Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Indian River, MI
Considering a move to Indian River, MI? With a friendly population of 1,850 and affordable median home prices around $185,000, this small town offers a tranquil lifestyle with low crime rates and short 24-minute commutes. The cost of living is below the national average, and schools are community-focused, while nearby healthcare and beautiful seasonal weather make Indian River a great choice for those seeking a peaceful northern Michigan setting.
Demographics - Indian River, MI
Demographics - Indian River, MI
Indian River is a small, close-knit community of about 1,850 residents, with a median age of 54.2, reflecting its appeal to retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The population is predominantly White, and the area maintains a balanced gender ratio and low linguistic diversity.
Population:
1,850
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
2.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Indian River, MI?
Indian River offers a cost of living that is notably below the national average, featuring a median home value of $185,000 and typical rents around $800 per month. Essential expenses like utilities and groceries remain affordable, making the area attractive for budget-conscious families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,140
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.0
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
69.3
Utilities:
96.7
Transportation:
92.1
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
89.5
Crime
Is Indian River, MI a safe place to live?
Residents of Indian River experience relatively low crime, with a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,050 per 100,000. This provides a safe environment for families and individuals who value peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
135
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,185
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 740
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Indian River, MI year-round?
The town experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging as low as 12°F and warm summers reaching up to 79°F. With 32 inches of annual rainfall and 46% sunny days, residents enjoy a variety of weather throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
30°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
79°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
46%
Neighbors
Indian River's median household income is $54,800, and most residents have at least a high school education, contributing to a stable and engaged community. Commute times are short at around 24 minutes, and the low public transit usage reflects the area's rural character.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$65,400
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$37,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.5%
Bachelors or More:
21.3%
Education
How are the schools in Indian River, MI?
Indian River is served by Inland Lakes public schools, offering small class sizes and a strong sense of community with student-teacher ratios around 16:1. For higher education, North Central Michigan College is located just 28 miles away in Petoskey, providing additional opportunities for lifelong learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Inland Lakes Secondary School
Street:
4363 S Straits Hwy
Phone:
231-238-6868
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Name:
Inland Lakes Elementary School
Street:
4363 S Straits Hwy
Phone:
231-238-6868
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3

Colleges
Name:
North Central Michigan College
City:
Petoskey
State:
MI
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
2,700
Healthcare
Local healthcare is anchored by McLaren Northern Michigan - Cheboygan Campus, offering comprehensive general and emergency services. The community enjoys a high health insurance coverage rate of 91% and accessible physician care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
McLaren Northern Michigan - Cheboygan Campus
Address:
748 S Main St, Cheboygan, MI 49721
Phone:
(231) 627-5601
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
66.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Indian River, MI?
The housing market in Indian River is affordable, with a median home price of $185,000 and over 83% owner occupancy. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and rental vacancy rates are low, indicating a stable housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents can conveniently access Michigan Secretary of State services at the local branch on W M-68, providing essential vehicle and licensing services. The office is easily reachable and serves the needs of the Indian River community.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
7065 W M-68, Indian River, MI 49749
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.