Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Detroit, MI
Considering a move to Detroit, MI? With a population of 632,464, Detroit offers some of the most affordable housing in the nation, with median home prices around $65,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 26 minutes and the city is home to major hospitals and top public schools like Cass Tech. While Detroit’s vibrant cultural scene and revitalizing neighborhoods attract newcomers, be aware of higher crime rates and auto insurance costs. Detroit’s four-season climate and strong community spirit make it a unique choice for those seeking an urban environment with historic character and opportunity.
Demographics - Detroit, MI
Demographics - Detroit, MI
Detroit is a diverse city of over 632,000 residents, with a predominantly Black population and a median age of 35.1 years. The city has a relatively high population density and about 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to its vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
632,464
Density:
4,850 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.1
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
14.4%
Black:
77.1%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
6.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Detroit, MI?
Detroit stands out for its low cost of living, with median home values around $65,000 and average rent at $1,050, making housing notably affordable compared to national averages. While everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare are also economical, transportation and auto insurance costs are higher than in many other U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$65,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$5,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.2
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
41.2
Utilities:
97.6
Transportation:
114.8
Health Care:
89.2
Miscellaneous:
87.4
Crime
Is Detroit, MI a safe place to live?
Detroit has one of the higher crime rates among major U.S. cities, with residents facing a 1 in 38 chance of experiencing a violent crime and property crime rates also above the national average. It's important for newcomers to research neighborhoods and take safety precautions when moving to the city.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
2,649
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,320
Crime Index:
5,969
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 38
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 30
Weather
What is the weather like in Detroit, MI year-round?
Detroit experiences all four seasons, featuring cold winters with lows around 19°F, warm summers peaking at 83°F, and moderate rainfall throughout the year. About 49% of days are sunny, offering a balanced climate for those who enjoy seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Households in Detroit have a median income of about $37,600, with a substantial portion of residents living below the poverty line. The community is marked by a strong local identity, average commute times of 26 minutes, and a majority of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$37,600
Household Income:
$36,140
Family Income:
$41,800
Per Capita Income:
$21,600
Income Male:
$27,900
Income Female:
$26,040
Poverty Rate:
32.3%
Non English Speakers:
10.3%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
8.2%
Public Transport Usage:
6.8%
Commute Time:
25.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.6%
Bachelors or More:
17.9%
Education
How are the schools in Detroit, MI?
Detroit is home to reputable public schools like Cass Technical High School and Renaissance High School, as well as private and higher education institutions such as Wayne State University. The city provides diverse educational opportunities from K-12 through college within a vibrant urban setting.
Public Schools
Name:
Cass Technical High School
Street:
2501 Second Ave
Phone:
313-263-2000
Students:
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.5
Name:
Renaissance High School
Street:
6565 W Outer Dr
Phone:
313-416-4600
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.0
Private Schools
Name:
Detroit Cristo Rey High School
Street:
5679 W Vernor Hwy
Phone:
313-843-2747
Students:
330
Colleges
Name:
Wayne State University
City:
Detroit
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
24,000
Name:
University of Detroit Mercy
City:
Detroit
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,000
Healthcare
Detroit offers access to several major hospitals, such as Henry Ford Hospital and Detroit Medical Center, ensuring comprehensive healthcare services for residents. Most people have health insurance coverage, and the city maintains an average ratio of physicians to population compared to other urban areas.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Henry Ford Hospital
Address:
2799 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone:
(313) 916-2600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Detroit Medical Center (DMC) - Harper University Hospital
Address:
3990 John R St, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone:
(313) 745-8040
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
58.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Detroit, MI?
The Detroit housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $65,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,050. Homeownership rates hover around 48%, and the market has seen moderate appreciation, making it accessible for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$65,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.7%
DMV Information
Residents in Detroit handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located on West Grand Boulevard. Services can be accessed in person, by phone, or through the official state website.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
3044 W Grand Blvd Suite L-650, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.