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 633,218 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $82,000 and average rents near $1,150. Commute times average 27 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% 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 633,218 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 15% White, 77% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
633,218
Density
4,800 per sq mi
Median Age
34.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.9%

Ethnic Composition

White
14.7%
Black
76.8%
Asian
2.6%
Others
6.0%

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 87.4. Median home values are around $82,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,150. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$82,000
Gross Rent
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges
$142
Auto Insurance
$4,800
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 4.25%| High: 4.25%
Cost Of Living Index
87.4
Grocery
96.8
Housing
44.9
Utilities
98.7
Transportation
102.1
Health Care
96.2
Miscellaneous
95.4

Crime

Is Detroit, MI a safe place to live?

Detroit is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,700 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 29. 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
1,700
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,400
Crime Index
5,100
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 59
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 29

Weather

What is the weather like in Detroit, MI year-round?

Detroit experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 20°F. The area receives about 34 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
20°F
Max
35°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $47,000 and a low poverty rate of 30.0%. Over 85% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 27 minutes, and almost 11% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$36,500
Household Income
$47,000
Family Income
$60,000
Per Capita Income
$24,500
Income Male
$35,500
Income Female
$30,500
Poverty Rate
30.0%
Non English Speakers
6.5%
Rent
$1,150
Unemployment Rate
7.1%
Public Transport Usage
10.8%
Commute Time
26.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
85.1%
Bachelors or More
18.8%

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, University of Detroit Mercy, and College for Creative Studies. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Cass Technical High School
Street
2501 2nd Ave
Phone
313-263-2000
Students
2,500
Student Teacher Ratio
18.0
Name
Renaissance High School
Street
6565 W Outer Dr W
Phone
313-416-2900
Students
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio
19.1

Private Schools

Name
University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy
Street
8400 S Cambridge Ave
Phone
313-862-5400
Students
760
Name
Detroit Catholic Central High School
Street
27225 Wixom Rd
Phone
248-596-3870
Students
1,100

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
4 miles
Students
5,000
Name
College for Creative Studies
City
Detroit
State
MI
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,400

Healthcare

Detroit residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit Receiving Hospital, and Ascension St. John Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 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 Receiving Hospital
Address
4201 St Antoine St, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone
(313) 745-3000
Type
Trauma & Emergency
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Ascension St. John Hospital
Address
22101 Moross Rd, Detroit, MI 48236
Phone
(313) 343-4000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
91.0%
Health Care Index
68.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Detroit, MI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $82,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Detroit offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$82,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate
52.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
1.0%

DMV Information

Residents of Detroit handle vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located in Lansing. 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
430 W Allegan St, Lansing, MI 48918
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 633,218, median home value $82,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,150, commute time 26.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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