Pontiac

Pontiac, Michigan Overview

Pontiac faces challenges across several categories, earning a F grade (34.3/100) and ranking #18 of 20 cities in Michigan. Even so, the city scores 78/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 12/100.

Income & Employment in Pontiac

Pontiac’s median income of $42,791 is 38% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.8% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 8.1%.

Safety in Pontiac

With a violent crime rate of 1092.6 per 100,000, Pontiac exceeds the Michigan average of 430. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 1949.2 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Pontiac

Pontiac has a cost of living index of 98 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $110,600. Median monthly rent is $1,007.

Health & Wellness in Pontiac

The adult obesity rate in Pontiac is 43.5%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 16%. Residents report an average of 20.7 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Michigan ranks #31 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Pontiac

Pontiac has a high school graduation rate of 79.5%. The student-teacher ratio is 17.6:1. Local districts invest $17,706 per student, well above the national median. The city has 11 public schools serving 5,672 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Pontiac

The annual average temperature in Pontiac is 50.6°F. Summers average 69.2°F. Winters average 33.5°F. Annual precipitation is 35.5 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions