Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hillsdale, MI
Thinking of moving to Hillsdale, MI? With a friendly small-town feel and a population of just over 8,000, Hillsdale offers affordable living—median home prices are around $120,000 and average rents near $800. Commutes are a breeze at about 16 minutes, and you'll find a close-knit community with access to local schools and Hillsdale College. While the cost of living is much lower than national averages, you'll want to consider modest incomes and a property crime rate of 1,420 per 100k. Enjoy four distinct seasons and small-town charm in this welcoming Michigan city.
Demographics - Hillsdale, MI
Demographics - Hillsdale, MI
Hillsdale is a close-knit city of just over 8,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 30.1 and a population density of 1,400 per square mile. The community is predominantly White, though a small but growing diversity is present, and the gender balance is nearly even. Non-English speakers make up about 3.5% of the population, reflecting modest cultural variety.
Population:
8,036
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
4.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hillsdale, MI?
Living in Hillsdale is highly affordable, with a median home value of $120,000 and average rents around $800 per month. The cost of living index is notably below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking value. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also budget-friendly, helping residents stretch their dollars further.
Median House Value:
$120,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.0
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
52.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
94.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Hillsdale, MI a safe place to live?
Hillsdale experiences a relatively low violent crime rate, with only about 177 incidents per 100,000 people, but property crimes are more common at 1,420 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of property crime is approximately 1 in 70. Overall, the city offers a generally safe environment with some need for awareness regarding property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
177
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,597
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 565
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Hillsdale, MI year-round?
Hillsdale enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 82°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The city receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine about half the year. Residents can expect a classic Midwestern climate, ideal for those who appreciate seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Households in Hillsdale typically have a median income of around $45,800 and a family income of $60,500, with 18.5% of the population living below the poverty line. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and commutes are short, averaging about 16 minutes. The area has a strong sense of community, but some economic challenges remain.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$45,800
Family Income:
$60,500
Per Capita Income:
$21,800
Income Male:
$34,500
Income Female:
$28,100
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
15.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
24.0%
Education
How are the schools in Hillsdale, MI?
Hillsdale offers a range of educational opportunities, from public schools like Hillsdale High School and Gier Elementary to private options such as Hillsdale Academy. Higher education is anchored by the prestigious Hillsdale College, attracting 1,500 students to the city. The area is well-suited for families and students seeking quality education in a small-town setting.
Public Schools
Name:
Hillsdale High School
Street:
30 S Norwood Ave
Phone:
517-439-4320
Students:
425
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Name:
Gier Elementary School
Street:
175 Spring St
Phone:
517-437-7361
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1
Private Schools
Name:
Hillsdale Academy
Street:
1 Academy Ln
Phone:
517-439-8644
Students:
190
Colleges
Name:
Hillsdale College
City:
Hillsdale
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,500
Name:
Jackson College
City:
Jackson
State:
MI
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
4,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to local care at Hillsdale Hospital, which provides general and surgical services with emergency care available. Health insurance coverage is high, with 91% of the population insured, and there are approximately 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people. The community benefits from accessible healthcare resources and a supportive medical environment.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hillsdale Hospital
Address:
168 S Howell St, Hillsdale, MI 49242
Phone:
(517) 437-4451
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hillsdale, MI?
The Hillsdale housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $120,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $800. Nearly 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen a steady appreciation rate of 4.3% over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, making it an appealing choice for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$120,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Hillsdale residents are served by the Michigan Secretary of State office, conveniently located in the city for licensing and registration needs. The local DMV provides easy access to state motor vehicle services. More information is available on the Michigan Secretary of State's official website.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
98 N Broad St, Hillsdale, MI 49242
Phone:
(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.