MichiganPop. 122,036Mid-size cities
Is Ann Arbor a Good Place to Live? Ann Arbor, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Ann Arbor ranks #194 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #24 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.5%, #34 of 241) and short commutes (20 min, #48 of 256), and trails on high poverty (23.8%, #238 of 256).
Ann Arbor by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Ann Arbor's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,649/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $526,592, 2 times the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Ann Arbor | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 100.9#710 of 1,308 | 96.2 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $526,592#865 of 1,187 | $266,292 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,086/mo#751 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $453,400#896 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,649/mo#827 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.1%#911 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Ann Arbor housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Ann Arbor is in the Ann Arbor, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Ann Arbor safe?
Ann Arbor recorded 297 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% below the US rate of 328 and 29% below Michigan's 416. That ranks #558 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #101 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ann Arbor Police Department. Property crime runs 1,706 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Ann Arbor | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 297#558 of 1,085 | 416 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,706#578 of 1,085 | 1,259 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Ann Arbor?
The median household in Ann Arbor earns $82,212, 1% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 23.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Ann Arbor | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $82,212#573 of 1,312 | $72,389 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 23.8%#1212 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Ann Arbor?
The median resident of Ann Arbor is 27.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 77.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #11 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Ann Arbor | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 27.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 77.9%#11 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 45.5% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Ann Arbor's schools and health?
Ann Arbor's 30 public schools graduate 91.1% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 14.6 students per teacher and $19,164 spent per pupil. 25.8% of adults are obese and 6.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Ann Arbor | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 91.1%#289 of 1,063 | 81% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.6#390 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $19,164#251 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 25.8%#172 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 6.4%#31 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.3%#915 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 6%#145 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,599 students are enrolled in Ann Arbor's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Ann Arbor?
The average commute in Ann Arbor is 20 minutes (Michigan 24.3); 7.2% of workers take transit and 28.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Ann Arbor scores 13.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.7°F and winters 25.9°F, with 29.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Ann Arbor | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20 min#341 of 1,312 | 24.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 6.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 43% | 75.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 7.2% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 13% | 1.9% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 2.1% | 0.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 28.7% | 11.2% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.5#243 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31.8 | 15.2 | 1.7 |
| Feb | 34.6 | 16 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 45.4 | 25.3 | 2 |
| Apr | 58.7 | 35.3 | 3 |
| May | 70.1 | 45.6 | 3.4 |
| Jun | 79.2 | 53.7 | 3.6 |
| Jul | 83.8 | 57.2 | 3.2 |
| Aug | 81.4 | 56.9 | 2.7 |
| Sep | 74.2 | 48.4 | 2.8 |
| Oct | 61.5 | 38.3 | 2.2 |
| Nov | 47.9 | 29.5 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 36.4 | 21.5 | 1.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ann Arbor Muni Airport.
| Measure | Ann Arbor | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 47.8°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 68.7°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 25.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 29.8 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ann Arbor Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Ann Arbor?
Washtenaw County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washtenaw County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 95% of US counties.
| Measure | Ann Arbor | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.08%#88 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Washtenaw County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Washtenaw County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0051% | 76% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.013% | 68% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0012% | 65% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0015% | 44% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0012% | 31% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.052% | 13% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Ann Arbor compare with similar-size cities?
Ann Arbor is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #24 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 122,036.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #194 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 | 20 min |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #296 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 | 26.1 min |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #283 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 | 17.4 min |
| West Palm Beach, FLPop. 122,290 | #732 | 54.4 | $73,446 | $1,772/mo | 493 | 23.4 min |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #953 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 | 23.9 min |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #1195 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 | 20 min |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #1090 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 | 23.1 min |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #233 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data | 27 min |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #656 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 | 18.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Ann Arbor compare with the rest of Michigan?
