MichiganPop. 638,530Large cities
Is Detroit a Good Place to Live? Detroit, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Detroit ranks #1310 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #37 of 37 large cities and #24 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($83,900, #1 of 37) and low rents ($1,074/mo, #3 of 37), and trails on low household income ($39,938, #37 of 37) and high unemployment (10%, #37 of 37).
Detroit by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Detroit'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 Detroit?
Detroit'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 $1,074/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $77,199, 71% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Detroit | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 100.3#676 of 1,308 | 96.2 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $77,199#5 of 1,187 | $266,292 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,341/mo#201 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $83,900#5 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,074/mo#294 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 2.1x#8 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 32.3%#1279 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Detroit 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. Detroit is in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Detroit safe?
Detroit recorded 1,654 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5 times the US rate of 328 and 4 times Michigan's 416. That ranks #1082 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #35 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Detroit Police Department. Property crime runs 3,955 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Detroit | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 1,654#1082 of 1,085 | 416 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 3,955#1040 of 1,085 | 1,259 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Detroit?
The median household in Detroit earns $39,938, 52% below the US figure of $83,163 and 45% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 10% (US 4.3%). 32.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Detroit | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $39,938#1306 of 1,312 | $72,389 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 10%#1052 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 32.7%#1305 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Detroit?
The median resident of Detroit is 35.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 18.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1206 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Detroit | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 35.2 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 18.1%#1206 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 50.3% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Detroit's schools and health?
Detroit's 160 public schools graduate 76.5% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $18,638 spent per pupil. 45.6% of adults are obese and 19.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Detroit | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 76.5%#965 of 1,063 | 81% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 17.6#798 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $18,638#292 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 45.6%#1290 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 19.2%#1298 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 22.6%#1295 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 11.6%#838 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 76,335 students are enrolled in Detroit's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Detroit?
The average commute in Detroit is 24.8 minutes (Michigan 24.3); 4.9% of workers take transit and 12% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Detroit scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.1°F and winters 28.5°F, with 29.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Detroit | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 24.8 min#766 of 1,312 | 24.3 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 5.8%#687 of 1,312 | 6.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 65.5% | 75.6% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 4.9% | 1% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2.8% | 1.9% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 12% | 11.2% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.7#374 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 32.4 | 19.8 | 1.5 |
| Feb | 35 | 21 | 1.4 |
| Mar | 44.9 | 28.4 | 2 |
| Apr | 57.6 | 38.6 | 2.8 |
| May | 69.5 | 49.8 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 79.2 | 60.2 | 3.1 |
| Jul | 83.5 | 64.9 | 3.2 |
| Aug | 81.4 | 63.7 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 74.3 | 55.8 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 61.4 | 44.7 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 48.2 | 34.4 | 2.2 |
| Dec | 37.2 | 25.8 | 1.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Detroit City Airport.
| Measure | Detroit | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 50.5°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 72.1°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 28.5°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 29.9 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Detroit City Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Detroit?
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 | Detroit | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 54#970 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#103 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Detroit compare with similar-size cities?
Detroit is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #37 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 638,530.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #1310 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 | 24.8 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 min |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #857 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 | 23.4 min |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #339 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 | 30.3 min |
| Las Vegas, NVPop. 660,400 | #1130 | 47.2 | $73,877 | $1,563/mo | county/metro | 25.7 min |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #736 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 | 24.1 min |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #1000 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 | 22.5 min |
| Memphis, TNPop. 618,980 | #1297 | 37.4 | $51,736 | $1,181/mo | 1,853 | 21.1 min |
| Baltimore, MDPop. 573,243 | #1088 | 48.0 | $62,177 | $1,331/mo | 1,351 | 29.1 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 Detroit compare with the rest of Michigan?
Detroit ranks #24 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 32.4 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 45% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 71% 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 Detroit's score calculated?
Detroit scores 32.4 out of 100, #1310 of 1,312 (grade F, 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 Detroit. Similar-size median 50.4.
2.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Detroit's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
14.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Detroit. Similar-size median 52.4.
12.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Detroit's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
50.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Detroit's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
81.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Detroit. Similar-size median 43.4.
2.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Detroit. Similar-size median 40.4.
28.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Detroit. Similar-size median 56.6.
54.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Detroit's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
62.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Detroit's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Detroit 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 Detroit
Is Detroit, MI a good place to live?
Detroit ranks #1310 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #37 of 37 large cities and #24 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($83,900, #1 of 37) and low rents ($1,074/mo, #3 of 37), and trails on low household income ($39,938, #37 of 37) and high unemployment (10%, #37 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Detroit?
Detroit'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 $1,074/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $77,199, 71% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Detroit?
Detroit recorded 1,654 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5 times the US rate of 328 and 4 times Michigan's 416. That ranks #1082 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #35 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Detroit Police Department. Property crime runs 3,955 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Detroit?
The median household in Detroit earns $39,938, 52% below the US figure of $83,163 and 45% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 10% (US 4.3%). 32.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Detroit?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,074/mo (Census), #294 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,341/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 32.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Detroit?
The typical home value in Detroit is $77,199, down 5.7% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $83,900.
How are the public schools in Detroit?
Detroit's 160 public schools graduate 76.5% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $18,638 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Detroit?
The average commute is 24.8 minutes, #766 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.3 minutes across Michigan. 5.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Detroit?
Detroit averages 50.5°F over the year, 72.1°F in summer and 28.5°F in winter, with 29.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Detroit walkable?
Detroit scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 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 Detroit 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 Detroit?
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 Detroit?
Detroit has 638,530 residents. The median resident of Detroit is 35.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 18.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1206 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Detroit compare with the rest of Michigan?
Detroit ranks #24 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 32.4 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 45% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 71% below the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Detroit?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Detroit's population of 638,530 are Oklahoma City, OK (#938 overall), El Paso, TX (#857 overall), Boston, MA (#339 overall), Las Vegas, NV (#1130 overall), and Portland, OR (#736 overall). Detroit is #1310.