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Is St. Clair Shores a Good Place to Live? St. Clair Shores, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
St. Clair Shores ranks #511 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #234 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($210,700, #79 of 524) and low rents ($1,183/mo, #115 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
St. Clair Shores by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with St. Clair Shores'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 St. Clair Shores?
St. Clair Shores'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 $1,183/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $210,700.
| Measure | St. Clair Shores | 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 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $210,700#262 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,183/mo#423 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.3%#361 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.
Is St. Clair Shores safe?
St. Clair Shores recorded 233 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% below the US rate of 373 and 46% below Michigan's 430. That ranks #420 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #193 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. Clair Shores Police Department. Property crime runs 810 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | St. Clair Shores | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 233#420 of 1,083 | 430 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 810#141 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 St. Clair Shores?
The median household in St. Clair Shores earns $73,500, 4% below the US figure of $76,827 and 7% above Michigan ($68,505). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | St. Clair Shores | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $73,500#740 of 1,312 | $68,505 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4.9% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 8.4%#361 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 St. Clair Shores?
The median resident of St. Clair Shores is 43.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #803 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | St. Clair Shores | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 43.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29.7%#803 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 83.1% | 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 St. Clair Shores's schools and health?
St. Clair Shores's 15 public schools graduate 89.8% of students in four years (Michigan 82%), with 18.9 students per teacher and $14,710 spent per pupil. 36.4% of adults are obese and 10.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | St. Clair Shores | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89.8%#432 of 1,063 | 82% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18.9#891 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,710#621 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.4%#904 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.7%#555 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 5.6%#117 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. 8,663 students are enrolled in St. Clair Shores's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in St. Clair Shores?
The average commute in St. Clair Shores is 26.7 minutes (Michigan 22); 0.6% of workers take transit and 13.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index St. Clair Shores scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 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 | St. Clair Shores | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.7 min#908 of 1,312 | 22 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.2%#736 of 1,312 | 6.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 76.7% | 77.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 1.1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.9% | 2.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 13.8% | 10.2% | 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 | 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 | St. Clair Shores | 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 St. Clair Shores?
Macomb County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 10 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Macomb County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | St. Clair Shores | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 10#859 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.11%#334 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 Macomb County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Macomb County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0018% | 73% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.013% | 68% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0037% | 67% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.08% | 49% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 36% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0011% | 30% 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 St. Clair Shores compare with similar-size cities?
St. Clair Shores is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #234 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 58,140.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Clair Shores, MIPop. 58,140 | #511 | 57.9 | $73,500 | $1,183/mo | 233 | 26.7 min |
| Carson City, NVPop. 58,384 | #686 | 55.3 | $72,355 | $1,248/mo | 358 | 20.5 min |
| Lake Havasu City, AZPop. 58,359 | #819 | 53.0 | $70,148 | $1,320/mo | 299 | 15.9 min |
| Midwest City, OKPop. 58,297 | #942 | 51.1 | $57,520 | $1,091/mo | 345 | 22.8 min |
| Bentonville, ARPop. 58,249 | #104 | 68.2 | $112,792 | $1,344/mo | 174 | 19 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 |
| Bel Air South, MDPop. 58,137 | #182 | 64.9 | $123,653 | $1,757/mo | no data | 30.5 min |
| Orland Park, ILPop. 57,916 | #170 | 65.3 | $98,910 | $1,440/mo | 9 | 33.8 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 St. Clair Shores compare with the rest of Michigan?
St. Clair Shores ranks #8 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 57.9 against Michigan's statewide 47.7. Its households earn 7% above the Michigan median. Violent crime is 46% below the statewide rate.
| 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 St. Clair Shores's score calculated?
St. Clair Shores scores 57.9 out of 100, #511 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 St. Clair Shores. Similar-size median 55.5.
53.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by St. Clair Shores's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
86.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in St. Clair Shores. Similar-size median 58.9.
53.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in St. Clair Shores's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
St. Clair Shores's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
74.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in St. Clair Shores. Similar-size median 56.1.
56.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in St. Clair Shores. Similar-size median 42.4.
41.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in St. Clair Shores. Similar-size median 50.0.
45.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across St. Clair Shores'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.
69.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: St. Clair Shores'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 St. Clair Shores 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 St. Clair Shores
Is St. Clair Shores, MI a good place to live?
St. Clair Shores ranks #511 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #234 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($210,700, #79 of 524) and low rents ($1,183/mo, #115 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in St. Clair Shores?
St. Clair Shores'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 $1,183/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $210,700.
What is the crime rate in St. Clair Shores?
St. Clair Shores recorded 233 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% below the US rate of 373 and 46% below Michigan's 430. That ranks #420 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #193 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by St. Clair Shores Police Department. Property crime runs 810 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in St. Clair Shores?
The median household in St. Clair Shores earns $73,500, 4% below the US figure of $76,827 and 7% above Michigan ($68,505). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in St. Clair Shores?
Median rent in St. Clair Shores is $1,183/mo (Census), #423 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 19.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in St. Clair Shores?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in St. Clair Shores is $210,700, #262 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in St. Clair Shores?
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How long is the commute in St. Clair Shores?
The average commute is 26.7 minutes, #908 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22 minutes across Michigan. 6.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in St. Clair Shores?
St. Clair Shores 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 St. Clair Shores walkable?
St. Clair Shores 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 St. Clair Shores at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Macomb County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in St. Clair Shores?
Macomb County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 10 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in St. Clair Shores?
St. Clair Shores has 58,140 residents. The median resident of St. Clair Shores is 43.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #803 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does St. Clair Shores compare with the rest of Michigan?
St. Clair Shores ranks #8 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 57.9 against Michigan's statewide 47.7. Its households earn 7% above the Michigan median. Violent crime is 46% below the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to St. Clair Shores?
The tracked cities in other states closest to St. Clair Shores's population of 58,140 are Carson City, NV (#686 overall), Lake Havasu City, AZ (#819 overall), Midwest City, OK (#942 overall), Bentonville, AR (#104 overall), and Apopka, FL (#434 overall). St. Clair Shores is #511.