Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tawas City, MI
Considering a move to Tawas City, MI? This cozy lakeside town of 1,834 residents offers a low cost of living, with median home prices around $118,000 and average rents near $750. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace, with commutes averaging under 20 minutes, and the city boasts low violent crime rates (184 per 100k). Tawas City features quality healthcare at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital, scenic Lake Huron views, and four distinct seasons—making it a pleasant spot for outdoor lovers and those seeking affordable, small-town living.
Demographics - Tawas City, MI
Demographics - Tawas City, MI
Tawas City is home to about 1,834 residents, with a median age of 51.3, reflecting a mature and settled community. The population is predominantly White, and the area has a relatively low percentage of non-English speakers, making it a close-knit and accessible Midwestern town.
Population:
1,834
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.3
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.9%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.2%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tawas City, MI?
The cost of living in Tawas City is notably affordable, with a median home value of $118,000 and average rents around $750. Essentials like groceries and utilities are below the national average, making this lakeside community appealing for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$118,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$106
Auto Insurance:
$1,285
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,040
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.6
Grocery:
91.0
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
93.5
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
91.5
Miscellaneous:
86.0
Crime
Is Tawas City, MI a safe place to live?
Tawas City experiences a low rate of violent crime, with just 184 incidents per 100,000 residents, and property crime is also below national averages. Residents benefit from a safe, peaceful environment where the chance of experiencing a violent crime is 1 in 543.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
184
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,296
Crime Index:
1,480
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 543
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 77
Weather
What is the weather like in Tawas City, MI year-round?
Tawas City enjoys all four seasons, featuring mild summers with highs around 80°F and cold, snowy winters with lows near 15°F. The city receives about 32 inches of rainfall annually and has sunshine just over half the year, making it attractive for those who appreciate seasonal variety and outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
31°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
80°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $38,800, with around 22% of residents living below the poverty line. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and daily commutes average under 20 minutes, highlighting the town's accessible and community-oriented lifestyle.
Median Income:
$28,300
Household Income:
$38,800
Family Income:
$54,900
Per Capita Income:
$22,400
Income Male:
$33,700
Income Female:
$24,900
Poverty Rate:
22.4%
Non English Speakers:
2.9%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
6.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
19.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.2%
Bachelors or More:
18.5%
Education
How are the schools in Tawas City, MI?
Public schools in Tawas City, such as Tawas Area High School and Clara Bolen Elementary, offer small class sizes and community-focused education. For higher learning, Alpena Community College's Oscoda campus is just 15 miles away, providing additional educational opportunities for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Tawas Area High School
Street:
255 W M-55
Phone:
989-984-2100
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
Clara Bolen Elementary School
Street:
211 Lincoln St
Phone:
989-984-2200
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.7

Colleges
Name:
Alpena Community College – Oscoda Campus
City:
Oscoda
State:
MI
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Residents have access to comprehensive medical services at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital, a full-service facility offering emergency care. With 90.6% of residents covered by health insurance and 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare in Tawas City is reliable and accessible.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Ascension St. Joseph Hospital
Address:
200 Hemlock Road, Tawas City, MI 48763
Phone:
(989) 362-3411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.6%
Health Care Index:
67.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tawas City, MI?
Tawas City's housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $118,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 66.4%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $750, and the area experiences modest home appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$118,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Michigan Secretary of State branch at 621 W Lake St, offering convenient access for driver licensing, vehicle registration, and related needs.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Secretary of State Branch Office
Address:
621 W Lake St, Tawas City, MI 48763
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.