Located in the state of Michigan, Benton Harbor is a mid-sized city with a population of 10,059 residents. According to Census, the majority (85%) of Benton Harbor residents identify as Black or African American followed by 13% White and 0% Asian. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Benton Harbor, only 26% of the population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Benton Harbor offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Benton Harbor, Michigan could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like cost of living, health & safety, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Benton Harbor and in the areas around Benton Harbor is a much easier task.
The livability score in Benton Harbor is 55/100 and the city is ranked in the 20th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the United States average, this city has a score which ranks among the lowest in the nation, and it is not considered a very livable city. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Benton Harbor has received high marks for housing (A+). On a less positive note, Benton Harbor does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F), crime (F), education (F) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
In today's ever-changing economic climate, pursuing a cost-effective lifestyle takes on heightened importance, particularly with the continual increase in prices for everyday necessities. When living in Benton Harbor, residents are privileged to experience a cost of living that stands 23.67% below the national average. This advantageous position has a far-reaching impact, spanning a wide array of expenditures, encompassing not just goods and services, but also housing, groceries, and transportation costs. As a result, this area emerges as a central hub where your financial resources yield greater value, allowing for the maintenance of an economically sustainable lifestyle. This affordability holds exceptional significance in an era characterized by mounting expenses, making Benton Harbor an attractive destination for individuals seeking financial prudence without compromising their quality of life.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Benton Harbor has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
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. The median home price for Benton Harbor homes is $103,716, which is 56% lower than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Benton Harbor, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 3.1% lower 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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