Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Norton Shores, MI
Considering a move to Norton Shores, MI? This friendly lakeshore city, home to about 25,000 residents, features affordable living with a median home price of $242,000 and average rents around $1,080. Enjoy a low average commute of just 21 minutes, a relatively low violent crime rate (202 per 100K), and access to quality schools and nearby colleges. With four distinct seasons, 52% sunny days, and quick access to Lake Michigan, Norton Shores offers a relaxed lifestyle with family-friendly amenities and excellent outdoor recreation.
Demographics - Norton Shores, MI
Demographics - Norton Shores, MI
Norton Shores is home to approximately 25,373 residents, with a median age of 43.2, reflecting a mature and balanced community. The city is predominantly White (86.9%), with smaller Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and just under 5% of residents speak a language other than English. Its moderate population density offers a blend of suburban comfort and community connection.
Population:
25,373
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.9%
Black:
6.5%
Asian:
1.4%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Norton Shores, MI?
Norton Shores offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $242,000 and average rent of $1,080 per month. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the overall cost of living index of 87.3 is below the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and individuals alike. State taxes are consistent at 4.25%, contributing to manageable expenses.
Median House Value:
$242,000
Gross Rent:
$1,080
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,425
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$490
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.3
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
75.1
Utilities:
96.0
Transportation:
89.2
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Norton Shores, MI a safe place to live?
The city maintains a relatively low violent crime rate at 202 incidents per 100,000 people, and property crime remains moderate, offering peace of mind for residents. The chance of experiencing violent crime is 1 in 495, much lower than many urban areas. This makes Norton Shores a safe option for families and those seeking a secure environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
202
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,289
Crime Index:
1,491
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 495
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 77
Weather
What is the weather like in Norton Shores, MI year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 80°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area sees about 34 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 52% of the year, allowing for a variety of outdoor activities throughout the seasons. Proximity to Lake Michigan also brings refreshing breezes and scenic beauty.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Households in Norton Shores have a median income of $68,250, with a family income average of $80,100 and a modest poverty rate of 8.7%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 95% holding at least a high school diploma and 28% having a bachelor's degree or higher. Most residents commute just over 20 minutes, and public transportation usage is low, reflecting a car-friendly area.
Median Income:
$37,400
Household Income:
$68,250
Family Income:
$80,100
Per Capita Income:
$36,100
Income Male:
$44,800
Income Female:
$33,600
Poverty Rate:
8.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$1,080
Unemployment Rate:
4.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
20.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.6%
Bachelors or More:
28.3%
Education
How are the schools in Norton Shores, MI?
Norton Shores offers quality education through its public and private schools, with student-teacher ratios below 20:1 for personalized learning. The city is also served by Muskegon Community College just 6 miles away and Grand Valley State University within commuting distance, making higher education easily accessible. Families benefit from strong educational resources from kindergarten through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Norton Shores Public Schools (Mona Shores Middle School)
Street:
1700 Woodside Rd
Phone:
231-780-3200
Students:
680
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.3
Name:
Campbell Elementary School
Street:
1440 E Porter Rd
Phone:
231-798-1259
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Francis de Sales Catholic School
Street:
2929 McCracken St
Phone:
231-755-1953
Students:
230
Colleges
Name:
Muskegon Community College
City:
Muskegon
State:
MI
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
4,100
Name:
Grand Valley State University
City:
Allendale
State:
MI
Distance:
33 miles
Students:
21,600
Healthcare
Norton Shores provides access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and a high health insurance coverage rate of 93%. There are 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring ample medical support. The healthcare index of 77.2 indicates generally favorable services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital
Address:
1700 Clinton St, Muskegon, MI 49442
Phone:
(231) 672-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Health Hackley Campus
Address:
1700 Clinton St, Muskegon, MI 49442
Phone:
(231) 728-4955
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.0%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Norton Shores, MI?
The housing market in Norton Shores is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $242,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 78%. Home appreciation has grown by 5.1% over the past year, and rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,080. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates suggest a healthy, competitive market.
Median Home Price:
$242,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
DMV services for Norton Shores are provided by the Michigan Secretary of State, located nearby in Muskegon Heights. Residents can easily access licensing, vehicle registration, and other motor services both in person and online. The convenient location and comprehensive website make managing DMV needs straightforward.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
2700 Baker St, Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
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.