Ann Arbor ranks #6 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 64.7 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 14% above the Michigan median. Violent crime is 29% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2 times the typical Michigan home.
| City | Rank in MI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy, MIPop. 87,898 | #1 | 69.5 | $120,045 | $1,602/mo | 93 |
| Rochester Hills, MIPop. 77,089 | #2 | 68.7 | $120,694 | $1,644/mo | 62 |
| Royal Oak, MIPop. 57,950 | #3 | 68.6 | $101,109 | $1,381/mo | 153 |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #4 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 |
| Farmington Hills, MIPop. 83,515 | #5 | 65.8 | $104,836 | $1,551/mo | 144 |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #6 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 |
| Livonia, MIPop. 93,851 | #7 | 64.4 | $98,460 | $1,322/mo | 217 |
| St. Clair Shores, MIPop. 58,140 | #8 | 57.9 | $73,500 | $1,183/mo | 233 |
| Sterling Heights, MIPop. 133,573 | #9 | 56.9 | $79,909 | $1,292/mo | 220 |
| Wyoming, MIPop. 77,353 | #10 | 55.9 | $73,677 | $1,196/mo | 459 |
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #11 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 |
| Westland, MIPop. 83,633 | #12 | 54.1 | $62,076 | $1,158/mo | 424 |
| Kentwood, MIPop. 54,296 | #13 | 53.8 | $74,373 | $1,260/mo | 583 |
| Southfield, MIPop. 76,236 | #14 | 51.2 | $68,166 | $1,340/mo | 585 |
| Grand Rapids, MIPop. 198,535 | #15 | 50.9 | $69,108 | $1,266/mo | 894 |
| Dearborn Heights, MIPop. 61,771 | #16 | 50.8 | $60,391 | $1,331/mo | 387 |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #17 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 |
| Taylor, MIPop. 62,081 | #18 | 45.3 | $61,081 | $1,101/mo | 749 |
| Lansing, MIPop. 113,023 | #19 | 45.0 | $54,382 | $993/mo | 1,337 |
| Battle Creek, MIPop. 52,374 | #20 | 42.3 | $55,693 | $957/mo | 1,055 |
| Kalamazoo, MIPop. 73,076 | #21 | 40.7 | $52,272 | $1,078/mo | 1,084 |
| Pontiac, MIPop. 62,104 | #22 | 38.1 | $44,329 | $1,063/mo | 820 |
| Flint, MIPop. 80,175 | #23 | 32.6 | $37,646 | $915/mo | 1,097 |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #24 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 |
All 24 Michigan cities we track, by overall score. Michigan statewide: median income $72,389, violent crime 416.2 per 100,000.
How is Ann Arbor's score calculated?
Ann Arbor scores 64.7 out of 100, #194 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Michigan's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Ann Arbor. Similar-size median 52.9.
58.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Ann Arbor's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
75.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Ann Arbor. Similar-size median 53.8.
72.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Ann Arbor's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
72.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Ann Arbor's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
58.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Ann Arbor. Similar-size median 51.2.
32.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Ann Arbor. Similar-size median 42.1.
48.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Ann Arbor. Similar-size median 50.1.
86.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Ann Arbor's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
65.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
76.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Ann Arbor's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Ann Arbor has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Ann Arbor
Is Ann Arbor, MI a good place to live?
Ann Arbor ranks #194 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #24 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.5%, #34 of 241) and short commutes (20 min, #48 of 256), and trails on high poverty (23.8%, #238 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,649/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $526,592, 2 times the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor recorded 297 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% below the US rate of 328 and 29% below Michigan's 416. That ranks #558 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #101 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ann Arbor Police Department. Property crime runs 1,706 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Ann Arbor?
The median household in Ann Arbor earns $82,212, 1% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% above Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 23.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,649/mo (Census), #827 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,086/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Ann Arbor?
The typical home value in Ann Arbor is $526,592, up 3.2% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $453,400.
How are the public schools in Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor's 30 public schools graduate 91.1% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 14.6 students per teacher and $19,164 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Ann Arbor?
The average commute is 20 minutes, #341 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.3 minutes across Michigan. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor averages 47.8°F over the year, 68.7°F in summer and 25.9°F in winter, with 29.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Ann Arbor walkable?
Ann Arbor scores 13.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Ann Arbor at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washtenaw County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 95% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Ann Arbor?
Washtenaw County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor has 122,036 residents. The median resident of Ann Arbor is 27.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 77.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #11 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Ann Arbor compare with the rest of Michigan?
Ann Arbor ranks #6 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 64.7 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 14% above the Michigan median. Violent crime is 29% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2 times the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Ann Arbor?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Ann Arbor's population of 122,036 are Arvada, CO (#296 overall), Rochester, MN (#283 overall), West Palm Beach, FL (#732 overall), Independence, MO (#953 overall), and Lafayette, LA (#1195 overall). Ann Arbor is #194.