environment, as the chance of violent crime is about 1 in 900. This peaceful setting makes Hessel appealing for those seeking a secure and tranquil lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
950
Crime Index:
1,060
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 105
Weather
What is the weather like in Hessel, MI year-round?
Hessel's climate features cold, snowy winters with lows around 10°F, while summers are mild, rarely exceeding highs of 77°F. The area receives about 31 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 43% of the year. Seasonal changes bring distinct outdoor opportunities, from snowy activities in winter to pleasant summer days by the lake.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
27°F

Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
56°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F

Fall
Min:
33°F
Max:
61°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Residents of Hessel typically have a median household income of $44,200, with a poverty rate of 11.2% and an unemployment rate of 6.1%. The community values education, with nearly 93% having completed high school or higher, and enjoys short average commutes of under 20 minutes. The area is quiet and close-knit, with very low public transportation usage and affordable rents.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$44,200
Family Income:
$54,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,500
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.0%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.8%
Bachelors or More:
18.5%
Education
How are the schools in Hessel, MI?
Local families benefit from Les Cheneaux Community Schools, which offers a small-town educational experience with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible at Lake Superior State University, located 29 miles away in Sault Ste. Marie. The community values education, with a strong rate of high school completion among residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Les Cheneaux Community Schools
Street:
298 E M-134
Phone:
906-484-2256
Students:
310
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1

Colleges
Name:
Lake Superior State University
City:
Sault Ste. Marie
State:
MI
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Hessel is supported by facilities like War Memorial Hospital in nearby Sault Ste. Marie, providing general and emergency care. There are about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 91% of residents have health insurance coverage. Access to care is reliable, with a healthcare index that indicates satisfactory services for a rural area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
War Memorial Hospital
Address:
500 Osborn Blvd, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Phone:
(906) 635-4460
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hessel, MI?
Hessel’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $168,000 and about 73% of residents owning their homes. Rental options are available, with average rents for a two-bedroom around $790 and a vacancy rate of 9%. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking value.
Median Home Price:
$168,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Hessel residents are served by the Michigan Secretary of State office located in Escanaba, which provides driver and vehicle services for the region. The DMV is accessible by phone or online, making it easy to handle licensing and registration needs. Services are managed at the state level, ensuring consistent standards across Michigan.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
2700 College Ave, Escanaba, MI 49829
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.