Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shepherd, MI
Thinking about moving to Shepherd, MI? This welcoming small town of 1,490 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $163,000 and average rent at $820. Enjoy a low violent crime rate (118 per 100K), short 23-minute average commutes, and a friendly, close-knit community. Local schools serve the area well, and you're just minutes from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant. Shepherd experiences true Midwest seasons, with snowy winters and warm summers, making it a charming place to call home.
Demographics - Shepherd, MI
Demographics - Shepherd, MI
Shepherd, MI is a small, close-knit community of 1,490 residents, with a population density of about 1,040 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, and the median age of 38.2 reflects a balanced mix of families and individuals. A low percentage of non-English speakers and a near-even gender ratio contribute to its welcoming, accessible atmosphere.
Population:
1,490
Density:
1,040 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.5%
Black:
0.9%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shepherd, MI?
Living in Shepherd is notably affordable, with a median home value of $163,000 and average rent around $820. The cost of living index is below the national average, making daily expenses, including groceries and utilities, more budget-friendly. Property taxes and state income taxes are also moderate, appealing to those seeking value for their money.
Median House Value:
$163,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,140
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.6
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
67.5
Utilities:
96.1
Transportation:
92.3
Health Care:
93.2
Miscellaneous:
85.6
Crime
Is Shepherd, MI a safe place to live?
Shepherd boasts a low violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 people, offering residents peace of mind in their daily lives. Property crime is also relatively low, with odds of experiencing such incidents at 1 in 96. Overall, the town is considered safe and secure, making it ideal for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
118
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,040
Crime Index:
1,158
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 848
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 96
Weather
What is the weather like in Shepherd, MI year-round?
Residents enjoy distinct Midwest seasons, with cold, snowy winters averaging lows of 15°F and warm summers reaching highs of 82°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine nearly half the year. This climate offers a true seasonal variety for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
31°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
The median household income in Shepherd is $58,900, with a family income of $71,000 and a moderate poverty rate of 14.5%. Most adults have completed high school, and unemployment is low at 4.2%. Commute times are reasonable, averaging just under 24 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$32,500
Household Income:
$58,900
Family Income:
$71,000
Per Capita Income:
$25,200
Income Male:
$35,400
Income Female:
$29,100
Poverty Rate:
14.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.7%
Bachelors or More:
19.4%
Education
How are the schools in Shepherd, MI?
Shepherd offers quality public education, with local schools providing attentive instruction and manageable class sizes. Students can further their education just 7 miles away at Central Michigan University, a major regional institution. The community’s emphasis on education supports lifelong learning for all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Shepherd Elementary School
Street:
321 S 4th St
Phone:
989-828-5994
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Shepherd High School
Street:
321 S 4th St
Phone:
989-828-6601
Students:
385
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1

Colleges
Name:
Central Michigan University
City:
Mt Pleasant
State:
MI
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
15,400
Healthcare
Shepherd residents have convenient access to healthcare services, including McLaren Central Michigan Hospital in nearby Mt. Pleasant. The area has 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people, and health insurance coverage is high at nearly 93%. Healthcare is affordable and accessible, ensuring peace of mind for families and seniors.

Major Hospitals
Name:
McLaren Central Michigan
Address:
1221 South Drive, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone:
(989) 772-6700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
71.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shepherd, MI?
Shepherd’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $163,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 69.4%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $820 and a relatively low vacancy rate. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates make it a sound choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$163,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services at the Michigan Secretary of State office in Mt. Pleasant, just a short drive away. The office provides a full range of DMV services and helpful online resources for convenience. For questions, the state’s dedicated helpline is readily available.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
3068 Venture Way, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
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.