Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Leelanau, MI
Considering a move to Lake Leelanau, MI? This charming lakeside community of 229 residents offers peaceful living, affordable housing with a median home price of $338,000, and low crime rates (just 106 violent crimes per 100K). With average rents around $1,050, a typical commute of 22 minutes, and strong local schools, Lake Leelanau is ideal for those seeking small-town tranquility and access to beautiful natural surroundings. The area enjoys a mild summer climate and a high rate of homeownership—perfect for families or retirees looking for a welcoming Michigan retreat.
Demographics - Lake Leelanau, MI
Demographics - Lake Leelanau, MI
Lake Leelanau is a small, close-knit community of 229 residents, with a median age of 49.2, reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly White, with over 95% of residents identifying as such, and features a balanced gender ratio. A modest percentage of non-English speakers adds some diversity to this peaceful lakeside village.
Population:
229
Density:
150 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.2
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.6%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake Leelanau, MI?
The cost of living in Lake Leelanau is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 105.5. The median home value stands at $338,000 and typical rents are about $1,050, making it a relatively affordable option for homebuyers and renters alike. Utility and transportation costs remain moderate, while Michigan’s flat state income tax rate of 4.25% helps keep overall expenses manageable.
Median House Value:
$338,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
105.5
Grocery:
103.2
Housing:
108.8
Utilities:
97.6
Transportation:
102.0
Health Care:
97.4
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Lake Leelanau, MI a safe place to live?
Lake Leelanau boasts low crime rates, with just 106 violent crimes and 710 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families and retirees. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is only 1 in 943, reflecting the area's strong sense of security. Property crime risk is also low, contributing to peace of mind for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
106
Property Crimes Per 100k:
710
Crime Index:
816
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 943
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 141
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake Leelanau, MI year-round?
Residents enjoy all four seasons, with mild summers reaching highs of 79°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 32 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sun on roughly half the days each year. This climate provides a picturesque setting for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
31°F
Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
60°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
79°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
50%
Neighbors
Lake Leelanau residents generally experience a comfortable lifestyle, with a median household income of $62,400 and a poverty rate under 8%. Most neighbors are well-educated, with nearly 94% holding a high school diploma or higher, and the average commute is a manageable 22.5 minutes. The community is largely English-speaking, with only 3.5% of residents speaking another language at home.
Median Income:
$36,200
Household Income:
$62,400
Family Income:
$75,700
Per Capita Income:
$31,000
Income Male:
$40,900
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
38.2%
Education
How are the schools in Lake Leelanau, MI?
Lake Leelanau offers quality educational opportunities through local public and private schools, including St. Mary School and Leland Public School, known for their favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is easily accessible, with Northwestern Michigan College just 22 miles away in Traverse City. The community’s schools support a strong educational foundation for families and students.
Public Schools
Name:
St. Mary School (PreK-12, parochial)
Street:
321 N St. Mary Street
Phone:
231-256-9636
Students:
140
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Leland Public School
Street:
200 N Grand Ave, Leland, MI 49654
Phone:
231-256-9857
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary School (see above)
Street:
321 N St. Mary Street
Phone:
231-256-9636
Students:
140
Colleges
Name:
Northwestern Michigan College
City:
Traverse City
State:
MI
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Lake Leelanau is strong, with 93.9% of residents insured and 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people. Local medical needs are served by Munson Healthcare Leelanau Medical Center, while more comprehensive services are available at Munson Medical Center in nearby Traverse City. The area maintains a favorable healthcare index, supporting residents’ well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Munson Healthcare Leelanau Medical Center
Address:
7401 E Duck Lake Rd #600, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
Phone:
(231) 256-7766
Type:
Primary Care & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Munson Medical Center
Address:
1105 Sixth St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone:
(231) 935-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake Leelanau, MI?
Lake Leelanau's housing market is stable, with a median home price of $338,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 83.4%. Rental options are available at an average of $1,050 for a two-bedroom, and the area has seen a 6.7% home appreciation rate in the past year. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates indicate a healthy real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$338,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services at the Michigan Secretary of State, with the nearest full-service branch located in Traverse City. The local DMV offers convenient service options both online and in person. For most standard transactions, the Lake Leelanau office and its website provide helpful resources.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
222 W Main St, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 (nearest full-service branch: 701 S Elmwood Ave, Traverse City, MI 49684)
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.