MichiganPop. 80,175Smaller cities
Is Flint a Good Place to Live? Flint, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Flint ranks #1309 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #523 of 524 smaller cities and #23 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($53,500, #1 of 524) and low rents ($915/mo, #16 of 524), and trails on low household income ($37,646, #523 of 524) and high poverty (34.1%, #523 of 524).
Flint by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Flint'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 Flint?
Flint's cost of living index is 93, 7% below the US level of 100 and #380 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $915/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $65,250, 75% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Flint | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 93#380 of 1,308 | 96.2 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $65,250#2 of 1,187 | $266,292 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $954/mo#15 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $53,500#1 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $915/mo#108 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 1.4x#2 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 29.2%#1236 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Flint 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. Flint is in the Flint, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Flint safe?
Flint recorded 1,097 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.3 times the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Michigan's 416. That ranks #1051 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #438 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Flint Police Department. Property crime runs 1,092 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Flint | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 1,097#1051 of 1,085 | 416 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,092#262 of 1,085 | 1,259 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Flint?
The median household in Flint earns $37,646, 55% below the US figure of $83,163 and 48% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 13.7% (US 4.3%). 34.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Flint | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $37,646#1308 of 1,312 | $72,389 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 13.7%#1056 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 34.1%#1307 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Flint?
The median resident of Flint is 36.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 14.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1280 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Flint | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 14.2%#1280 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 53.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Flint's schools and health?
Flint's 17 public schools graduate 74.8% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 19.5 students per teacher and $17,601 spent per pupil. 50.5% of adults are obese and 19.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Flint | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 74.8%#986 of 1,063 | 81% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 19.5#924 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,601#369 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 50.5%#1310 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 19.3%#1302 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 23.5%#1303 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.7%#847 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,010 students are enrolled in Flint's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Flint?
The average commute in Flint is 22.7 minutes (Michigan 24.3); 3.4% of workers take transit and 8.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Flint scores 12.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #410 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.1°F and winters 25.5°F, with 32.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Flint | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22.7 min#565 of 1,312 | 24.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.7%#967 of 1,312 | 6.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 71.7% | 75.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.4% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.8% | 1.9% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8.5% | 11.2% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.5#410 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 30.4 | 16 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 32.7 | 16.4 | 1.7 |
| Mar | 42.9 | 23.8 | 1.9 |
| Apr | 56.4 | 34.6 | 3.4 |
| May | 68.2 | 46.1 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 77.8 | 56.4 | 3.1 |
| Jul | 81.9 | 60.2 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 79.1 | 59.2 | 3.3 |
| Sep | 72.7 | 50.7 | 2.9 |
| Oct | 59.8 | 39.8 | 3 |
| Nov | 46.8 | 30.3 | 2.4 |
| Dec | 35.2 | 22 | 2.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Flint 7w.
| Measure | Flint | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 47.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 25.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 32.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Flint 7w.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Flint?
Genesee County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Genesee County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Flint | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#186 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Genesee County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Genesee County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0053% | 77% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 72% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.001% | 60% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0021% | 50% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.062% | 24% 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 Flint compare with similar-size cities?
Flint is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #523 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 80,175.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flint, MIPop. 80,175 | #1309 | 32.6 | $37,646 | $915/mo | 1,097 | 22.7 min |
| Auburn, ALPop. 80,594 | #414 | 59.8 | $63,668 | $1,098/mo | 99 | 19.9 min |
| Pharr, TXPop. 80,333 | #1197 | 45.1 | $52,814 | $1,037/mo | 214 | 21.1 min |
| Jonesboro, ARPop. 80,137 | #1095 | 47.9 | $55,424 | $956/mo | 575 | 18 min |
| Pine Hills, FLPop. 80,105 | #1284 | 39.0 | $58,673 | $1,542/mo | no data | 30.1 min |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #510 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 | 17.5 min |
| Parma, OHPop. 79,870 | #356 | 60.8 | $69,295 | $1,087/mo | 150 | 24.2 min |
| Lakewood, CAPop. 79,850 | #702 | 54.9 | $119,177 | $2,347/mo | 356 | 28.4 min |
| Pasco, WAPop. 79,575 | #631 | 56.2 | $85,586 | $1,227/mo | 338 | 22.5 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 Flint compare with the rest of Michigan?
Flint ranks #23 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 32.6 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 48% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 75% 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 Flint's score calculated?
Flint scores 32.6 out of 100, #1309 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 Flint. Similar-size median 55.5.
1.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Flint's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
35.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Flint. Similar-size median 58.9.
4.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Flint's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
43.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Flint's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
87.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Flint. Similar-size median 56.1.
1.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Flint. Similar-size median 42.4.
16.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Flint. Similar-size median 50.0.
46.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Flint's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
60.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
76.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Flint's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Flint 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 Flint
Is Flint, MI a good place to live?
Flint ranks #1309 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #523 of 524 smaller cities and #23 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($53,500, #1 of 524) and low rents ($915/mo, #16 of 524), and trails on low household income ($37,646, #523 of 524) and high poverty (34.1%, #523 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Flint?
Flint's cost of living index is 93, 7% below the US level of 100 and #380 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $915/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $65,250, 75% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Flint?
Flint recorded 1,097 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.3 times the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Michigan's 416. That ranks #1051 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #438 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Flint Police Department. Property crime runs 1,092 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Flint?
The median household in Flint earns $37,646, 55% below the US figure of $83,163 and 48% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 13.7% (US 4.3%). 34.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Flint?
Median rent in Flint is $915/mo (Census), #108 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $954/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 29.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Flint?
The typical home value in Flint is $65,250, up 0.1% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $53,500.
How are the public schools in Flint?
Flint's 17 public schools graduate 74.8% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 19.5 students per teacher and $17,601 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Flint?
The average commute is 22.7 minutes, #565 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.3 minutes across Michigan. 8.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Flint?
Flint averages 47.5°F over the year, 69.1°F in summer and 25.5°F in winter, with 32.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Flint walkable?
Flint scores 12.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #410 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 Flint at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Genesee County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Flint?
Genesee County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Flint?
Flint has 80,175 residents. The median resident of Flint is 36.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 14.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1280 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Flint compare with the rest of Michigan?
Flint ranks #23 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 32.6 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 48% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 75% below the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Flint?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Flint's population of 80,175 are Auburn, AL (#414 overall), Pharr, TX (#1197 overall), Jonesboro, AR (#1095 overall), Pine Hills, FL (#1284 overall), and Bloomington, IN (#510 overall). Flint is #1309.