Michigan
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Michigan vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in Michigan
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rochester Hills | A+ | 48.1 | 76,386 | $77,231 | 335 | 92 |
| 2 | Troy | A | 48.0 | 87,294 | $73,079 | 412 | 84 |
| 3 | Lansing | B+ | 45.4 | 112,644 | $78,462 | 458 | 90 |
| 4 | Detroit | B | 45.1 | 639,111 | $68,435 | 429 | 98 |
| 5 | Grand Rapids | B | 44.1 | 198,917 | $66,455 | 494 | 86 |
| 6 | Traverse City | C+ | 43.8 | 15,678 | $55,539 | 482 | 91 |
| 7 | Novi | C | 43.6 | 61,162 | $55,338 | 512 | 94 |
| 8 | Kalamazoo | C | 43.3 | 72,368 | $66,257 | 428 | 94 |
| 9 | Ann Arbor | D | 42.9 | 123,851 | $81,599 | 558 | 84 |
| 10 | Royal Oak | F | 41.5 | 59,277 | $57,444 | 352 | 97 |
More Midwest States
Michigan Rankings Overview
Michigan earns an overall grade of C with a composite score of 44.4 out of 100, ranking #35 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Affordability (67/100) while its biggest challenge is Growth (30/100).
Economy & Employment in Michigan
With an unemployment rate of 4.9% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Michigan performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $68,505, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Michigan
Michigan's violent crime rate of 430 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Michigan
Michigan ranks #31 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #24 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Michigan's overall ranking?
Michigan ranks #35 out of 50 states with a composite score of 44.4/100 and a grade of C.
Is Michigan a good place to live?
Michigan scores 44.4/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in Michigan?
The violent crime rate in Michigan is 430 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Michigan's economy compare?
Michigan's median household income is $68,505 with an unemployment rate of 4.9%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Michigan?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Michigan are Rochester Hills, Troy, and Lansing.