Assisted Living in Benton Harbor, Michigan
Benton Harbor is a Berrien County city on the shores of Lake Michigan, about an hour east of Kalamazoo. Approximately 12% of its 9,100 residents are seniors. They can experience chilly conditions in winter, but summer compensates with temperatures regularly around 83 degrees. They also benefit from a lower cost of living than most cities in the state and the country and have convenient access to medical care at Lakeland Medical Center and Lakeside Medical Center. Local attractions include two beaches, several parks and Sarett Nature Center.
Seniors in Benton Harbor have access to 22 assisted living facilities within the city and the surrounding area. Assisted living communities provide 24/7 support to people who need help with activities of daily living. They're homelike environments where residents socialize together and participate in staff-organized activities, such as bingo and day trips. The median monthly fee for assisted living in Benton Harbor is $4,200, which is $50 below the state average and $300 less than the country's norm.
The SeniorScore™ for Benton Harbor, Michigan
The purpose of SeniorScore is to give an impression of a city's benefits to older residents, which is calculated by evaluating 100+ data points that can affect their daily lives. Benton Harbor's SeniorScore is 66, which is below the state and national averages of 71 and 72, respectively. Four individual categories are also scored to help seniors determine the city's strengths and shortcomings.
The General Quality of Life category has a score of 59, which reflects both the harsh average temperatures and pleasantly warm summers in this part of the country. The sparse population also factors, as this reduces commute times because there's less traffic. The Health & Safety category also scores 59 points, with many awarded because Benton Harbor boasts a high number of Medicare-registered physicians and three hospitals serving a relatively small population. Crime rates are high, although seniors in assisted living benefit from staff on-site 24/7 and security systems unique to each facility, which could be surveillance cameras and keypad door entry systems.
At 55, the score for the Finances category is the lowest awarded to Benton Harbor. This is primarily due to the city's below-average mean and median household incomes and per capita incomes. However, city sales taxes are below the norm, as are assisted living costs, so some seniors may find Benton Harbor an affordable option. The highest score is for Recreation & Leisure, at 62. The score reflects the wealth of options for seniors, including four malls, five movie theaters and eight parks. There are also 62 churches serving most denominations.
SeniorScore™ for Benton Harbor, Michigan
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Benton Harbor scores lower than the Michigan average of 71.
- Benton Harbor scores lower than the national average of 72.
- There is a high number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
- There are 3 hospitals within close range of the city, including Lakeland Hospital, St Joseph, Community Hospital, and Community Hospital.
- There are 25 senior living facilities in close proximity to the city, including Orchard Grove Extended Care Centre, Halder AFC Home, and Lake View Terrace Highrise.
- There is a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
- There is a high number of fire stations serving the city.
- The average life expectancy is 78.2, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- There are 67 pharmacies within close range of the city.
- The area has a very high property crime rate.
- The area has a very high violent crime rate.
- The city has a low percentage of seniors in the population (25% of residents).
- There are 38 golf courses in or around the city, including Blossom Trails, Lake Michigan Hills Golf Club, and Berrien Hills Country Club.
- There are 8 parks near the city center, including Jean Klock Park, Sarett Nature Center, and Silver Beach County Park.
- There are 62 churches in or near the city, including Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Highland Ave Adventist Church, and Ebenezer Baptist Church.
- There are 4 malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
- There are 45 grocery stores within the city.
- There are 5 movie theatres in or near the city.
- There are 34 gyms or health clubs in or near the city.
- The property taxes average 2.94% of total income, which is higher than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 1.17% of property value, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The city sales taxes averages 6.00%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- Michigan has an average state income tax of 3.91%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
- The city's mean household income is $38,719, which is significantly lower than the national average of $64,580.
- The city's median household income is $26,155, which is significantly lower than the national median of $51,560.
- The city's per capita income is $16,139, which is significantly lower than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs average $31,050 per year, which are very low compared to national figures.
- Nursing home costs average $90,155 per year, which are average compared to national costs.
- Adult daycare costs average $20,800 per year, which are high compared to national numbers.
- Home healthcare costs average $45,760 annually, which are average compared to national costs.
- The unemployment rate is about 17.05%, which is very high compared to national averages.
- The overall cost of living is low compared to national averages.
- 2% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Benton Harbor receives average levels of rainfall each year.
- Benton Harbor has harsh mean temperatures, with cold winters and pleasant summers.
- This city has below average air quality.
- Benton Harbor has a sparse population density of 462.6 people per square mile.
- Residents of Benton Harbor have a very short daily commute time.
- Benton Harbor has a low public school quality ranking.
- The city has a low public school safety rating.
- This city has a low graduation rate of 77.08%.
Assisted Living Costs in Benton Harbor, Michigan
As Benton Harbor and Niles are only 30 minutes from each other, the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey merges their assisted living cost data, resulting in a median of $4,200. This means a Benton Harbor senior can save $50 per month when compared to the average state resident and $300 when measured against the typical American.
