Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Austin, MI
Considering a move to Port Austin, MI? This cozy lakeside village of just 622 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $141,000 and rents near $725. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short 19.5-minute commutes, and a peaceful, scenic setting on Lake Huron. While the population skews older and education options are more limited, locals benefit from a friendly small-town atmosphere, easy access to outdoor recreation, and Michigan’s moderate cost of living.
Demographics - Port Austin, MI
Demographics - Port Austin, MI
Port Austin is a small, close-knit community of 622 residents with a predominantly White population and a median age nearing 60, reflecting a mature demographic. The village has a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, fostering a friendly and familiar atmosphere.
Population:
622
Density:
408 per sq mi
Median Age:
59.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.1%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
2.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Port Austin, MI?
Port Austin offers a cost of living well below the national average, with median home values at $141,000 and typical rents around $725 per month. Residents benefit from affordable utilities and housing, making this lakeside village attractive for those seeking value and simplicity.
Median House Value:
$141,000
Gross Rent:
$725
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$415
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.2
Grocery:
89.5
Housing:
66.0
Utilities:
92.3
Transportation:
84.2
Health Care:
89.7
Miscellaneous:
85.5
Crime
Is Port Austin, MI a safe place to live?
Port Austin boasts a notably low crime rate, with chances of violent crime at just 1 in 741, significantly safer than many communities. Property crime risk is also relatively modest, contributing to the area’s safe, peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
135
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,025
Crime Index:
1,160
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 741
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Port Austin, MI year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters (lows near 17°F), pleasant summers (highs up to 78°F), and moderate annual rainfall of about 31 inches. Over half the days are sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities along Lake Huron.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Locals enjoy a small-town feel, with most households earning around $39,500 and a median income of $32,100. The community is well-educated, and most people commute under 20 minutes, though a higher poverty rate and limited public transit exist.
Median Income:
$32,100
Household Income:
$39,500
Family Income:
$45,300
Per Capita Income:
$27,500
Income Male:
$32,900
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
16.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$725
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Port Austin, MI?
Education options in Port Austin include North Huron School, a public institution with small class sizes, while higher education is accessible at Delta College about 71 miles away. Although private schools are not available locally, the area supports foundational learning for families.

Public Schools
Name:
North Huron School
Street:
21 Main St E, Kinde, MI 48445
Phone:
989-874-4100
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Colleges
Name:
Delta College
City:
University Center
State:
MI
Distance:
71 miles
Students:
8,600
Healthcare
Quality healthcare is accessible through local facilities like Scheurer Hospital and Thumb Regional Medical Center, both offering emergency services. Most residents have health insurance, and physician availability meets rural standards, ensuring essential care is within reach.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Scheurer Hospital
Address:
170 N Caseville Rd, Pigeon, MI 48755
Phone:
(989) 453-3223
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Thumb Regional Medical Center
Address:
1100 S Van Dyke Rd, Bad Axe, MI 48413
Phone:
(989) 269-9521
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.1%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Port Austin, MI?
The housing market in Port Austin is stable, with median home prices at $141,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 77%. Rental options are available, and home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$141,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$725
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Port Austin residents are served by the Michigan Secretary of State office in nearby Bad Axe, providing convenient access to licensing and vehicle services. The state’s DMV system is streamlined via online resources and local branches.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
100 Fairlane Dr, Bad Axe, MI 48413
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.