Michigan / County

Moving to West Branch, MI

Thinking of making a move to West Branch, MI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Branch, MI

Considering a move to West Branch, MI? This welcoming community of 2,100 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $185,000 and average rents near $850. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (51% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore West Branch's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - West Branch, MI

West Branch has a population of 2,100 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 95% White, 1% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
2,100
Density
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age
42.1
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
3.2%

Ethnic Composition

White
95.0%
Black
0.8%
Asian
0.6%
Others
3.6%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in West Branch, MI?

The cost of living in West Branch is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.4. Median home values are around $185,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$185,000
Gross Rent
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$540
State Taxes
Low: 4.25%| High: 4.25%
Cost Of Living Index
82.4
Grocery
95.0
Housing
63.5
Utilities
101.2
Transportation
92.8
Health Care
96.7
Miscellaneous
92.1

Crime

Is West Branch, MI a safe place to live?

West Branch is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 260 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 68. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Michigan.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
260
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,480
Crime Index
1,740
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 385
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 68

Weather

What is the weather like in West Branch, MI year-round?

West Branch experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 14°F. The area receives about 32 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 51% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
14°F
Max
31°F

Summer

Min
58°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
36°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
39°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
31.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
51%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $53,500 and a low poverty rate of 18.4%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,000
Household Income
$53,500
Family Income
$67,000
Per Capita Income
$25,100
Income Male
$38,000
Income Female
$28,000
Poverty Rate
18.4%
Non English Speakers
5.1%
Rent
$850
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
Public Transport Usage
1.4%
Commute Time
19.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.0%
Bachelors or More
17.8%

Education

How are the schools in West Branch, MI?

West Branch offers quality education options, with public schools like West Branch-Rose City Area High School and Surline Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Kirtland Community College and Northwestern Michigan College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
West Branch-Rose City Area High School
Street
741 S. 4th St
Phone
989-343-2001
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
17.0
Name
Surline Elementary School
Street
115 E Houghton Ave
Phone
989-343-2100
Students
360
Student Teacher Ratio
16.2

Private Schools

Name
St. Joseph School
Street
202 W Webster St
Phone
989-345-4231
Students
140

Colleges

Name
Kirtland Community College
City
Roscommon
State
MI
Distance
28 miles
Students
1,500
Name
Northwestern Michigan College
City
Traverse City
State
MI
Distance
107 miles
Students
3,000

Healthcare

West Branch residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like West Branch Regional Medical Center and MyMichigan Medical Center Tawas nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 91.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
West Branch Regional Medical Center
Address
2463 S M-30, West Branch, MI 48661
Phone
(989) 345-3660
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
MyMichigan Medical Center Tawas
Address
200 Hemlock Rd, Tawas City, MI 48763
Phone
(989) 362-3411
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
91.0%
Health Care Index
68.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in West Branch, MI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $185,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 73%. The market has seen a 3.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. West Branch offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$850
Owner Occupied Rate
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.4%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of West Branch handle vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located in Ann Arbor. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Michigan
Department
Michigan Secretary of State
Address
2025 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone
1-888-767-6424

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.

FAQs About Moving to West Branch, MI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to West Branch, review the core fields on this page: population 2,100, median home value $185,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $850, commute time 19.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 51%.

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