Chelsea 76 Exceptional
Chelsea Livability #135 ranked city in Michigan#3,301 ranked city in the USARanks better than 88% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Chelsea

PROS
  • Cost Of Living 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.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing 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 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.

CONS
  • Amenities 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 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.

What's it like Living in Chelsea?

Located in the state of Michigan, Chelsea is a small-sized city with a population of 5,563 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (95% White). Given that fact, Chelsea could be considered less diverse than other cities. With an average age of 49 years, Chelsea residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Chelsea is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 26 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Chelsea could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Michigan if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Chelsea and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Michigan and national averages.

With a livability score of 76/100, Chelsea is ranked #2,946 in the United States and #124 in Michigan. Clearly, Chelsea is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Chelsea ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (B), education (A-), employment (A) and housing (A+) There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Chelsea. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F).

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 150 crimes per 100,000 residents, Chelsea has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

The Chelsea unemployment rate of 1.2% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Chelsea schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 65%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Chelsea an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Chelsea can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Chelsea is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Chelsea come in at $427,358, which is 81.2% higher than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Chelsea, the home price to income ratio is 4.4, which is 37.5% higher than the Michigan average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Chelsea

See all the best places to live around Chelsea

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Compare Chelsea, MI Livability

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      Chelsea transportation information

      Statistic Chelsea Michigan National
      Average one way commute26min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work86.7%82.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool1.7%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.7%1.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.0%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home4.6%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Chelsea, MI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.