Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waters, MI
Considering a move to Waters, MI? This small rural community of about 350 residents offers affordable living, with median home values around $175,000 and average rents near $950. Enjoy a quiet lifestyle with low crime, short commutes averaging 25 minutes, and easy access to nature, though local schools and healthcare are located in nearby Gaylord. The cost of living is well below the national average, making Waters an appealing choice for those seeking tranquility and value in northern Michigan.
Demographics - Waters, MI
Demographics - Waters, MI
Waters, MI is a small, close-knit community of about 350 residents with a median age of 49, reflecting a mature population. The area is predominantly White and has a balanced gender ratio, making it a quiet and homogenous place for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
350
Density:
40 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.3%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waters, MI?
Living in Waters is quite affordable, with a cost of living index of 86.3, well below the national average. Median home values hover around $175,000 and typical rents are $950, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homebuyers and renters.
Median House Value:
$175,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,390
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,125
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.3
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
70.6
Utilities:
99.3
Transportation:
92.7
Health Care:
100.1
Miscellaneous:
88.9
Crime
Is Waters, MI a safe place to live?
Waters experiences a low crime rate, with a 1 in 505 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 93 chance of property crime. The community offers a peaceful environment, ideal for those prioritizing safety and tranquility.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
198
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,075
Crime Index:
1,273
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 505
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in Waters, MI year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching highs of 78°F and cold winters dipping to 10°F. The area receives about 32.5 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 48% of the year, providing a classic northern Michigan climate.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
28°F

Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Waters is about $48,000, with a poverty rate of 13.8% and an unemployment rate of 5.7%. Most residents commute around 25 minutes for work, and the community values education, with nearly 88% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$48,000
Family Income:
$56,700
Per Capita Income:
$25,900
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
24.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.4%
Bachelors or More:
17.5%
Education
How are the schools in Waters, MI?
Local students typically attend public and private schools in nearby Gaylord, including Gaylord Intermediate School and St. Mary Cathedral School. Higher education is easily accessible, with Kirtland Community College located just 16 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Gaylord Intermediate School
Street:
240 E 4th St
Phone:
989-731-0856
Students:
525
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.6

Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary Cathedral School
Street:
321 N Otsego Ave
Phone:
989-732-5801
Students:
260

Colleges
Name:
Kirtland Community College
City:
Gaylord
State:
MI
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Healthcare is accessible via Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital in nearby Gaylord, and nearly 94% of residents have health insurance. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people, locals have reliable medical resources close at hand.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital
Address:
825 N Center Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735
Phone:
(989) 731-2100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waters, MI?
Waters features a stable housing market, where the median home price is $175,000 and about 77% of homes are owner-occupied. Home values have appreciated by 5.1% over the past year, signaling steady growth and investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$175,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Waters residents are managed by the Michigan Secretary of State, with the nearest office conveniently located in Gaylord. Residents can access DMV services both in person and online through Michigan's official website.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
706 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735
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.