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Is Pontiac a Good Place to Live? Pontiac, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pontiac ranks #1290 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #517 of 524 smaller cities and #22 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($121,700, #14 of 524) and low rents ($1,063/mo, #70 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (8.9%, #470 of 476) and low household income ($44,329, #517 of 524).
Pontiac by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pontiac'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 Pontiac?
Pontiac'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 $1,063/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $139,885, 47% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Pontiac | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 100.3#676 of 1,308 | 96.2 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $139,885#29 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 | $1,319/mo#181 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $121,700#36 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,063/mo#280 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.7x#91 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 28.8%#1220 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.
Pontiac 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. Pontiac is in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Pontiac safe?
Pontiac recorded 820 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times Michigan's 416. That ranks #1013 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #432 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pontiac Police Department. Property crime runs 1,386 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Pontiac | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 820#1013 of 1,085 | 416 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,386#413 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 Pontiac?
The median household in Pontiac earns $44,329, 47% below the US figure of $83,163 and 39% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 8.9% (US 4.3%). 24.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Pontiac | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $44,329#1288 of 1,312 | $72,389 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 8.9%#1049 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 24.4%#1225 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 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 Pontiac?
The median resident of Pontiac is 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1246 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pontiac | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 16.1%#1246 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 46.6% | 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 Pontiac's schools and health?
Pontiac's 11 public schools graduate 79.5% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $17,706 spent per pupil. 43.5% of adults are obese and 16% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Pontiac | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 79.5%#899 of 1,063 | 81% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.6#798 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,706#359 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 43.5%#1256 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 16%#1217 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.7%#1228 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 13.6%#999 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. 5,672 students are enrolled in Pontiac's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pontiac?
The average commute in Pontiac is 21.2 minutes (Michigan 24.3); 0.6% of workers take transit and 4.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pontiac scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.3°F and winters 26°F, with 29.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pontiac | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21.2 min#441 of 1,312 | 24.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.7%#328 of 1,312 | 6.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.3% | 75.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2% | 1.9% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 4.8% | 11.2% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.4#1184 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 | 16.5 | 1.6 |
| Feb | 33.2 | 17.8 | 1.1 |
| Mar | 43.2 | 25.8 | 1.9 |
| Apr | 56.7 | 36.4 | 2.7 |
| May | 68.9 | 47.6 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 78.4 | 57.6 | 3.2 |
| Jul | 82.2 | 62.1 | 2.8 |
| Aug | 80 | 61.2 | 2.9 |
| Sep | 72.7 | 53 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 60 | 41.7 | 2.6 |
| Nov | 46.2 | 31.8 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 34.9 | 22.8 | 1.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pontiac Oakland Co International Airport.
| Measure | Pontiac | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 48.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 26°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 29.2 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 Pontiac Oakland Co International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pontiac?
Oakland County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Oakland County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, ice storm, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Pontiac | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 9#840 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.08%#66 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 Oakland County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Oakland County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.015% | 73% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0015% | 69% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0019% | 49% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.052% | 13% 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 Pontiac compare with similar-size cities?
Pontiac is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #517 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 62,104.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pontiac, MIPop. 62,104 | #1290 | 38.1 | $44,329 | $1,063/mo | 820 | 21.2 min |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #876 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 | 17.9 min |
| Marietta, GAPop. 62,263 | #352 | 60.9 | $72,725 | $1,586/mo | 291 | 27.5 min |
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #340 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 | 32.1 min |
| La Habra, CAPop. 61,970 | #668 | 55.6 | $100,106 | $2,129/mo | 261 | 30.5 min |
| Parker, COPop. 61,783 | #246 | 63.3 | $133,369 | $2,096/mo | 192 | 26.1 min |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #177 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 | 19.5 min |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #964 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 | 19.4 min |
| Bristol, CTPop. 61,462 | #272 | 62.7 | $79,076 | $1,338/mo | 53 | 23.7 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 Pontiac compare with the rest of Michigan?
Pontiac ranks #22 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 38.1 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 39% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 47% 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 Pontiac's score calculated?
Pontiac scores 38.1 out of 100, #1290 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 Pontiac. Similar-size median 55.5.
10.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pontiac's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
44.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pontiac. Similar-size median 58.9.
25.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pontiac's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
51.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pontiac's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
79.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pontiac. Similar-size median 56.1.
14.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pontiac. Similar-size median 42.4.
27.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pontiac. Similar-size median 50.0.
44.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pontiac's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
33.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
76.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Pontiac'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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac
Is Pontiac, MI a good place to live?
Pontiac ranks #1290 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #517 of 524 smaller cities and #22 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($121,700, #14 of 524) and low rents ($1,063/mo, #70 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (8.9%, #470 of 476) and low household income ($44,329, #517 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Pontiac?
Pontiac'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 $1,063/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $139,885, 47% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Pontiac?
Pontiac recorded 820 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.5 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times Michigan's 416. That ranks #1013 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #432 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pontiac Police Department. Property crime runs 1,386 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Pontiac?
The median household in Pontiac earns $44,329, 47% below the US figure of $83,163 and 39% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 8.9% (US 4.3%). 24.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Pontiac?
Median rent in Pontiac is $1,063/mo (Census), #280 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,319/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pontiac?
The typical home value in Pontiac is $139,885, up 1.5% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $121,700.
How are the public schools in Pontiac?
Pontiac's 11 public schools graduate 79.5% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $17,706 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pontiac?
The average commute is 21.2 minutes, #441 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.3 minutes across Michigan. 3.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pontiac?
Pontiac averages 48.4°F over the year, 70.3°F in summer and 26°F in winter, with 29.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pontiac walkable?
Pontiac scores 7.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1184 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 Pontiac at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Oakland County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, ice storm, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Pontiac?
Oakland County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Pontiac?
Pontiac has 62,104 residents. The median resident of Pontiac is 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 16.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1246 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pontiac compare with the rest of Michigan?
Pontiac ranks #22 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 38.1 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 39% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 47% below the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Pontiac?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pontiac's population of 62,104 are Council Bluffs, IA (#876 overall), Marietta, GA (#352 overall), Wellington, FL (#340 overall), La Habra, CA (#668 overall), and Parker, CO (#246 overall). Pontiac is #1290.