- Benton Harbor: $4,200
- Michigan: $4,250
- U.S. Average: $4,500
Benton Harbor's $4,200 median fee places it on the slightly more affordable end of the spectrum for Michigan. It shares this with several cities across the state, such as Detroit, which is just $15 higher, and Battle Creek, $3,400, having the lowest cost in Michigan. However, seniors comparing assisted living costs throughout the state will likely find they're above Benton Harbor's median. For example, nearby Kalamazoo averages at $4,350, a $150 per month increase, while cities further afield are costlier still. These include Grand Rapids ($4,828), Bay City ($4,423) and Monroe ($5,050). Ann Arbor is the most expensive city in Michigan for assisted living, with residents often paying around $6,093 per month for services similar to those costing less elsewhere.
- Benton Harbor: $4,200
- Grand Rapids: $4,828
- Monroe: $5,050
- Detroit: $4,215
- Bay City: $4,423
- Battle Creek: $3,400
- Ann Arbor: $6,093
- Kalamazoo: $4,350
Note: Data for Benton Harbor was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Niles, was used instead.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Benton Harbor, Michigan
Located at 1564 M-63, Sunset Shores Assisted Living is a senior housing facility in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with about 33,000 residents in the 49022 zip code. It is a generally low income ...
Rodgers Facility is a senior care community located at 775 Territorial Rd in Benton Harbor, Michigan. With approximately 33,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 49022, the surrounding area has a dense population. It is a predominantly ...
Halder AFC Home is a 6 bed residential care facility. It is located at 1629 Colfax Ave in Benton Harbor, Michigan. With about 33,000 individuals living in the 49022 zip code, the neighboring area is heavily populated. ...
Lake View Terrace Highrise is a 107 unit senior housing facility. It is located at 601 Port St in St Joseph, Michigan. The neighboring area has a dense population, with about 25,000 people residing in the 49085 zip ...
2 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
The Whitcomb is a 131 unit senior community situated in St Joseph, Michigan. With about 25,000 individuals living in the 49085 zip code, the neighboring area has a dense population. It is a largely middle class area, with ...
2 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Located at 3900 Niles Rd in St Joseph, Michigan, Caretel Inns of Lakeland is a 32 unit senior care facility. The facility is in a largely middle class area, with an average per-family income of $59,949. It is ...
5 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
The Willows Assisted Living is a senior care community located at 3440 Niles Rd in St Joseph, Michigan. With roughly 25,000 individuals living in the zip code of 49085, the neighboring area is densely populated. It is a ...
5 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Living Alternatives Father DVP is a senior housing community located at 3940 Victoria Ct in St Joseph, Michigan. The encompassing area has a dense population, with about 25,000 individuals living in the zip code of 49085. It is ...
5 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Gilead Elder Care is a senior housing facility located at 4790 Scottdale Rd in St Joseph, Michigan. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with approximately 25,000 people residing in the zip code of 49085. It is a ...
5 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Located at 4167 N Roosevelt Rd, Golden Age Manor is a senior housing community serving Stevensville, Michigan. The facility is in a primarily middle class area, with an average per-household income of $64,354. It has an average population ...
6 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Petrona's Country Home is a senior care community located at 8948 2nd St in Baroda, Michigan. The encompassing area is sparsely populated, with roughly 4,000 poeple living in the zip code of 49101. It is a primarily middle ...
11 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Located at 4798 E Hillcrest Dr in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Hillcrest Haven AFC is a 4 unit care home. The neighboring area has an average population density, with about 12,000 people residing in the zip code of 49103. ...
11 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Kephart Cottage is located at 8228 Kephart Ln in Berrien Springs, Michigan. It is a 12 bed senior community. With a median household income of $45,522, the community is in a mostly middle class area. It has ...
11 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Flo's Family Home is a 4 unit senior care facility. It is located at 8781 Meadowview Ct in Berrien Springs, Michigan. The community is in a largely middle income area, with a median per-family income of $45,522. ...
12 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Woodland Terrace of Bridgman is a 20 room senior housing community located in Bridgman, Michigan. The community is in a primarily middle income area, with an average per-family income of $48,229. It has a sparse population, with around ...
12 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Harvest Home is located at 625 Saint Joseph Ave in Berrien Springs, Michigan. It is a 20 unit senior care community. The surrounding area has a medium-density population, with approximately 12,000 individuals living in the 49103 zip code. ...
12 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Located at 3611 E Snow Rd, Loving Care Homes is a residential care home in Berrien Springs, Michigan. With a median family income of $45,522, the facility is in a primarily middle class area. It has an average ...
