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Beaverton, MI

Area Guide

Embrace the strong community and small-town feel

Close-Knit Quaint Laidback

Tucked into Gladwin County in mid-Michigan, Beaverton sits at the meeting point of the Tobacco and Cedar rivers, giving this small city a naturally relaxed, outdoors-oriented character. With a population of just over 1,100, the pace here is deliberate and neighborly, a contrast to the hustle of larger Michigan metros. The city traces its roots to the lumbering era of the 1860s and formally incorporated in 1903, making it one of the older established communities in the region. That sense of history shows up in its compact downtown and the quiet, tree-lined residential streets that surround it. Housing options lean toward single-family homes and smaller apartment communities, with modest townhome-style rentals rounding out the mix. Renters tend to find more square footage for their dollar here compared to metro areas, and the overall footprint of the city keeps commutes and errands short. Beaverton serves as a gateway to the broader Gladwin County lake country, where outdoor recreation draws visitors and residents alike throughout the year. For those seeking a grounded, small-city lifestyle in central Michigan, Beaverton offers a steady, affordable base with genuine small-town character intact.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$40,673

Average: $52,707

Education

120

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

394

Workers Employed

Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.

Median Age

41 Years

Largest Age Group

10-19 Years

Approximately 14% of Residents

Under 20

26%

Over 65

18%

Housing Distribution

Beaverton has more homeowners than renters.

Renters
32%
Non-Renters
68%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
8%
Other Education
92%

Getting Around

Somewhat Walkable

Walkability

30 / 100

Very Drivable

Drivability

80 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Bikeability

30 / 100

Schools

Beaverton Middle School

Public

Grades PK-5

363 Students

Beaverton High School

Public

Grades 6-12

418 Students

Beaverton High School

Public

Grades 6-12

418 Students

Points of Interest

Living in Beaverton

History

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Beaverton traces its roots to Michigan's lumber boom era, when the region's dense forests drew logging operations and sawmills in the late 1800s. The town developed along the Tobacco River, serving as a hub for the timber industry that shaped much of central Michigan's early growth. As the lumber resources declined, the community transitioned to agriculture and small-town commerce, a shift still visible in its historic downtown buildings and residential architecture from that period. Today, Beaverton preserves its heritage through structures that reflect its industrial past, including early 20th-century storefronts and homes that speak to its logging and farming legacy. The surrounding landscape, once dominated by timber operations, has regenerated into recreational forests and parks that residents enjoy today, offering a connection to the area's natural history while supporting outdoor activities along the river and trails.

Transportation

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Beaverton is a small city in Gladwin County in central Michigan, where most residents rely on personal vehicles to get around. State routes M-18 and M-61 serve as the primary roads through town, connecting drivers to nearby communities and larger regional hubs. The city's compact size means many everyday destinations are within a short drive, and its quiet streets are generally easy to navigate without significant congestion. For longer trips, Midland and Mount Pleasant are accessible within roughly 30 to 40 minutes, offering expanded shopping, services, and amenities. MBS International Airport in Freeland serves the broader region for air travel.

Parks

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Beaverton, Michigan, sits near the Tobacco River and the scenic Smallwood Lake, offering residents pleasant spots for fishing, kayaking, and relaxing along the water. The surrounding Gladwin County landscape is rich with natural beauty, and nearby Tobacco River Wildlife Area provides trails and open space for hiking and wildlife viewing. The region also offers easy access to Clare County State Game Area and several local township parks, ideal for picnicking and outdoor recreation. With vast stretches of northern Michigan forests and waterways just outside your door, nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore year-round.

Highlights

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Beaverton, Michigan, is a small city in Gladwin County that offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere surrounded by the natural beauty of the mid-Michigan region. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation, including fishing and boating on the Tobacco River, as well as proximity to Wixom Lake. The city's manageable size means everyday conveniences are within easy reach, while the quiet, scenic surroundings provide a welcoming retreat from the bustle of larger urban centers, making it an appealing option for those seeking affordable living in a tranquil, nature-rich setting.

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.

Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.