Living in Benton Harbor, Michigan
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Benton Harbor · Census data 2020–2024
Benton Harbor has 8,953 residents with a median age of 32.8. The median household income is $31,117 (57% lower than the Michigan median), the median home value is $76,500, the median rent is $851/month.
Benton Harbor at a glance
- Population
- 8,953
- Median age
- 32.8State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $31,117State: $72,875
- Median home value
- $76,500State: $231,600
- Median rent
- $851/moState: $1,129
- Homeowners
- 36.7%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 7.4%
- Average commute
- 18 min
Is Benton Harbor a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 67% lower than the state median; an average commute of 18 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 57% lower than the Michigan median; unemployment of 21.6%; a poverty rate of 40.1%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Benton Harbor
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Benton Harbor the median home value is $76,500, 77% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $851 per month, which is 42.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $942 a month in housing costs.
Benton Harbor median household income
The median household income in Benton Harbor is $31,117 and the income per person is $18,667. 40.1% of residents live below the poverty line (Michigan: 13.2%).
Housing in Benton Harbor: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 4,239
- Owner-occupied
- 36.7%
- Renter-occupied
- 63.3%
- Vacant
- 14.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1956
- Average household size
- 2.44
Benton Harbor demographics
- Population
- 8,953
- Median age
- 32.8
- Under 18
- 30.8%
- 65 and older
- 10.3%
- Households
- 3,624
- Foreign-born
- 1.2%
- Veterans
- 4.7%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Benton Harbor ›
Education in Benton Harbor
7.4% of adults 25 and older in Benton Harbor have a bachelor's degree or higher (Michigan: 32.4%), and 2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Benton Harbor
- Unemployment rate
- 21.6%State: 5.7%
- Average commute
- 18 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 5.8%
- Drive alone
- 79%
- Public transit
- 0.8%
- Walk to work
- 3.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 78.6%
Benton Harbor vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benton Harbor | 8,953 | $31,117 | $76,500 | $851 |
| Benton Heights | 3,078 | $33,542 | $97,700 | $612 |
| Fair Plain | 7,330 | $52,817 | $169,400 | $1,019 |
| St. Joseph | 7,986 | $84,057 | $299,000 | $1,081 |
| Shoreham | 1,100 | $113,750 | $304,800 | $1,367 |
| Millburg | 568 | $62,976 | $136,500 | $1,167 |
| Lake Michigan Beach | 823 | $56,809 | $255,800 | — |
| Stevensville | 1,095 | $64,125 | $191,200 | $1,200 |
| Coloma | 1,074 | $68,889 | $177,100 | $1,016 |
More for people moving to Benton Harbor
Benton Harbor ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Benton Harbor: FAQ
What is the median household income in Benton Harbor, MI?
The median household income in Benton Harbor is $31,117, 57% lower than the Michigan median of $72,875 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Benton Harbor?
The median home value in Benton Harbor is $76,500, compared with $231,600 in Michigan.
How much is rent in Benton Harbor?
The median gross rent in Benton Harbor is $851 per month, about 42.8% of household income.
Is Benton Harbor, MI a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 67% lower than the state median; an average commute of 18 minutes. Minuses: median household income 57% lower than the Michigan median; unemployment of 21.6%; a poverty rate of 40.1%.
What is the median age in Benton Harbor?
The median age in Benton Harbor is 32.8 years (Michigan: 40.2).
How long is the commute in Benton Harbor?
The average commute to work in Benton Harbor is 18 minutes; 5.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Benton Harbor?
The unemployment rate in Benton Harbor is 21.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Benton Harbor?
7.4% of adults in Benton Harbor have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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