13 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
West Woods of Bridgman is a 105 unit senior community. It is located at 9935 Red Arrow Hwy in Bridgman, Michigan. With about 6,000 poeple living in the zip code of 49106, the surrounding area has a sparse ...
13 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Country Manor Care Center is a senior care facility located at 11241 California in Bridgman, Michigan. With around 6,000 individuals living in the zip code of 49106, the neighboring area has a sparse population. It is a largely ...
15 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Ferny's Home is located at 7720 Wright Rd in Niles, Michigan. It is a 6 room senior care community. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with a median family income of $42,539. It has ...
16 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Oak Crest Foster Care Home is a residential care facility located at 7839 Chapel Rd in Niles, Michigan. The surrounding area has a dense population, with roughly 38,000 individuals residing in the 49120 zip code. It is a ...
16 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Lilloe's Adult Foster Care Home is located at 206 Johnson St in Dowagiac, Michigan. It is a 6 room residential care facility. The encompassing area has an average population density, with about 16,000 people residing in the zip ...
19 miles away from Benton Harbor, MI
Senior Resources in Benton Harbor, Michigan
Benton Harbor/Benton Township Senior Services, Inc. Benton Township Senior Services, Inc. operates a senior center in Benton Harbor where older residents can socialize with their peers and participate in a range of activities. These include twice-weekly games of bingo, congregate meals and regular group trips to an array of nearby attractions. St. Joseph Lincoln Senior Center also serves local residents. 225 Colfax Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (269) 927-2497 berriencounty.org |
Legal Aid of Western Michigan Legal Aid of Western Michigan is a nonprofit that provides free legal advice and support to Benton Harbor residents with qualifying incomes. The firm's attorneys specialize in a range of civil law matters, which include public benefits, consumer law, taxes, individual rights and family law. Legal Aid of Western Michigan can't help with criminal law cases. 901 Port Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085 (800) 310-2798 lawestmi.org |
Berrien County Veterans Services Berrien County Veterans Services provides advice and support to veterans, surviving spouses and their dependents. The primary function is to help them access the state and federal benefits they're entitled to, although the department can also assist in other matters. These include burial benefits, veterans' insurance and compensation for disabilities connected with military service. 701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085 (269) 983-7111 berriencounty.org |
Long Term Care Ombudsman The Long Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for the rights of seniors living in licensed care facilities. Ombudsmen are trained volunteers who visit assisted living communities to engage directly and confidentially with residents, listen to their concerns and investigate complaints made by them, their families and third parties. They can negotiate resolutions with care providers. 2900 Lakeview Avenue, St. Joseph, MI 49085 (800) 442-2803 areaagencyonaging.org |
Region 4 Area Agency on Aging Region 4 Area Agency on Aging is a private nonprofit that advocates for Benton Harbor's older residents and operates many life-enhancing community services for the elderly. They include a helpline for seniors and others to call if they are facing abuse or exploitation and access to education through the Campus for Creative Aging. 2900 Lakeview Avenue, St. Joseph, MI 49085 (800) 442-2803 areaagencyonaging.org |
Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program Managed locally by the Area Agency on Aging, the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance program is a statewide initiative designed to help seniors understand if they qualify. Trained counselors provide free and unbiased advice about both programs, can help seniors apply for either or both and challenge decisions if their applications are denied. 2900 Lakeview Avenue, St. Joseph, MI 49085 (800) 803-7174 areaagencyonaging.org |
Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program Adults aged 60+ can get a 30-day loan of durable medical equipment from Benton Harbor Senior Center. As the program relies on donations, there may be a waiting time before the device the senior needs becomes available. However, some common equipment is usually on hand, such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes. 225 Colfax Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (269) 927-2497 berriencounty.org |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
What is the cost of assisted living in Michigan?
Answer
The average price of assisted living in Michigan is around $107 daily (ranging from $25 to $262), $3,200 per month (ranging from $750 to $7,850), and $38,400 annually (ranging from $9,000 to $94,200). By comparison, the national averages are $117 daily, $3,500 per month, and $42,000 annually.
Question
How much do assisted living facilities cost in Benton Harbor?
Answer
The minimum per-month cost of assisted living in Benton Harbor, Michigan is estimated at around $830 and may run as much as $4,674. The average is approximately $2,588 per-month, with an annual cost of around $31,050.
Question
What services are offered with assisted living?
Answer
Assisted living typically includes 24-monitoring, meal planning, basic medical care, religious activities, and social activities. Care can be offered in a shared or private room.
Question
Are there assisted living communities in Benton Harbor that take Medicaid?
Answer
There are multiple assisted living communities in Benton Harbor that take Medicaid, which include West Woods of Niles, Riveridge Manor, and West Woods of Bridgman.
Question
What are the demographics of Benton Harbor?
Answer
The surrounding statistical area is home to 157,642 people, but there are 31,814 living within the city limits. The 55+ community makes up around 25% of the overall population.