MichiganPop. 57,950Smaller cities
Is Royal Oak a Good Place to Live? Royal Oak, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Royal Oak ranks #94 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #43 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.6%, #11 of 476) and low poverty (6.2%, #93 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Royal Oak by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Royal Oak'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 Royal Oak?
Royal Oak'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 $1,381/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $330,955, 24% above the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Royal Oak | 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 | 94 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $330,955#466 of 1,187 | $266,292 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,085/mo#750 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $328,700#602 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,381/mo#617 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 16.4%#122 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.
Royal Oak 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. Royal Oak is in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Royal Oak safe?
Royal Oak recorded 153 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 59% below the US rate of 373 and 64% below Michigan's 430. That ranks #243 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #108 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Royal Oak Police Department. Property crime runs 746 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Royal Oak | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 153#243 of 1,083 | 430 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 746#109 of 1,083 | 1,541 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
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 Royal Oak?
The median household in Royal Oak earns $101,109, 32% above the US figure of $76,827 and 48% above Michigan ($68,505). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.2%). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Royal Oak | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $101,109#328 of 1,312 | $68,505 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 2.6%#33 of 1,058 | 4.9% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 6.2%#197 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
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 Royal Oak?
The median resident of Royal Oak is 36.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 64.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #95 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Royal Oak | 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% | 64.1%#95 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 68% | 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 Royal Oak's schools and health?
Royal Oak's 8 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Michigan 82%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $16,586 spent per pupil. 29.6% of adults are obese and 7.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Royal Oak | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 82% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.3#514 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,586#442 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 29.6%#375 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.3%#59 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.2%#289 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 4.7%#47 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. 4,708 students are enrolled in Royal Oak's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Royal Oak?
The average commute in Royal Oak is 23.8 minutes (Michigan 22); 0.1% of workers take transit and 27.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Royal Oak scores 8.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1009 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 | Royal Oak | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.8 min#664 of 1,312 | 22 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.9%#558 of 1,312 | 6.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67.1% | 77.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 1.1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.5% | 2.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 27.4% | 10.2% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.2#1009 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 | 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 | Royal Oak | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 28.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 29.9 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 Detroit City Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Royal Oak?
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 | Royal Oak | 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 Royal Oak compare with similar-size cities?
Royal Oak is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #43 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 57,950.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Oak, MIPop. 57,950 | #94 | 68.6 | $101,109 | $1,381/mo | 153 | 23.8 min |
| Apopka, FLPop. 58,232 | #434 | 59.4 | $96,884 | $1,969/mo | 408 | 31.3 min |
| Springfield, OHPop. 58,190 | #1303 | 36.2 | $47,143 | $851/mo | 1,248 | 21.2 min |
| Bowie, MDPop. 57,926 | #189 | 64.8 | $141,995 | $2,330/mo | 205 | 34.8 min |
| Orland Park, ILPop. 57,916 | #170 | 65.3 | $98,910 | $1,440/mo | 9 | 33.8 min |
| Kannapolis, NCPop. 57,890 | #512 | 57.9 | $73,836 | $1,319/mo | 170 | 26.2 min |
| Brookhaven, GAPop. 57,855 | #167 | 65.4 | $117,663 | $1,882/mo | 265 | 25.1 min |
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #449 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 | 25.4 min |
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #634 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 | 23.6 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 Royal Oak compare with the rest of Michigan?
Royal Oak ranks #3 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 68.6 against Michigan's statewide 47.7. Its households earn 48% above the Michigan median. Violent crime is 64% below the statewide rate. Homes are 24% above 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 $68,505, violent crime 430 per 100,000.
How is Royal Oak's score calculated?
Royal Oak scores 68.6 out of 100, #94 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Royal Oak. Similar-size median 55.5.
72.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Royal Oak's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
91.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Royal Oak. Similar-size median 58.9.
72.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Royal Oak's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
68.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Royal Oak's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
67.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Royal Oak. Similar-size median 56.1.
72.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Royal Oak. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Royal Oak. Similar-size median 50.0.
61.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Royal Oak's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
37.9 - 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: Royal Oak'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 Royal Oak 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 Royal Oak
Is Royal Oak, MI a good place to live?
Royal Oak ranks #94 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #43 of 524 smaller cities and #3 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.6%, #11 of 476) and low poverty (6.2%, #93 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Royal Oak?
Royal Oak'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 $1,381/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $330,955, 24% above the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Royal Oak?
Royal Oak recorded 153 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 59% below the US rate of 373 and 64% below Michigan's 430. That ranks #243 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #108 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Royal Oak Police Department. Property crime runs 746 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Royal Oak?
The median household in Royal Oak earns $101,109, 32% above the US figure of $76,827 and 48% above Michigan ($68,505). Unemployment is 2.6% (US 4.2%). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Royal Oak?
Median rent in Royal Oak is $1,381/mo (Census), #617 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,085/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Royal Oak?
Zillow's typical home value in Royal Oak is $330,955, up 2.1% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $328,700.
How are the public schools in Royal Oak?
Royal Oak's 8 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Michigan 82%), with 15.3 students per teacher and $16,586 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Royal Oak?
The average commute is 23.8 minutes, #664 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22 minutes across Michigan. 4.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Royal Oak?
Royal Oak 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 Royal Oak walkable?
Royal Oak scores 8.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1009 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 Royal Oak 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 Royal Oak?
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 Royal Oak?
Royal Oak has 57,950 residents. The median resident of Royal Oak is 36.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 64.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #95 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Royal Oak compare with the rest of Michigan?
Royal Oak ranks #3 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 68.6 against Michigan's statewide 47.7. Its households earn 48% above the Michigan median. Violent crime is 64% below the statewide rate. Homes are 24% above the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Royal Oak?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Royal Oak's population of 57,950 are Apopka, FL (#434 overall), Springfield, OH (#1303 overall), Bowie, MD (#189 overall), Orland Park, IL (#170 overall), and Kannapolis, NC (#512 overall). Royal Oak is #94.