Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Onaway, MI
Considering a move to Onaway, MI? This small town of 824 residents offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $84,000 and average rents of $675. Onaway boasts a low violent crime rate, short average commutes of 21 minutes, and a close-knit, predominantly white community. While educational attainment is modest and amenities are fewer than in larger cities, you'll enjoy peaceful living, friendly neighbors, and the beauty of Northern Michigan's climate.
Demographics - Onaway, MI
Demographics - Onaway, MI
Onaway is a small, close-knit community with a population of 824 and a median age of 41, offering a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere. The city is predominantly white, with over 95% of residents identifying as such, and has a balanced gender ratio. Non-English speakers make up a small portion of the population, contributing to a homogenous yet welcoming environment.
Population:
824
Density:
500 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.3%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Onaway, MI?
Onaway offers a very affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $84,000 and average rent at $675, making it attractive for budget-conscious residents. Utility costs and state taxes are reasonable, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average. Everyday expenses, including groceries and transportation, are lower than in most U.S. cities, helping residents stretch their dollars further.
Median House Value:
$84,000
Gross Rent:
$675
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
54.5
Utilities:
102.5
Transportation:
90.5
Health Care:
96.3
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Onaway, MI a safe place to live?
Onaway is a relatively safe town, with a low violent crime rate of 185 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 540 chance of being a victim. Property crime is more prevalent, but still moderate compared to larger cities, with rates around 1,200 per 100,000. Residents generally feel secure in their neighborhoods, making it a peaceful place to call home.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
185
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,385
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Onaway, MI year-round?
Onaway experiences classic Northern Michigan weather, with cold, snowy winters averaging lows of 12°F and mild summers reaching up to 78°F. The area receives about 32.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 49% of the year. Residents should be prepared for distinct seasonal changes and a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
12°F
Max:
30°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
78°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
The community features modest median household incomes of $36,800, with about 21% of residents living below the poverty line. Most people commute about 21 minutes to work, and public transportation use is minimal. The majority of adults have at least a high school diploma, fostering a friendly, hard-working atmosphere.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$36,800
Family Income:
$47,500
Per Capita Income:
$19,400
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
21.3%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$675
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
12.5%
Education
How are the schools in Onaway, MI?
Onaway is served by Onaway Area Community School, which provides education to local students with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. While there are no private schools in town, Alpena Community College, located 32 miles away, offers additional educational opportunities. The area emphasizes foundational education within a small-town setting.
Public Schools
Name:
Onaway Area Community School
Street:
4549 M-33
Phone:
989-733-4900
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Colleges
Name:
Alpena Community College
City:
Alpena
State:
MI
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Onaway is supported by nearby facilities like McLaren Northern Michigan – Cheboygan Campus, with emergency services available. There are about 1.4 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of people have health insurance coverage. The local healthcare index suggests adequate services for a small town environment.
Major Hospitals
Name:
McLaren Northern Michigan – Cheboygan Campus
Address:
748 S Main St, Cheboygan, MI 49721
Phone:
(231) 627-5601
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.6%
Health Care Index:
68.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Onaway, MI?
Onaway's housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $84,000 and owner-occupancy rates above 73%. Rental options are available, but most residents own their homes, and vacancies are relatively low. The market is stable, with home values appreciating modestly each year.
Median Home Price:
$84,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$675
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Onaway are managed through the Michigan Secretary of State, with the nearest office located in St. Ignace. Residents can access registration, licensing, and other DMV services both in-person and online. For more information, the state’s website provides helpful resources and contact details.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
1177 N State St, St. Ignace, MI 49781
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.