Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Manistee, MI
Thinking of moving to Manistee, MI? This charming lakeshore city of about 6,000 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $144,000 and average rents at $790. Residents enjoy short 15-minute commutes, low violent crime, and access to local schools and a community hospital. With a relaxed pace, beautiful Lake Michigan views, and four distinct seasons, Manistee combines small-town community with scenic outdoor living.
Demographics - Manistee, MI
Demographics - Manistee, MI
Manistee is home to around 6,000 residents, with a median age of 45.2 years, reflecting a mature and settled community. The city is predominantly White at 91.7%, and features a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, offering a friendly small-town atmosphere.
Population:
6,068
Density:
1,520 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.7%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
6.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Manistee, MI?
Living in Manistee is affordable, with a median home value of $144,000 and average rents near $790, making it attractive for both homeowners and renters. The cost of living index is well below the national average, particularly in housing, while utilities and groceries remain reasonably priced.
Median House Value:
$144,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,460
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
93.7
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
101.5
Transportation:
89.0
Health Care:
90.2
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Manistee, MI a safe place to live?
Manistee enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate, with just 200 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 500 chance of violent crime. Property crime is more common, but overall, the city provides a safe environment for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
200
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,750
Crime Index:
1,950
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 500
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 57
Weather
What is the weather like in Manistee, MI year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with mild summers averaging highs of 78°F and cold, snowy winters dipping to 17°F. Annual rainfall is moderate at 33 inches, and about 46% of days are sunny, perfect for enjoying Lake Michigan’s scenic beauty.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
46%
Neighbors
Manistee’s community features a median household income of $44,800 and a family income of $56,400, with a typical commute time of just under 15 minutes. While the poverty rate is somewhat higher at 18.5%, most residents have completed high school, and the city maintains a close-knit, welcoming feel.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$44,800
Family Income:
$56,400
Per Capita Income:
$25,300
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$23,800
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
5.3%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
14.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.2%
Bachelors or More:
19.8%
Education
How are the schools in Manistee, MI?
Manistee offers a range of educational options, including well-attended public and private schools and access to community college just 18 miles away. With student-teacher ratios around 15–18 in local schools, families benefit from personal attention and strong academic programs.
Public Schools
Name:
Manistee Middle/High School
Street:
525 12th St
Phone:
231-723-2547
Students:
705
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Jefferson Elementary School
Street:
515 Bryant Ave
Phone:
231-723-9285
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Private Schools
Name:
Manistee Catholic Central School
Street:
1200 US 31 S
Phone:
231-723-2529
Students:
160
Colleges
Name:
West Shore Community College
City:
Scottville
State:
MI
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are met locally by Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital, offering general and emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, residents have reliable access to essential medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital
Address:
1465 E Parkdale Ave, Manistee, MI 49660
Phone:
(231) 398-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
71.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Manistee, MI?
The housing market in Manistee is accessible, with a median home price of $144,000 and a healthy 65.7% owner-occupancy rate. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, and rental options remain available with a vacancy rate just above 9%.
Median Home Price:
$144,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Manistee residents can manage driver and vehicle services at the Michigan Secretary of State office located on Filer Street. The local branch offers convenient access to licensing, registration, and state vehicle requirements.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
50 Filer St, Manistee, MI 49660
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.