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Owosso

Owosso

Located in Shiawassee County

$185,611 Average Value
$129 Average Price per Sq Ft
44 Homes For Sale

Historical home of James Oliver Curwood

Owosso, Michigan, is the historic home of one of Michigan’s most famous authors, James Oliver Curwood, known for his adventure tales and conservation efforts. Sitting on the Shiawassee River, the city is now home to roughly 14,600 people—a population that has declined slowly since 1980—and major employers like Baker College and Woodard, LLC. “The hospital is a major employer. We have a great hospital here,” says Mike Selleck, broker with Richard J. Selleck and Sons Agency. Memorial Healthcare Hospital in Owosso is the city’s certified Level IV Trauma Center.

Memorial Healthcare Hospital is Owosso's certified Level IV Trauma Center.
Memorial Healthcare Hospital is Owosso's certified Level IV Trauma Center.
Curwood Castle is the former home of James Oliver Curwood, known for his conservation efforts.
Curwood Castle is the former home of James Oliver Curwood, known for his conservation efforts.
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Many older homes that range in price

Custom homes along the Shiawassee River can sell as high as $519,000, while older homes that need repair and aren’t by the water can sell as low as $26,000. The median home price is $166,175, up 11% from the previous year but less than half the national median. On average, Owosso homes stay on the market for 34 days, over a week below the national average. “Everything has gone up,” Selleck says. “But we’ve always been one of the top five counties in the state with the lowest average price per household.”

The median home price in Owosso is $166,175.
The median home price in Owosso is $166,175.
Homes along the Shiawassee River in Owosso are sought after and have higher value.
Homes along the Shiawassee River in Owosso are sought after and have higher value.
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Owosso Public Schools

Owosso Public Schools earns an overall B-minus on Niche. Home to roughly 2,900 students, the district maintains a 21:1 student-teacher ratio and an average graduation rate of 80% across one preschool, three elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools. Baker College offers a private university setting for post-secondary students. The university has more than 85 degree programs across fields like business, health science and more.

Baker College offers a private university setting for post-secondary students in Owosso.
Baker College offers a private university setting for post-secondary students in Owosso.
The Owosso Public School District earns an overall B-minus on Niche.
The Owosso Public School District earns an overall B-minus on Niche.
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12 parks and roughly 250 acres of green space

Selleck says outdoor sports are a popular part of life in the small Michigan city. “We’ve got some nice trails, and the parks are great,” Selleck says. Owosso Parks range from the one-acre Fayette Square to Collamer Park, with more than 160 acres of space. The city has 12 parks spanning over 250 acres and offering more than 90 facilities and amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas and sports fields. Nearby state parks include Sleepy Hollow Park, home to Lake Ovid and 16 miles of biking and hiking trails, and the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, which holds over 9,800 acres of land home to diverse wildlife.

Hopkins Lake at Collamer Park offers more than 160 acres of space within Owosso.
Hopkins Lake at Collamer Park offers more than 160 acres of space within Owosso.
Outdoor sports at Grove Holman Park are a popular part of life in Owosso.
Outdoor sports at Grove Holman Park are a popular part of life in Owosso.
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Shopping and dining in downtown Owosso

Owosso’s downtown district lies around the intersection of West Main Street and South Washington Street. Italian, American and Chinese restaurants give downtown a variety of dining options, and major chains like McDonald’s are available just east of the Shiawassee River. Local shops include cannabis dispensaries and a small butcher shop. “We’ve got the Lebowsky Center downtown,” Selleck says. “That’s a performing arts center that hosts different shows throughout the year. And James Oliver Curwood was a nationally known author born in Owosso; we’ve got his castle on the banks of the Shiawassee River.” Curwood Castle Park, the former writing studio of James Oliver Curwood, is a popular tourist attraction and venue for community festivities.

The Lebowsky Performing Arts Center puts on shows throughout the year in Owosso.
The Lebowsky Performing Arts Center puts on shows throughout the year in Owosso.
Owosso's downtown district offers restaurants like Sakura with Japanese and Thai specialties.
Owosso's downtown district offers restaurants like Sakura with Japanese and Thai specialties.
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The Curwood Festival and other events

Curwood Castle hosts annual events like the Curwood Festival, a celebration of James Oliver Curwood, and Moonlight Market, which features live music, balloon art and food from local vendors. In August, The Owosso Bike Fest brings together the city’s bicycle enthusiasts for a day of bikes, food and fun.

