The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 49254 sells for about $228,000, or $181 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.5% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 45 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,273 a month.
ZIP 49254 — Michigan Center
The housing market in 49254 remains stable with low inventory levels supporting modest price appreciation. Demand is driven by local buyers seeking affordable, lake-adjacent residential options. Current conditions reflect a balanced market with limited turnover.
This ZIP is well-suited for families and local workers seeking affordable, lake-adjacent living with a small-town atmosphere and easy access to Jackson.
Median prices moved up 2.5% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 45 days on market with 3.2 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
15% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.1% · poverty 5.1% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.9%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.2%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
in-migration and out-migration balanced
ZCTA 49254, Jackson County MI
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Crime rates in the Michigan Center area are generally consistent with regional averages for Jackson County, with property crime being the primary concern.
Schools serving the area are part of the Michigan Center School District, which maintains a stable academic reputation within the local community.
The area is subject to standard Midwestern weather risks, including seasonal wind and storm events; flood risk is localized near the central lake areas.
Economic momentum is tied to the broader Jackson County industrial and manufacturing base, with steady but modest residential development.
Property taxes are levied by Jackson County and the local township/village, with rates determined by millage elections and state-capped assessment growth.
Residents primarily commute by car to employment hubs in Jackson, typically a 10-15 minute drive via local highways.
The area is defined by its proximity to Michigan Center Lake and Round Lake, offering significant water-based recreation, fishing, and local park access.
The rental market is characterized by low vacancy rates and steady demand, with a mix of long-term residential rentals and some seasonal lake-front interest.
The economy is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors within the greater Jackson metropolitan area.
Transportation is heavily reliant on private vehicle use, with access to I-94 and US-127 providing regional connectivity.
Development is largely limited to small-scale residential improvements and minor commercial updates.
The Jackson County Equalization Department oversees property assessments, following state-mandated valuation cycles.
Parcels are subject to Michigan Center School District taxes and various county-wide special service districts.
Property insurance premiums are stable, reflecting moderate risk profiles for wind and fire in the region.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA 49254 profile.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Primary recreational hub for boating and fishing.
Popular local lake for swimming and recreation.
Community park providing green space and playground facilities.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.