Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake City, MI
Considering a move to Lake City, MI? With a small-town feel and a population of just 836, Lake City offers affordable living—median home prices are around $132,000 and average rents just $790. Residents enjoy short commute times of about 22 minutes, low violent crime, and beautiful Michigan seasons with plenty of outdoor recreation. Local schools provide a close-knit educational environment, and living costs are well below the national average, making it a great choice for those seeking a quiet, budget-friendly community.
Demographics - Lake City, MI
Demographics - Lake City, MI
Lake City, Michigan is a small, close-knit community with a population of 836 and a median age of 43.2 years. The city is predominantly White, with minimal diversity, and the gender ratio is nearly balanced. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace of life and a strong sense of local identity.
Population:
836
Density:
1,010 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake City, MI?
Living in Lake City is highly affordable, with a median home value of $132,000 and average rent at $790. The overall cost of living index is about 15% below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families. Utilities and state taxes remain reasonable, helping residents stretch their dollars further.
Median House Value:
$132,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
68.2
Utilities:
95.1
Transportation:
85.9
Health Care:
95.2
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Lake City, MI a safe place to live?
Lake City offers a relatively safe environment, with a low violent crime rate of 170 incidents per 100,000 people. Property crime is more common but still moderate, giving residents peace of mind. The small-town atmosphere contributes to a strong sense of security within the community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,520
Crime Index:
1,690
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake City, MI year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 13°F and warm summers reaching up to 79°F. The area receives about 32.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
79°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Lake City is $38,900, reflecting the area’s affordability. About 89% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and the poverty rate is higher than average at 20.7%. Commute times are short, and public transit usage is minimal, highlighting the city’s small-town character.
Median Income:
$28,400
Household Income:
$38,900
Family Income:
$47,200
Per Capita Income:
$21,500
Income Male:
$32,100
Income Female:
$24,600
Poverty Rate:
20.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.4%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Lake City, MI?
Local public schools, such as Lake City Elementary and High School, offer a supportive environment with moderate class sizes and dedicated staff. Higher education is accessible nearby at Baker College of Cadillac, just 15 miles away. The community values education, with a high high-school graduation rate and opportunities for further learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Lake City Elementary School
Street:
315 E. Russell St
Phone:
231-839-6600
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Name:
Lake City High School
Street:
251 E. Russell St
Phone:
231-839-6600
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1
Colleges
Name:
Baker College of Cadillac
City:
Cadillac
State:
MI
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served by nearby facilities like Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital, with 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. The majority of locals—92%—have health insurance, and emergency care is accessible. Residents benefit from reliable healthcare options close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital
Address:
400 Hobart St, Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone:
(231) 876-7200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.0%
Health Care Index:
68.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake City, MI?
Lake City's housing market is stable and affordable, featuring a median home price of $132,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $800. Most homes are owner-occupied, with a healthy appreciation rate of 7.1% over the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates make this a promising area for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$132,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Michigan Department of State, with a main office in Lansing and a user-friendly website. The state provides accessible services and information for vehicle registration, licensing, and more. Contacting the DMV is straightforward via phone or online resources.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Department of State
Address:
120 W. Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
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.