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Niles, MI

Frequently asked questions

Niles, MI

Niles is a city in Berrien and Cass counties in the U.S. state of Michigan, near the Indiana state line city of South Bend. The population was 11,988 according to the 2020 census. It is the largest, by population, of the two principal cities in the Niles-Benton Harbor metropolitan area, an area with 153,797 people. 

Niles lies on the banks of the St. Joseph River, at the site of the French Fort St. Joseph, which was built in 1697 to protect the Jesuit Mission established in 1691. After 1761, it was held by the British and was captured on May 25, 1763, by Native Americans during Pontiac's Rebellion. The British retook the fort but it was not re-garrisoned and served as a trading post. During the American Revolutionary War, the fort was held for a short time by a Spanish force. The occupation of the fort by the four nations of France, Britain, Spain, and the United States has earned Niles the nickname City of Four Flags.

The town was named after Hezekiah Niles, editor of the Niles Register, a Baltimore newspaper. The town of Niles as it exists today was settled in 1827. Between 1820 and 1865, Niles was an integral part of the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape from as far south as New Orleans through the Heartland, and eventually into Canada. 

The city is situated on the St. Joseph River and is mostly surrounded by Niles Township. Glacial deposits of large boulders and smooth stones mingle with heavy sedimentary deposits, producing rolling hills and steep river banks. The soil is rich and fertile. Crinoid and related fossils are easily found south of the city. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.95 square miles (15.41 km2), of which 5.79 square miles (15.00 km2) is land and 0.16 square miles (0.41 km2) is water.

Niles, MI offers a variety of spas, gyms, and health and wellness activities that cater to the health and fitness needs of its residents. Planet Fitness offers a judgment-free environment with a wide array of exercise equipment and group fitness classes. Niles Yoga & Wellness Center hosts yoga and meditation classes, focusing on mental and physical well-being. Snap Fitness offers 24/7 access to modern workout equipment and personalized training programs. Alternative Wellness Center provides chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, and wellness workshops. Tranquility Day Spa offers luxurious treatments, including hot stone massages, aromatherapy, and skincare services. For martial arts, Legend Martial Arts provides excellent training programs. Niles Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs.

Top sites in Niles, MI are IN-MI River Valley Trail, Fernwood Botanical Garden, and Fort St. Joseph Museum.

Population: 11,738 (2024). ZIP codes: 49120, 49121. Area codes: 269. Elevation: 686 ft (209 m). Area: 5.95 sq mi (15.42 km2).

FAQs

What is Niles, MI famous for?

Between 1820 and 1865, Niles was an integral part of the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape from as far south as New Orleans through the Heartland, and eventually into Canada. The city is situated on the St. Joseph River and is mostly surrounded by Niles Township. Glacial deposits of large boulders and smooth stones mingle with heavy sedimentary deposits, producing rolling hills and steep river banks. The soil is rich and fertile. Crinoid and related fossils are easily found south of the city.

What are the demographics of Niles, MI?

Niles, MI is home to a population of 11.9k people, of which 98.3% are citizens. As of 2022, 3.03% of Niles, MI residents were born outside of the country (360 people). In 2022, there were 5.79 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (9.16k people) in Niles, MI than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.58k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 488 Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

What is the cost of living in Niles, MI?

Niles, Michigan's cost of living is 14% lower than the national average. Niles's housing expenses are 26% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 7% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 5% lower than the national average. Niles has grocery prices that are 9% lower than the national average. Healthcare in Niles is 7% lower than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Niles

Data USA

Payscale

IN-MI River Valley Trail

Fernwood Botanical Garden

Fort St. Joseph Museum

Planet Fitness

Niles Yoga & Wellness Center

Snap Fitness

Alternative Wellness Center

Tranquility Day Spa

Legend Martial Arts

Niles Hospital

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