Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Niles, MI
Considering a move to Niles, MI? This charming city of 11,578 offers an affordable cost of living, with median home prices around $116,000 and average rents at $815. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 20 minutes and experience all four seasons with about 52% sunny days annually. While crime rates are higher than average, Niles provides access to local healthcare, nearby colleges, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere, making it a practical option for those seeking value and community.
Demographics - Niles, MI
Niles, MI is home to about 11,578 residents, with a population density of 1,730 per square mile and a median age of 37.4 years. The city is predominantly White, with a modest mix of other ethnicities, and about 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This creates a friendly, small-city atmosphere with a balanced gender ratio and a diverse, yet close-knit community.
Population:
11,578
Density:
1,730 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.4
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.9%
Black:
8.9%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
7.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Niles, MI?
The cost of living in Niles is notably affordable, with a median house value of $116,000 and average monthly rent around $815. Living expenses, including utilities and groceries, are below the national average, and Michigan's flat state income tax rate of 4.25% helps keep overall costs manageable. This makes Niles an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$116,000
Gross Rent:
$815
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.1
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
57.8
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
94.0
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is Niles, MI a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Niles are higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 424 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,364 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 236 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 42 chance of property crime. It's important for newcomers to consider safety measures and research local neighborhoods when relocating.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
424
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,364
Crime Index:
2,788
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 236
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Niles, MI year-round?
Niles experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 18°F and warm summers peaking near 83°F. The area receives about 40 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about 52% of the year. Residents can expect distinct seasonal changes, making it ideal for those who appreciate a varied climate.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Niles are characterized by modest household incomes—median household income is $41,900—and a higher-than-average poverty rate at 23.9%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is a convenient 20 minutes. The community is predominantly English-speaking, with a small percentage using public transportation.
Median Income:
$26,400
Household Income:
$41,900
Family Income:
$53,400
Per Capita Income:
$22,800
Income Male:
$31,400
Income Female:
$22,700
Poverty Rate:
23.9%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$815
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
20.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.5%
Bachelors or More:
12.4%
Education
How are the schools in Niles, MI?
Niles offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Niles Senior High School and Ballard Elementary, as well as private institutions such as St. Mary’s School. The city is also near colleges like Southwestern Michigan College and Indiana University South Bend, providing higher education opportunities within a short drive. This makes Niles suitable for families and students seeking diverse learning environments.
Public Schools
Name:
Niles Senior High School
Street:
1441 Eagle St
Phone:
269-684-8683
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Name:
Ballard Elementary School
Street:
1601 Chicago Rd
Phone:
269-683-5900
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary’s School
Street:
217 S Lincoln Ave
Phone:
269-683-9191
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Southwestern Michigan College
City:
Dowagiac
State:
MI
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
2,100
Name:
Indiana University South Bend
City:
South Bend
State:
IN
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
4,900
Healthcare
Niles offers local healthcare access through Spectrum Health Lakeland Niles Hospital, providing general, surgical, and emergency services. With 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% of people having health insurance coverage, healthcare is accessible for most. This ensures peace of mind for families and individuals seeking medical support close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Spectrum Health Lakeland Niles Hospital
Address:
31 N St Joseph Ave, Niles, MI 49120
Phone:
(269) 683-5510
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Niles, MI?
The Niles housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $116,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $815. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen a healthy 6.1% appreciation rate in the past year. Rental vacancies and foreclosure rates are relatively low, offering stability for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$116,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$815
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services in Niles are provided by the Michigan Secretary of State office at 803 N 5th St. Residents can handle vehicle registration, licensing, and other official business conveniently in town, and more information is available on the state’s official website. This ensures straightforward access to essential motor vehicle services.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
803 N 5th St, Niles, MI 49120
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.