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Is Westland a Good Place to Live? Westland, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Westland ranks #753 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #325 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($184,600, #56 of 524) and low rents ($1,158/mo, #110 of 524), and trails on low household income ($62,076, #424 of 524) and high violent crime (424 per 100,000, #335 of 444).
Westland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Westland'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 Westland?
Westland'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 $1,158/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $215,324, 19% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Westland | 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 | $215,324#155 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 | $1,315/mo#175 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $184,600#181 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,158/mo#401 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.4%#718 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.
Westland 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. Westland is in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Westland safe?
Westland recorded 424 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 328 and 2% above Michigan's 416. That ranks #752 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #335 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Westland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,203 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Westland | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 424#752 of 1,085 | 416 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,203#310 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 Westland?
The median household in Westland earns $62,076, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Westland | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $62,076#1001 of 1,312 | $72,389 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.3%#813 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 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 Westland?
The median resident of Westland is 38.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1062 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Westland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 38.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 23%#1062 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 61.3% | 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 Westland's schools and health?
Westland's 15 public schools graduate 87.2% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $19,224 spent per pupil. 34.7% of adults are obese and 12.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Westland | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87.2%#573 of 1,063 | 81% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.1#746 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,224#246 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.7%#752 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.3%#839 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20%#1167 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.3%#289 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. 8,275 students are enrolled in Westland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Westland?
The average commute in Westland is 25.4 minutes (Michigan 24.3); 0.2% of workers take transit and 11.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Westland scores 7.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.1°F and winters 28.4°F, with 34.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Westland | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.4 min#808 of 1,312 | 24.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.2%#602 of 1,312 | 6.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.8% | 75.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.1% | 1.9% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.3% | 11.2% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.6#1149 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 | 32.3 | 19.2 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 35.2 | 20.8 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 45.9 | 28.6 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 58.7 | 39.1 | 3.3 |
| May | 70.3 | 50.2 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 79.7 | 60.2 | 3.3 |
| Jul | 83.7 | 64.4 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 81.4 | 63.2 | 3.3 |
| Sep | 74.4 | 55.5 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 62 | 44 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 48.6 | 33.9 | 2.6 |
| Dec | 37.2 | 25.3 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Detroit Metro Airport.
| Measure | Westland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.6°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 | 28.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 34.3 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 Metro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Westland?
Wayne County's air had a median air quality index of 54, and 36% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Wayne County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Westland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 54#970 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#103 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 Wayne County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Wayne County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0019% | 49% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.002% | 41% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0058% | 40% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.066% | 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 Westland compare with similar-size cities?
Westland is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #325 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 83,633.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westland, MIPop. 83,633 | #753 | 54.1 | $62,076 | $1,158/mo | 424 | 25.4 min |
| Brooklyn Park, MNPop. 83,876 | #320 | 61.6 | $89,891 | $1,325/mo | 348 | 21.3 min |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #176 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 | 23.3 min |
| The Villages, FLPop. 83,498 | #684 | 55.3 | $77,622 | $1,397/mo | no data | 21.2 min |
| Frederick, MDPop. 83,395 | #236 | 63.5 | $97,069 | $1,764/mo | 390 | 30 min |
| Layton, UTPop. 83,286 | #304 | 62.0 | $102,480 | $1,538/mo | 141 | 22.9 min |
| Cranston, RIPop. 83,250 | #209 | 64.2 | $90,206 | $1,375/mo | 89 | 24.3 min |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #764 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 | 22.2 min |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #941 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 | 20.7 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 Westland compare with the rest of Michigan?
Westland ranks #12 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 54.1 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 14% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 2% above the statewide rate. Homes are 19% 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 Westland's score calculated?
Westland scores 54.1 out of 100, #753 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 Westland. Similar-size median 55.5.
49.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Westland's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
71.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Westland. Similar-size median 58.9.
45.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Westland's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
63.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Westland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
75.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Westland. Similar-size median 56.1.
40.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Westland. Similar-size median 42.4.
41.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Westland. Similar-size median 50.0.
43.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Westland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
34.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
62.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Westland'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 Westland 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 Westland
Is Westland, MI a good place to live?
Westland ranks #753 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #325 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($184,600, #56 of 524) and low rents ($1,158/mo, #110 of 524), and trails on low household income ($62,076, #424 of 524) and high violent crime (424 per 100,000, #335 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Westland?
Westland'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 $1,158/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $215,324, 19% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Westland?
Westland recorded 424 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 29% above the US rate of 328 and 2% above Michigan's 416. That ranks #752 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #335 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Westland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,203 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Westland?
The median household in Westland earns $62,076, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Westland?
Median rent in Westland is $1,158/mo (Census), #401 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,315/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Westland?
The typical home value in Westland is $215,324, up 2.3% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $184,600.
How are the public schools in Westland?
Westland's 15 public schools graduate 87.2% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $19,224 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Westland?
The average commute is 25.4 minutes, #808 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.3 minutes across Michigan. 5.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Westland?
Westland averages 50.6°F over the year, 72.1°F in summer and 28.4°F in winter, with 34.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Westland walkable?
Westland scores 7.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1149 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 Westland at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Wayne County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Westland?
Wayne County's air had a median air quality index of 54, and 36% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Westland?
Westland has 83,633 residents. The median resident of Westland is 38.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1062 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Westland compare with the rest of Michigan?
Westland ranks #12 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 54.1 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 14% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 2% above the statewide rate. Homes are 19% below the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Westland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Westland's population of 83,633 are Brooklyn Park, MN (#320 overall), Mountain View, CA (#176 overall), The Villages, FL (#684 overall), Frederick, MD (#236 overall), and Layton, UT (#304 overall). Westland is #753.