Shiawassee Area Transit Agency

Owosso’s residential lanes offer plenty of sidewalks, and the Shiawassee Area Transit Agency serves the city, offering on-demand ride services. South Michigan Route 52 is the city’s primary roadway, connecting drivers to Interstate 69 roughly 11 miles south. The latter heads west to Lansing or east to connect with I-75 to downtown Detroit, 92 miles away. Nearby Owosso Community Airport offers service for chartered and private flights, but residents must head 26 miles east to Bishop International Airport in Flint for commercial flights connecting them to larger airports nationwide.

Some environmental and weather considerations

With the city sitting along the banks of the Shiawassee River, environmental data shows there is a risk of flood impact to the city’s infrastructure within the next 30 years. Data shows that the city’s air quality is better than most other cities in Michigan. Owosso does not sit close enough to the Great Lakes to experience the Lake Effect, but low temperatures still average in the teens during winter. On average, the city gets roughly 30 inches of snow per year, though the city is prepared and roads are cleared quickly. Still, Selleck says the area’s winters are growing milder and 2024, he says, “was the first year in three years we’ve been able to go ice fishing, because our lakes and rivers haven’t frozen.”

Environmental data shows Owosso along the Shiawassee River has a risk of flooding.
Environmental data shows Owosso along the Shiawassee River has a risk of flooding.
Data shows that Owosso's air quality is better than most other cities in Michigan.
Data shows that Owosso's air quality is better than most other cities in Michigan.
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Konrad Solberg
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Eric Lynch
Photography Contributed By
Eric Lynch
Patrick Johnson
Video By
Patrick Johnson

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brock Fletcher, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Owosso Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$160,000
Median Sale Price
$159,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$160,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$174,711
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$285,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
325
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
7%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$129

Area Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,723
Number of Homes for Sale
44
Median Year Built
1965
Months of Supply
1.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,028
Above the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,253
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,219
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
16,552

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Sep 14
    Open Sun 1:30PM - 3:30PM

    636 N Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867

    $235,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,948 Sq Ft
    • 636 N Washington St
    • New 6 hours ago

    Welcome to this wonderful Colonial family home with a Brand New Roof that offers comfort, style, and plenty of space! From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the gorgeous wood flooring and original rich wood accents throughout.The spacious living room features a cozy fireplace as its centerpiece, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.A formal dining room enclosed with

    Samantha Broughman Motivated Real Estate

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  • Sunday, Sep 14
    Open Sun 1PM - 2:30PM

    1444 W King St, Owosso, MI 48867

    $154,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 928 Sq Ft
    • 1444 W King St
    • New 2 days ago

    OPEN SUNDAY, 9/14 FROM 1 TO 2:30 pm! Three-bedroom home on the northside of Owosso on a low traffic street with a nice yard and two car garage! Hardwood floors, newer windows, full basement, and new roof on garage summer 2025! Great location, loads of charm and oh so cute - this will make a great first time home or the last one with bedrooms and bathrooom all on the main level!

    Morgan Beilfuss The Home Office Realty LLC

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  • Sunday, Sep 14
    Open Sun 12PM - 1:30PM

    1216 Willow St, Owosso, MI 48867

    $249,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,947 Sq Ft
    • 1216 Willow St
    • New 5 days ago

    OPEN HOUSE Sunday, September 14 from Noon to 1:30pm! Beautiful north side ranch! Nestled back on a dead-end street, this one offers 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bath on the main level plus partially finished basement! Both living and family rooms on the main level, slider to nice deck and more! Gorgeous fenced yard with 2 sheds plus 2-car attached garage. Updated, cared for and move-in ready!

    Kori Shook Kori Shook & Associates

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Owosso Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
15,252
Median Age
39
Population under 18
24.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$44,452
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,758

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89.3%
College Graduates
15.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
32''
Average Winter Low Temperature
15°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
35''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®®

52 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®®

70 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Owosso