MichiganPop. 107,423Mid-size cities
Is Dearborn a Good Place to Live? Dearborn, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Dearborn ranks #706 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #117 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (93.5%, #22 of 205) and affordable homes ($218,800, #40 of 256), and trails on high poverty (24.3%, #241 of 256) and a shrinking population (-0.4%, #201 of 241).
Dearborn by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Dearborn'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 Dearborn?
Dearborn's cost of living index is 100.3, in line with the US level of 100 and #676 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,327/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $250,741, 6% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Dearborn | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 100.3#676 of 1,308 | 96.2 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $250,741#254 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 | $1,805/mo#580 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $218,800#293 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,327/mo#568 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.4%#937 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.
Dearborn 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. Dearborn is in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Dearborn safe?
Dearborn recorded 249 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% below the US rate of 328 and 40% below Michigan's 416. That ranks #456 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #75 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dearborn Police Department. Property crime runs 1,730 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Dearborn | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 249#456 of 1,085 | 416 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,730#592 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 Dearborn?
The median household in Dearborn earns $65,324, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 24.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Dearborn | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $65,324#918 of 1,312 | $72,389 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.7%#760 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 24.3%#1222 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 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 Dearborn?
The median resident of Dearborn is 33.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #625 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Dearborn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 33.3 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 34.6%#625 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 68.4% | 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 Dearborn's schools and health?
Dearborn's 37 public schools graduate 93.5% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $17,535 spent per pupil. 33.7% of adults are obese and 11.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Dearborn | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 93.5%#155 of 1,063 | 81% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.8#601 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $17,535#374 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 33.7%#673 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.2%#659 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 21.5%#1271 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.2%#400 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. 21,300 students are enrolled in Dearborn's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Dearborn?
The average commute in Dearborn is 21.7 minutes (Michigan 24.3); 0.9% of workers take transit and 13.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Dearborn scores 11.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #497 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.1°F and winters 28.4°F, with 34.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Dearborn | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 21.7 min#480 of 1,312 | 24.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3%#191 of 1,312 | 6.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 75.3% | 75.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.9% | 1.9% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.2% | 11.2% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.8#497 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 | 32.3 | 19.2 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 35.2 | 20.8 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 45.9 | 28.6 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 58.7 | 39.1 | 3.3 |
| May | 70.3 | 50.2 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 79.7 | 60.2 | 3.3 |
| Jul | 83.7 | 64.4 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 81.4 | 63.2 | 3.3 |
| Sep | 74.4 | 55.5 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 62 | 44 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 48.6 | 33.9 | 2.6 |
| Dec | 37.2 | 25.3 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Detroit Metro Airport.
| Measure | Dearborn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 50.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 72.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 28.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 34.3 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 Detroit Metro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Dearborn?
Wayne County's air had a median air quality index of 54, and 36% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Wayne County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Dearborn | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 54#970 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.09%#103 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 Wayne County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Wayne County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0019% | 49% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.002% | 41% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0058% | 40% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.066% | 30% 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 Dearborn compare with similar-size cities?
Dearborn is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #117 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 107,423.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #706 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 | 21.7 min |
| Rio Rancho, NMPop. 108,515 | #423 | 59.6 | $89,596 | $1,514/mo | 322 | 29.7 min |
| Davie, FLPop. 108,346 | #906 | 51.6 | $87,250 | $2,066/mo | part year | 28.8 min |
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #349 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 | 22.9 min |
| Centennial, COPop. 108,201 | #165 | 65.5 | $131,928 | $2,148/mo | 192 | 25.9 min |
| Goodyear, AZPop. 107,645 | #392 | 60.2 | $103,319 | $1,956/mo | 236 | 29.6 min |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #108 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 | 25.8 min |
| West Covina, CAPop. 107,037 | #752 | 54.1 | $101,065 | $2,245/mo | 214 | 32.9 min |
| Spokane Valley, WAPop. 106,365 | #619 | 56.4 | $74,042 | $1,353/mo | 233 | 20.8 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 Dearborn compare with the rest of Michigan?
Dearborn ranks #11 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 54.8 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 10% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below 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 Dearborn's score calculated?
Dearborn scores 54.8 out of 100, #706 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Dearborn. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Dearborn's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
78.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Dearborn. Similar-size median 53.8.
46.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Dearborn's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
69.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Dearborn's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
72.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Dearborn. Similar-size median 51.2.
23.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Dearborn. Similar-size median 42.1.
34.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Dearborn. Similar-size median 50.1.
49.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Dearborn's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
56.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
62.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Dearborn'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 Dearborn 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 Dearborn
Is Dearborn, MI a good place to live?
Dearborn ranks #706 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #117 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (93.5%, #22 of 205) and affordable homes ($218,800, #40 of 256), and trails on high poverty (24.3%, #241 of 256) and a shrinking population (-0.4%, #201 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Dearborn?
Dearborn's cost of living index is 100.3, in line with the US level of 100 and #676 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,327/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $250,741, 6% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Dearborn?
Dearborn recorded 249 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% below the US rate of 328 and 40% below Michigan's 416. That ranks #456 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #75 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dearborn Police Department. Property crime runs 1,730 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Dearborn?
The median household in Dearborn earns $65,324, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 10% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 24.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Dearborn?
Median rent in Dearborn is $1,327/mo (Census), #568 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,805/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Dearborn?
The typical home value in Dearborn is $250,741, up 4.2% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $218,800.
How are the public schools in Dearborn?
Dearborn's 37 public schools graduate 93.5% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 15.8 students per teacher and $17,535 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Dearborn?
The average commute is 21.7 minutes, #480 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.3 minutes across Michigan. 3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Dearborn?
Dearborn averages 50.6°F over the year, 72.1°F in summer and 28.4°F in winter, with 34.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Dearborn walkable?
Dearborn scores 11.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #497 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 Dearborn at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Wayne County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Dearborn?
Wayne County's air had a median air quality index of 54, and 36% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Dearborn?
Dearborn has 107,423 residents. The median resident of Dearborn is 33.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 34.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #625 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Dearborn compare with the rest of Michigan?
Dearborn ranks #11 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 54.8 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 10% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Dearborn?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Dearborn's population of 107,423 are Rio Rancho, NM (#423 overall), Davie, FL (#906 overall), Hillsboro, OR (#349 overall), Centennial, CO (#165 overall), and Goodyear, AZ (#392 overall). Dearborn is #706.