Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Onekama, MI
Thinking about relocating to Onekama, MI? With its small population of just 373, Onekama offers a quiet lakeside lifestyle, affordable home prices averaging $187,000, and low rents around $890. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short average commutes of 18 minutes, and abundant natural beauty near Lake Michigan. Education and healthcare are accessible, and the area’s relaxed pace and four-season climate make it ideal for those seeking a peaceful, scenic place to call home.
Demographics - Onekama, MI
Demographics - Onekama, MI
Onekama is a small, close-knit community of 373 residents with a median age of 55.4, reflecting a mature population. The town is predominantly White, and the population density of 270 per square mile ensures a peaceful atmosphere with a balanced gender ratio. Non-English speakers make up a small portion, contributing to a mostly English-speaking environment.
Population:
373
Density:
270 per sq mi
Median Age:
55.4
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Onekama, MI?
Cost of living in Onekama is notably affordable, with median home values around $187,000 and average rents near $890. The overall cost of living index sits below the national average, and essential expenses like utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced. This makes the area attractive for both homeowners and renters seeking budget-friendly living.
Median House Value:
$187,000
Gross Rent:
$890
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.4
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
67.0
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
88.5
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Onekama, MI a safe place to live?
Onekama is a safe place to live, boasting a low violent crime rate of just 115 incidents per 100,000 people and a chance of violent crime at 1 in 870. Property crime rates remain modest as well, providing peace of mind for residents. The town’s overall crime index reflects its reputation as a secure and tranquil community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
115
Property Crimes Per 100k:
960
Crime Index:
1,075
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 870
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 104
Weather
What is the weather like in Onekama, MI year-round?
Residents in Onekama experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 79°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The area receives about 34 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate a varied climate. The weather supports outdoor activities year-round, especially with its proximity to Lake Michigan.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
79°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Onekama’s neighbors enjoy a median household income of about $51,700, with a modest poverty rate of 13.5%. Most residents have completed high school, and nearly a third hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated local population. Commutes are short, averaging just over 18 minutes, and public transportation usage is minimal.
Median Income:
$32,200
Household Income:
$51,700
Family Income:
$59,800
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$28,300
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$890
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.6%
Bachelors or More:
28.3%
Education
How are the schools in Onekama, MI?
Education in Onekama is anchored by Onekama Consolidated Schools, serving local students with a favorable student-teacher ratio of 13:1. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible at West Shore Community College, located just 28 miles away. The local school system and nearby college make quality education attainable for families and students.

Public Schools
Name:
Onekama Consolidated Schools
Street:
5016 Main St
Phone:
231-889-4251
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1

Colleges
Name:
West Shore Community College
City:
Scottville
State:
MI
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Onekama is convenient, with major hospitals like Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital nearby offering comprehensive services including emergency care. The community enjoys a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.2% and a physician ratio of 1.6 per 1,000 residents. Healthcare overall is reliable and meets the needs of the local population.

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:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Onekama, MI?
Onekama’s housing market offers affordable options with a median home price of $187,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $900. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has experienced a healthy appreciation rate of 7.2% in the past year. Rental vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, signaling a stable and accessible market.
Median Home Price:
$187,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Onekama residents are provided by the Michigan Secretary of State office located in nearby Manistee. The office offers essential services like licensing and vehicle registration, and can be reached easily by phone or through their official website. This ensures residents have convenient access to all necessary motor vehicle services.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
1756 US-31, 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.