Best Cities for Retirees in Michigan
Michigan ranks #30 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 59.7. Troy is its best city for retirees at 73.5.
- Michigan, all states
- #30 of 50
- Population
- 87,898
Michigan for Retirees: The Full Picture
Michigan sits at #30 out of 50 for retirees — solidly in the middle tier. The state offers above-average healthcare infrastructure alongside below-average living costs (cost-of-living index: 96.2). It's a state where retirement can work well with proper planning, though it lacks the standout advantages of top-tier retirement destinations.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Michigan's health score of 55/100 is middling — life expectancy of 76.8 years is roughly in line with national norms, but healthcare quality varies by region. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 8.25% of income. The 6.65% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 1.35% (effective rate), which is above average and can meaningfully affect housing costs for homeowners on fixed incomes.
A typical home value of $266,292 is manageable for retirees selling homes in higher-cost markets. The state's safety profile is reassuring, with a safety score of 64/100. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 24 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Troy | A+ | 73.5 | 69.5 | 77 | 83 | 60 | 87,898 |
| 2Rochester Hills | A+ | 72.9 | 68.7 | 74 | 83 | 60 | 77,089 |
| 3Novi | A+ | 71.8 | 68.5 | 76 | 79 | 59 | 66,717 |
| 4Royal Oak | A+ | 70.3 | 68.6 | 72 | 73 | 67 | 57,950 |
| 5Farmington Hills | A | 69.9 | 65.8 | 69 | 72 | 64 | 83,515 |
| 6Livonia | A | 69.4 | 64.4 | 66 | 74 | 70 | 93,851 |
| 7St. Clair Shores | B | 63.1 | 57.9 | 53 | 57 | 74 | 58,140 |
| 8Ann Arbor | A | 61.1 | 64.7 | 73 | 32 | 58 | 122,036 |
| 9Sterling Heights | B | 61.0 | 56.9 | 51 | 55 | 70 | 133,573 |
| 10Wyoming | B | 58.5 | 55.9 | 49 | 53 | 76 | 77,353 |
| 11Kentwood | C+ | 58.3 | 53.8 | 53 | 53 | 74 | 54,296 |
| 12Southfield | C | 57.6 | 51.2 | 42 | 51 | 71 | 76,236 |
| 13Westland | C+ | 56.2 | 54.1 | 46 | 41 | 76 | 83,633 |
| 14Dearborn | C+ | 54.1 | 54.8 | 46 | 24 | 72 | 107,423 |
| 15Warren | C | 54.1 | 49.4 | 42 | 41 | 75 | 137,928 |
| 16Grand Rapids | C | 53.3 | 50.9 | 50 | 39 | 75 | 198,535 |
| 17Dearborn Heights | C | 52.9 | 50.8 | 44 | 26 | 74 | 61,771 |
| 18Taylor | D | 51.0 | 45.3 | 42 | 33 | 78 | 62,081 |
| 19Lansing | D | 50.0 | 45.0 | 40 | 27 | 83 | 113,023 |
| 20Battle Creek | F | 48.9 | 42.3 | 30 | 32 | 86 | 52,374 |
| 21Pontiac | F | 43.9 | 38.1 | 25 | 14 | 80 | 62,104 |
| 22Kalamazoo | F | 43.6 | 40.7 | 34 | 17 | 80 | 73,076 |
| 23Flint | F | 40.2 | 32.6 | 4 | 1 | 87 | 80,175 |
| 24Detroit | F | 37.9 | 32.4 | 12 | 2 | 81 | 638,530 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Michigan for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Michigan a good state for retirees?
Michigan ranks #30 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 59.7/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (73/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (18/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Michigan?
Troy ranks #1 in Michigan for retirees with a score of 73.5/100, followed by Rochester Hills and Novi.
What factors are most important for retirees in Michigan?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.