Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Saranac, MI
Considering a move to Saranac, MI? This small town of 1,330 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $175,000 and 2-bedroom rents near $900. Enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, low crime rates (190 violent crimes per 100k), and a tight-knit community. The average commute is under 28 minutes, schools are well-rated, and you'll experience four distinct Michigan seasons with 51% sunny days. Saranac is a great choice for those seeking small-town charm and value.
Demographics - Saranac, MI
Demographics - Saranac, MI
Saranac, MI is a small community of about 1,330 people, primarily White (95.3%) with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 36.5. The town is close-knit, with most residents speaking English at home, and offers a relaxed pace of life appealing to families and individuals alike.
Population:
1,330
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.3%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Saranac, MI?
Saranac boasts a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $175,000 and average rent around $900 for a two-bedroom unit. Daily expenses, from groceries to utilities, are generally lower than national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$175,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,170
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.0
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
99.0
Transportation:
97.0
Health Care:
89.0
Miscellaneous:
85.0
Crime
Is Saranac, MI a safe place to live?
Saranac experiences relatively low crime, with a violent crime rate of 190 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 526 chance of being affected by violent crime. Most residents find the village to be a safe and welcoming place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
190
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,540
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 526
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Saranac, MI year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with summers reaching highs of 82°F and winters dipping to 15°F. The area receives about 35 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 51% of the year, making for a classic Michigan climate.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Households in Saranac typically earn a median income of $54,250, with most adults having completed high school and nearly 16% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area maintains a modest poverty rate of 12.6% and features an average commute time just under 28 minutes.
Median Income:
$36,900
Household Income:
$54,250
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$24,600
Income Male:
$38,800
Income Female:
$31,100
Poverty Rate:
12.6%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
15.9%
Education
How are the schools in Saranac, MI?
Public schools in Saranac serve local students with reasonable class sizes and positive reputations, while higher education opportunities are available within a short drive at Grand Rapids and Montcalm Community Colleges. The community values education, with nearly 90% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Saranac Elementary School
Street:
120 Pleasant St
Phone:
616-642-1200
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Saranac Jr/Sr High School
Street:
150 S Pleasant St
Phone:
616-642-1100
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2

Colleges
Name:
Grand Rapids Community College
City:
Grand Rapids
State:
MI
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
12,000
Name:
Montcalm Community College
City:
Sidney
State:
MI
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Saranac residents have access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 92.1%. There are about 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents, supporting the community's health needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Spectrum Health United Hospital
Address:
615 S Bower St, Greenville, MI 48838
Phone:
(616) 754-4691
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sparrow Ionia Hospital
Address:
3565 S State Rd, Ionia, MI 48846
Phone:
(616) 523-1400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Saranac, MI?
The housing market in Saranac is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $175,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 70%. Home values have seen steady appreciation, and rental vacancies remain reasonably low, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$175,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration, licensing, and other driver services in Saranac are managed by the Michigan Secretary of State, with resources available online or at the nearby Lansing office. Residents benefit from straightforward access to essential DMV services.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
706 W. Sheridan St, Lansing, MI 48909
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.