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Is Southfield a Good Place to Live? Southfield, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Southfield ranks #933 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #391 of 524 smaller cities and #14 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($236,200, #105 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (5.8%, #431 of 476) and high violent crime (585 per 100,000, #398 of 444).
Southfield by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Southfield'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 Southfield?
Southfield'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 $1,340/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $253,902, 5% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Southfield | 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 | $253,902#262 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 | $1,584/mo#404 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $236,200#351 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,340/mo#580 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.6%#845 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.
Southfield 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. Southfield is in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Southfield safe?
Southfield recorded 585 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 78% above the US rate of 328 and 40% above Michigan's 416. That ranks #906 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #398 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Southfield Police Department. Property crime runs 2,322 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Southfield | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 585#906 of 1,085 | 416 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,322#803 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 Southfield?
The median household in Southfield earns $68,166, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 5.8% (US 4.3%). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Southfield | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $68,166#854 of 1,312 | $72,389 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.8%#968 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.3%#526 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 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 Southfield?
The median resident of Southfield is 42.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 40.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #450 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Southfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 42.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 40.7%#450 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 53.4% | 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 Southfield's schools and health?
Southfield's 16 public schools graduate 87.4% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $18,044 spent per pupil. 39.5% of adults are obese and 15% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Southfield | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87.4%#571 of 1,063 | 81% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.2#763 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,044#340 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 39.5%#1083 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 15%#1164 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.1%#434 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.3%#175 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. 7,119 students are enrolled in Southfield's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Southfield?
The average commute in Southfield is 23.7 minutes (Michigan 24.3); 1.8% of workers take transit and 17% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Southfield scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.5°F and winters 25.4°F, with 33 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Southfield | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.7 min#652 of 1,312 | 24.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.5%#103 of 1,312 | 6.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 71% | 75.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.8% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.9% | 1.9% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 17% | 11.2% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.8#866 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 | 15.6 | 2.3 |
| Feb | 33.7 | 15.7 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 43.6 | 24 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 56.7 | 34.1 | 3.1 |
| May | 68.5 | 45.8 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 78.4 | 56 | 3.3 |
| Jul | 82.9 | 59.8 | 3.2 |
| Aug | 80.7 | 58.9 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 73.5 | 51 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 60.3 | 39.9 | 2.7 |
| Nov | 46.7 | 29.7 | 2.5 |
| Dec | 35.4 | 21.8 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Farmington.
| Measure | Southfield | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 47.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.5°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 25.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 33 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 Farmington.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Southfield?
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 | Southfield | 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 Southfield compare with similar-size cities?
Southfield is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #391 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 76,236.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southfield, MIPop. 76,236 | #933 | 51.2 | $68,166 | $1,340/mo | 585 | 23.7 min |
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #469 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 | 15.8 min |
| Flagstaff, AZPop. 76,445 | #799 | 53.3 | $71,512 | $1,645/mo | 501 | 16.5 min |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #65 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 | 27.5 min |
| Broomfield, COPop. 76,304 | #106 | 68.1 | $123,874 | $2,126/mo | 152 | 25.5 min |
| Pittsburg, CAPop. 76,257 | #996 | 50.1 | $99,861 | $2,264/mo | 440 | 38 min |
| Cheektowaga, NYPop. 76,056 | #351 | 60.9 | $68,613 | $1,055/mo | no data | 20.6 min |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #800 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 | 19.3 min |
| Wesley Chapel, FLPop. 76,011 | #626 | 56.3 | $107,504 | $2,100/mo | no data | 31.1 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 Southfield compare with the rest of Michigan?
Southfield ranks #14 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 6% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 40% above the statewide rate. Homes are 5% 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 Southfield's score calculated?
Southfield scores 51.2 out of 100, #933 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Southfield. Similar-size median 55.5.
39.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Southfield's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
53.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Southfield. Similar-size median 58.9.
41.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Southfield's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
61.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Southfield's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
71.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Southfield. Similar-size median 56.1.
50.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Southfield. Similar-size median 42.4.
35.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Southfield. Similar-size median 50.0.
54.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Southfield's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
41.1 - 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: Southfield'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 Southfield 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 Southfield
Is Southfield, MI a good place to live?
Southfield ranks #933 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #391 of 524 smaller cities and #14 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($236,200, #105 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (5.8%, #431 of 476) and high violent crime (585 per 100,000, #398 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Southfield?
Southfield'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 $1,340/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $253,902, 5% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Southfield?
Southfield recorded 585 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 78% above the US rate of 328 and 40% above Michigan's 416. That ranks #906 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #398 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Southfield Police Department. Property crime runs 2,322 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Southfield?
The median household in Southfield earns $68,166, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 5.8% (US 4.3%). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Southfield?
Median rent in Southfield is $1,340/mo (Census), #580 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,584/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Southfield?
The typical home value in Southfield is $253,902, up 1.8% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $236,200.
How are the public schools in Southfield?
Southfield's 16 public schools graduate 87.4% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $18,044 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Southfield?
The average commute is 23.7 minutes, #652 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.3 minutes across Michigan. 2.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Southfield?
Southfield averages 47.6°F over the year, 69.5°F in summer and 25.4°F in winter, with 33 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Southfield walkable?
Southfield scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 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 Southfield 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 Southfield?
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 Southfield?
Southfield has 76,236 residents. The median resident of Southfield is 42.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 40.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #450 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Southfield compare with the rest of Michigan?
Southfield ranks #14 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 6% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 40% above the statewide rate. Homes are 5% below the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Southfield?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Southfield's population of 76,236 are Missoula, MT (#469 overall), Flagstaff, AZ (#799 overall), Evanston, IL (#65 overall), Broomfield, CO (#106 overall), and Pittsburg, CA (#996 overall). Southfield is #933.