Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Union Pier, MI
Thinking of moving to Union Pier, MI? This charming lakeside village of about 620 residents offers a relaxed lifestyle, with a median home price around $435,000 and average rents near $1,480. Enjoy a low crime rate, short average commute of 22 minutes, and a scenic climate with 54% sunny days annually. Union Pier is known for its tranquil environment, proximity to Lake Michigan, and access to quality local schools—making it a great option for those seeking peaceful living with easy access to the region’s outdoor recreation.
Demographics - Union Pier, MI
Demographics - Union Pier, MI
Union Pier is a small community of about 620 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 54, suggesting a mature and close-knit environment. The area features a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a welcoming and stable atmosphere.
Population:
620
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.0
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.1%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Union Pier, MI?
The cost of living in Union Pier is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $435,000 and typical rents around $1,480 per month. Residents benefit from moderate utility costs and relatively low state income taxes, making it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful lakeside lifestyle without big-city expenses.
Median House Value:
$435,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
106.5
Grocery:
102.8
Housing:
120.0
Utilities:
112.5
Transportation:
105.0
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
101.2
Crime
Is Union Pier, MI a safe place to live?
Union Pier enjoys a low crime rate, with violent crime significantly below the national average and a 1 in 526 chance of experiencing such an incident. Property crimes are also infrequent, providing peace of mind for families and individuals considering a move to the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
190
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,360
Crime Index:
1,550
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 526
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Union Pier, MI year-round?
Union Pier experiences four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching highs around 82°F and winters dipping to 19°F. The area boasts 54% sunny days annually and nearly 40 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate a balanced climate with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Residents of Union Pier enjoy a median household income of $65,000 and a low poverty rate of 7.8%, reflecting a generally stable economic environment. The community is well-educated, with over 91% holding at least a high school diploma and an average commute of just over 22 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$65,000
Family Income:
$85,000
Per Capita Income:
$41,200
Income Male:
$46,000
Income Female:
$37,000
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.6%
Bachelors or More:
37.2%
Education
How are the schools in Union Pier, MI?
Families in Union Pier benefit from access to quality public and private schools, including New Buffalo Elementary and St. Mary of the Lake School, known for low student-to-teacher ratios. Higher education opportunities are accessible within a short drive, such as Lake Michigan College just 23 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
New Buffalo Elementary School
Street:
12291 Lubke Rd
Phone:
269-469-2301
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
River Valley Middle/High School
Street:
15480 Three Oaks Rd
Phone:
269-756-9541
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary of the Lake School
Street:
704 W Merchant St
Phone:
269-469-1515
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Lake Michigan College
City:
Benton Harbor
State:
MI
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
4,200
Name:
Indiana University Northwest
City:
Gary
State:
IN
Distance:
44 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Union Pier offers convenient access to major hospitals such as Spectrum Health Lakeland and Franciscan Health, both providing emergency services. With over 91% health insurance coverage and 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, quality healthcare is readily available for the local population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Spectrum Health Lakeland Hospital
Address:
1234 Napier Ave, St Joseph, MI 49085
Phone:
(269) 983-8300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Franciscan Health Michigan City
Address:
3500 Franciscan Way, Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone:
(219) 879-8511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Union Pier, MI?
The housing market in Union Pier features a median home price of $435,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom unit of $1,480. With a homeownership rate of nearly 69% and a healthy appreciation rate, the area attracts both buyers and renters seeking long-term value.
Median Home Price:
$435,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Union Pier residents are served by the Michigan Secretary of State office in nearby Three Oaks, offering convenient access to vehicle registration and licensing services. The DMV provides essential resources both in person and online to support local drivers.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
701 S. Elm St, Three Oaks, MI 49128
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.