Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watervliet, MI
Considering a move to Watervliet, MI? This small city of around 1,690 people offers affordable living, with a median home price of $144,000 and average rents near $860. Residents enjoy a quick average commute of 22 minutes, access to local healthcare at Corewell Health Watervliet Hospital, and a friendly, close-knit community. While crime rates are moderate, Watervliet features a relaxed pace, seasonal weather, and local schools, making it a practical choice for those seeking small-town Michigan charm.
Demographics - Watervliet, MI
Demographics - Watervliet, MI
Watervliet is a small city in Michigan with a population of 1,690, featuring a predominantly White community and a median age of 37. The city has an even gender balance and a moderate proportion of non-English speakers, reflecting a close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere.
Population:
1,690
Density:
1,175 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
2.2%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Watervliet, MI?
Watervliet offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $144,000 and average rent around $860 per month. The city's overall cost of living index is notably below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$144,000
Gross Rent:
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.5
Grocery:
89.6
Housing:
66.2
Utilities:
93.7
Transportation:
89.5
Health Care:
98.4
Miscellaneous:
87.4
Crime
Is Watervliet, MI a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Watervliet are moderate, with a violent crime rate of 225 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,420 per 100,000 residents. While the chance of being a victim of violent crime is relatively low, it's advisable to stay informed about local safety measures.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
225
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,645
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 445
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Watervliet, MI year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons in Watervliet, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The city receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about half the year, offering a classic Midwest climate.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Watervliet's community has a median household income of $42,400 and a poverty rate of 17.2%, with most residents commuting about 22 minutes to work. The area is known for its tight-knit neighborhoods and a strong presence of high school graduates, supporting a welcoming small-town feel.
Median Income:
$29,300
Household Income:
$42,400
Family Income:
$55,900
Per Capita Income:
$22,700
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$25,200
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
5.6%
Rent:
$860
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
21.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.8%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Watervliet, MI?
Watervliet offers a range of educational options, including local public schools with student-teacher ratios around 20:1 and private schooling alternatives. Higher education is easily accessible, with Lake Michigan College located just 11 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Watervliet Senior High School
Street:
450 E Red Arrow Hwy
Phone:
269-463-0730
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Name:
Watervliet Middle School
Street:
450 E Red Arrow Hwy
Phone:
269-463-0220
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1

Private Schools
Name:
Grace Christian School
Street:
325 N. M-140
Phone:
269-463-5545
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Lake Michigan College
City:
Benton Harbor
State:
MI
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
3,900
Healthcare
Healthcare in Watervliet is anchored by Corewell Health Watervliet Hospital, providing general and emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% of the population insured, access to medical care is reliable and convenient.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Corewell Health Watervliet Hospital
Address:
400 Medical Park Dr, Watervliet, MI 49098
Phone:
(269) 463-3111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.6%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Watervliet, MI?
The local housing market is stable, featuring a median home price of $144,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $860. Homeownership is common, with nearly 65% owner-occupied units, and the area has experienced a recent appreciation rate of 6.5%.
Median Home Price:
$144,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$860
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Watervliet residents are served by the Michigan Secretary of State for DMV needs, accessible via the Lansing office or the official state website. Services include vehicle registration, licensing, and more for Michigan drivers.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
414 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
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.