Michigan / Wayne County

Moving to Detroit, MI

Thinking of making a move to Detroit, MI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Detroit, MI

Considering a move to Detroit, MI? This welcoming community of 632,464 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $65,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 26 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (49% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Detroit's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Detroit, MI

Detroit has a population of 632,464 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 14% White, 77% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

The cost of living in Detroit is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2. Median home values are around $65,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 2,649 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 30. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Michigan.

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 four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 34 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 49% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
19°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
39°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
49%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $36,140 and a low poverty rate of 32.3%. Over 81% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 26 minutes, and almost 7% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Cass Technical High School and Renaissance High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Wayne State University and University of Detroit Mercy. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Henry Ford Hospital and Detroit Medical Center (DMC) - Harper University Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.5 per 1,000 people and 91.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $65,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 48%. The market has seen a 5.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 10.8%. Detroit offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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 of Detroit handle vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located in Detroit. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Michigan
Department
Michigan Secretary of State
Address
3044 W Grand Blvd Suite L-650, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone
1-888-767-6424

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.

FAQs About Moving to Detroit, MI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Detroit, review the core fields on this page: population 632,464, median home value $65,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 25.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 49%.

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