What Should I Know Before Moving to North Manitou?

Check the cost of living, housing, traffic, and public transit in North Manitou. Each neighborhood has its own vibe, so pick one that fits your lifestyle. Be prepared for North Manitou climate and weather.

How Much Do Movers Charge in North Manitou?

Moving within North Manitou usually costs between $300 and $1,500. Moving long distances can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $5,000. The price may go up if you need extra services like packing or storage. Fill out Movers.com quote form to compare the quotes easily.

What’s the Best Time of the Year to Move to North Manitou?

While moves happen year-round, spring and fall are often more comfortable in North Manitou. Booking outside of peak summer or winter seasons can save money and make scheduling easier.

Do Moving Companies in North Manitou Offer Packing and Unpacking Services?

Yes! Majority of moving companies in North Manitou offer full service moving, which means they will help you pack, unpack, and arrange your belongings.

When You Move from North Manitou, How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Move?

You should plan your move from North Manitou at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during the busy season (summer). You can get better availability, prices, and flexibility with your moving date if you book early. If you book at the last minute, you may have fewer choices or pay more.

Moving to North Manitou, MI | Find Trusted Movers & Services

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to North Manitou, MI

North Manitou, MI is a unique, uninhabited island within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, offering pristine wilderness and no permanent residents. With no local housing market, negligible crime, and access to education and services on the mainland, it's ideal for seasonal staff or outdoor adventure seekers. The cost of living reflects nearby Leelanau County averages, with median home prices around $401,000 and average rents at $1,130. Enjoy tranquil natural beauty, mild summers, snowy winters, and easy access to Lake Michigan recreation.

Demographics - North Manitou, MI

North Manitou, MI is an uninhabited island with fewer than 10 seasonal staff and no permanent residents, resulting in an extremely low population density and no significant demographic profile. This unique status creates a quiet, undeveloped environment ideal for those seeking seclusion or temporary work in conservation.

Population:

Less than 10 (seasonal staff only)

Density:

Less than 1 per sq mi

Median Age:

N/A (no permanent residents)

Gender Ratio:

N/A

Non-English Speakers Percentage:

N/A

Ethnic Composition

White:

N/A

Black:

N/A

Asian:

N/A

Others:

N/A

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in North Manitou, MI?

There is no private housing market or standard cost of living on North Manitou Island, but expenses generally follow Michigan and Leelanau County averages. Auto insurance is around $1,250 annually, and the cost of living index is 89.6, making the region relatively affordable compared to national figures.

Median House Value:

N/A (no private housing market)

Gross Rent:

N/A

Monthly Electricity Charges:

N/A

Auto Insurance:

$1,250 (Michigan state average)

House Owner Cost With Mortgage:

N/A

House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:

N/A

State Taxes:

Low:

4.25%

High:

4.25%

Cost Of Living Index:

89.6 (Michigan average)

Grocery:

93.2 (MI average)

Housing:

74.7 (MI average)

Utilities:

97.8 (MI average)

Transportation:

98.1 (MI average)

Health Care:

96.7 (MI average)

Miscellaneous:

94.0 (MI average)

Crime

Is North Manitou, MI a safe place to live?

North Manitou Island reports zero violent or property crimes, providing an exceptionally safe environment. The absence of permanent residents and isolation contribute to its virtually nonexistent crime rate.

Violent Crimes Per 100k:

0 (no reported crime)

Property Crimes Per 100k:

0 (no reported crime)

Crime Index:

Chance Of Violent Crime:

N/A

Chance Of Property Crime:

N/A

Weather

What is the weather like in North Manitou, MI year-round?

The island experiences cold, snowy winters with lows around 17°F, and mild, pleasant summers with highs near 77°F. Residents and visitors enjoy about 50% sunny days annually and an average rainfall of 31 inches, making it ideal for outdoor recreation during warmer months.

Winter

Min:

17°F

Max:

32°F

Spring

Min:

34°F

Max:

57°F

Summer

Min:

55°F

Max:

77°F

Fall

Min:

38°F

Max:

62°F

Average Rainfall Inches:

31 inches

Sunny Days Percentage:

50%

Neighbors

Nearby Leelanau County is characterized by a median household income of $70,408 and a highly educated population, with nearly half holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area boasts a low poverty rate of 7.5% and offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle with minimal public transport usage.

Median Income:

$61,700 (Leelanau County)

Household Income:

$70,408 (Leelanau County)

Family Income:

$85,300 (Leelanau County)

Per Capita Income:

$38,700 (Leelanau County)

Income Male:

$47,000 (Leelanau County)

Income Female:

$39,600 (Leelanau County)

Poverty Rate:

7.5% (Leelanau County)

Non English Speakers:

3.2% (Leelanau County)

Rent:

$1,130 (Leelanau County)

Unemployment Rate:

3.8% (Leelanau County)

Public Transport Usage:

0.2% (Leelanau County)

Commute Time:

25.7 minutes (Leelanau County)

Education

High School or Higher:

96.1% (Leelanau County)

Bachelors or More:

47.4% (Leelanau County)

Education

How are the schools in North Manitou, MI?

Although the island itself has no schools, seasonal residents can access quality public and private education in nearby communities, such as Glen Lake Community Schools and The Pathfinder School. Higher education is available at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, just 28 miles away.

Public Schools

Name:

Glen Lake Community Schools

Street:

3375 W Burdickville Rd, Maple City, MI 49664

Phone:

231-334-3061

Students:

700

Student Teacher Ratio:

15.2

Private Schools

Name:

The Pathfinder School

Street:

11930 S West Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684

Phone:

231-995-3800

Students:

180

Colleges

Name:

Northwestern Michigan College

City:

Traverse City

State:

Distance:

28 miles

Students:

3,700

Healthcare

While there are no healthcare facilities on the island, residents and seasonal staff can access Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, a major hospital with emergency services. Health insurance coverage in the neighboring county is high at 94.1%, and healthcare access reflects Michigan’s average with about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents.

Major Hospitals

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:

2.2 (Michigan average)

Health Insurance Coverage:

94.1% (Leelanau County)

Health Care Index:

77.2 (Michigan average)

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in North Manitou, MI?

There is no housing market on North Manitou itself, but in neighboring Leelanau County, the median home price is about $401,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom is $1,130. The owner-occupied rate is high at 83.6%, and the area has seen a 6.9% home appreciation rate over the past year.

Median Home Price:

$401,000 (Leelanau County)

Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:

$1,130 (Leelanau County)

Owner Occupied Rate:

83.6% (Leelanau County)

Rental Vacancy Rate:

5.8% (Leelanau County)

Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):

6.9% (Leelanau County)

New Construction Rate:

0.7% (Leelanau County)

Foreclosure Rate:

0.2% (Leelanau County)

DMV Information

DMV services for North Manitou residents and staff are available at the Michigan Secretary of State office in Traverse City, located at 701 S Elmwood Ave. For more information, visit the Michigan DMV website or call 888-767-6424.

State:

Michigan

Department:

Michigan Secretary of State

Address:

701 S Elmwood Ave, Traverse City, MI 49684

Phone:

888-767-6424

Website:

https://www.michigan.gov/sos

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.