Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ferndale, MI
Thinking of moving to Ferndale, MI? With a population of about 19,190, Ferndale offers a vibrant, walkable community with a median home price around $247,000 and average rents near $1,320. Residents enjoy a manageable 26-minute average commute, a high educational attainment rate, and diverse local amenities. Crime rates are moderate, and the cost of living is close to the national average, making Ferndale a popular choice for young professionals and families seeking a lively, welcoming atmosphere in Metro Detroit.
Demographics - Ferndale, MI
Demographics - Ferndale, MI
Ferndale, MI is home to about 19,190 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 36.4 and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White, with a mix of Black, Asian, and other groups, and around 7.5% of the population speaks a language other than English at home. Its high population density supports a vibrant, urban lifestyle attractive to a diverse community.
Population:
19,190
Density:
5,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.4
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.5%
Black:
8.5%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ferndale, MI?
The cost of living in Ferndale is just above the national average, with a median home value of $247,000 and average rent around $1,320 per month. Utilities and healthcare are relatively affordable, while auto insurance tends to be higher. Residents benefit from stable state income taxes and reasonable grocery and housing costs compared to nearby cities.
Median House Value:
$247,000
Gross Rent:
$1,320
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$100
Auto Insurance:
$2,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,640
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$610
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.1
Grocery:
98.4
Housing:
104.2
Utilities:
93.3
Transportation:
104.9
Health Care:
94.7
Miscellaneous:
101.5
Crime
Is Ferndale, MI a safe place to live?
Ferndale experiences moderate crime rates, with about 250 violent crimes and 2,300 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 400, while property crime risk is 1 in 43. Overall, the city maintains a safe atmosphere relative to many urban centers in Michigan.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
250
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,300
Crime Index:
2,550
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 400
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Ferndale, MI year-round?
Residents of Ferndale enjoy four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging highs in the 30s and warm summers reaching into the low 80s. The city receives about 32.6 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine about 49% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Ferndale’s households have a median income of $75,300, and the area boasts a high educational attainment rate, with nearly 97% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher. The local unemployment rate is low at 3.8%, and the average commute time is under 26 minutes, making it convenient for professionals working in Metro Detroit. A poverty rate of 10.7% indicates a generally stable economic environment.
Median Income:
$44,800
Household Income:
$75,300
Family Income:
$92,900
Per Capita Income:
$44,000
Income Male:
$53,000
Income Female:
$41,000
Poverty Rate:
10.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,320
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.2%
Commute Time:
25.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.7%
Bachelors or More:
47.2%
Education
How are the schools in Ferndale, MI?
Ferndale offers strong public and private school options, including Ferndale High and Middle Schools, both known for supportive learning environments and favorable student-teacher ratios. The community is also close to major colleges like Oakland Community College and Wayne State University, providing easy access to higher education. Nearly half of local adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated population.
Public Schools
Name:
Ferndale High School
Street:
881 Pinecrest Dr
Phone:
248-586-8600
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Ferndale Middle School
Street:
725 Pinecrest Dr
Phone:
248-586-8700
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Private Schools
Name:
Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
Street:
4000 W 12 Mile Rd
Phone:
248-547-1175
Students:
220
Colleges
Name:
Oakland Community College
City:
Royal Oak
State:
MI
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
14,200
Name:
Wayne State University
City:
Detroit
State:
MI
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
24,000
Healthcare
Ferndale residents have easy access to major medical centers like Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak and Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical care. The area maintains strong healthcare coverage, with 93.8% of residents insured and a physician rate of 2.5 per 1,000 people. Overall, healthcare services are accessible and well-rated in the region.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak
Address:
3601 W 13 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073
Phone:
(248) 898-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Henry Ford Hospital
Address:
2799 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone:
(313) 916-2600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
77.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ferndale, MI?
Ferndale’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $247,000 and approximately 63% of homes owner-occupied. Rents for a two-bedroom average $1,320, and the area has seen a healthy home appreciation rate of 6.1% over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates reflect a stable and desirable market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$247,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,320
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Michigan Secretary of State, with a convenient Detroit branch located on West Grand Blvd. The office offers comprehensive DMV services, and information is easily accessible online or via a toll-free phone number. This ensures smooth processing for new drivers and vehicle owners in Ferndale.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
3046 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.