MichiganPop. 113,023Mid-size cities
Is Lansing a Good Place to Live? Lansing, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lansing ranks #1201 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #232 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($128,700, #4 of 256) and low rents ($993/mo, #15 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (1,337 per 100,000, #234 of 235) and low graduation rates (69%, #202 of 205).
Lansing by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lansing'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 Lansing?
Lansing's cost of living index is 95, 5% below the US level of 100 and #438 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $993/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $169,388, 36% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Lansing | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 95#438 of 1,308 | 96.2 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $169,388#66 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 | $1,222/mo#114 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $128,700#50 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $993/mo#205 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.4x#27 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 21.9%#669 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.
Lansing 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. Lansing is in the Lansing-East Lansing, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Lansing safe?
Lansing recorded 1,337 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.1 times the US rate of 328 and 3.2 times Michigan's 416. That ranks #1071 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #234 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lansing Police Department. Property crime runs 2,113 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lansing | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 1,337#1071 of 1,085 | 416 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,113#739 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 Lansing?
The median household in Lansing earns $54,382, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 6.4% (US 4.3%). 20.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lansing | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $54,382#1163 of 1,312 | $72,389 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6.4%#1000 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 20.1%#1112 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 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 Lansing?
The median resident of Lansing is 33.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 30.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #783 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lansing | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 33.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 30.2%#783 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 53.8% | 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 Lansing's schools and health?
Lansing's 24 public schools graduate 69% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 17.7 students per teacher and $18,687 spent per pupil. 39.9% of adults are obese and 12.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Lansing | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 69%#1038 of 1,063 | 81% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17.7#809 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $18,687#288 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 39.9%#1110 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.4%#854 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.6%#1122 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.3%#557 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. 10,237 students are enrolled in Lansing's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lansing?
The average commute in Lansing is 18.9 minutes (Michigan 24.3); 3.1% of workers take transit and 14.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lansing scores 12.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #410 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.9°F and winters 26.4°F, with 33.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lansing | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 18.9 min#251 of 1,312 | 24.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.4%#469 of 1,312 | 6.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 66.9% | 75.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.1% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2% | 1.9% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.1% | 0.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 14.8% | 11.2% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.5#410 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 | 30.6 | 17.2 | 2.1 |
| Feb | 33.5 | 18.3 | 1.7 |
| Mar | 44.4 | 26 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 57.6 | 36.4 | 3.3 |
| May | 69.4 | 47.5 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 78.9 | 57.1 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 82.8 | 60.9 | 2.9 |
| Aug | 80.6 | 59.5 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 73.6 | 51.5 | 2.8 |
| Oct | 60.5 | 41.2 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 47 | 31.9 | 2.5 |
| Dec | 35.7 | 23.3 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lansing Capital City Airport.
| Measure | Lansing | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 48.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 69.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 26.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 33.3 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 Lansing Capital City Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lansing?
Ingham County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 73% 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 Ingham County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Lansing | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 38#228 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% | 0.11%#283 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 Ingham County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ingham County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0087% | 89% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.017% | 79% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0039% | 64% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.001% | 60% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0012% | 32% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.064% | 26% 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 Lansing compare with similar-size cities?
Lansing is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #232 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 113,023.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lansing, MIPop. 113,023 | #1201 | 45.0 | $54,382 | $993/mo | 1,337 | 18.9 min |
| Las Cruces, NMPop. 114,197 | #1047 | 49.0 | $55,422 | $974/mo | 496 | 18.9 min |
| Springfield, ILPop. 113,330 | #940 | 51.1 | $66,064 | $975/mo | 895 | 17.4 min |
| Beaumont, TXPop. 113,279 | #1291 | 38.0 | $56,997 | $1,121/mo | 948 | 20.3 min |
| Miami Gardens, FLPop. 113,177 | #988 | 50.3 | $63,627 | $1,787/mo | 359 | 32.1 min |
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #882 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 | 26 min |
| Murrieta, CAPop. 112,064 | #642 | 55.9 | $114,081 | $2,388/mo | 186 | 37.4 min |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | #618 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 | 26.9 min |
| Pueblo, COPop. 111,561 | #1247 | 42.6 | $56,664 | $1,082/mo | 1,177 | 19.4 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 Lansing compare with the rest of Michigan?
Lansing ranks #19 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 45 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 25% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 3.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 36% 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 Lansing's score calculated?
Lansing scores 45 out of 100, #1201 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Lansing. Similar-size median 52.9.
29.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lansing's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
28.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lansing. Similar-size median 53.8.
39.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lansing's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
42.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lansing's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
83.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lansing. Similar-size median 51.2.
26.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lansing. Similar-size median 42.1.
39.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lansing. Similar-size median 50.1.
59.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lansing's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
60.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
72.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lansing'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 Lansing 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 Lansing
Is Lansing, MI a good place to live?
Lansing ranks #1201 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #232 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($128,700, #4 of 256) and low rents ($993/mo, #15 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (1,337 per 100,000, #234 of 235) and low graduation rates (69%, #202 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Lansing?
Lansing's cost of living index is 95, 5% below the US level of 100 and #438 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $993/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $169,388, 36% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Lansing?
Lansing recorded 1,337 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.1 times the US rate of 328 and 3.2 times Michigan's 416. That ranks #1071 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #234 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lansing Police Department. Property crime runs 2,113 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lansing?
The median household in Lansing earns $54,382, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 6.4% (US 4.3%). 20.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lansing?
Median rent in Lansing is $993/mo (Census), #205 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,222/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lansing?
The typical home value in Lansing is $169,388, up 2.1% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $128,700.
How are the public schools in Lansing?
Lansing's 24 public schools graduate 69% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 17.7 students per teacher and $18,687 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lansing?
The average commute is 18.9 minutes, #251 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.3 minutes across Michigan. 4.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lansing?
Lansing averages 48.5°F over the year, 69.9°F in summer and 26.4°F in winter, with 33.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lansing walkable?
Lansing 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 Lansing at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ingham County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lansing?
Ingham County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Lansing?
Lansing has 113,023 residents. The median resident of Lansing is 33.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 30.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #783 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lansing compare with the rest of Michigan?
Lansing ranks #19 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 45 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 25% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 3.2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 36% below the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Lansing?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lansing's population of 113,023 are Las Cruces, NM (#1047 overall), Springfield, IL (#940 overall), Beaumont, TX (#1291 overall), Miami Gardens, FL (#988 overall), and Gresham, OR (#882 overall). Lansing is #1201.