Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Located in the state of Michigan, Benton Harbor is a small-sized city with a population of 9,806 residents. In Benton Harbor, the most common ethnic group is Black or African American with a total of 85%. This is followed by 13% White and 0% Asian ethnic groups. Benton Harbor is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 26% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Benton Harbor is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Benton Harbor can be a great experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Michigan, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Benton Harbor, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, health & safety, employment, housing and more.
The livability score in Benton Harbor is 55 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 23rd percentile of all cities across America. This is a poor rating when compared to the average of other places in the country. If we take a closer look at each of the categories on their own, we see that Benton Harbor ranks well for housing (B+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Benton Harbor. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F), crime (F), education (F) and employment (F).
The impact of the cost of living on your monthly financial situation cannot be overstated. Whether it's housing expenses, grocery bills or healthcare costs, it's crucial to ensure that your chosen place of residence is not only comfortable but also affordable. Fortunately, in Benton Harbor, the cost of living is 27.59% below the national average, offering the assurance that after meeting your financial obligations, there may be a surplus left in your wallet. This financial advantage not only promotes financial stability but also opens up opportunities for savings and a better quality of life. In a world where expenses can be overwhelming, Benton Harbor stands out as a place where you can enjoy both comfort and fiscal responsibility, ensuring a brighter financial future.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Benton Harbor apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Benton Harbor is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Benton Harbor come in at $59,000, which is 53.8% lower than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Benton Harbor, the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 8% higher than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Benton Harbor | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.3% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.2% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.0% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.2% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.3% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.9% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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