Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pontiac, MI
Thinking about moving to Pontiac, MI? With a population of just over 60,000, Pontiac offers affordable living, with median home prices around $119,000 and average rents near $1,050. The city features a young median age, a diverse community, and convenient commute times at just under 26 minutes. While crime rates are higher than the national average, Pontiac boasts accessible healthcare, nearby universities, and a classic Michigan climate with four distinct seasons. Explore local schools, cost of living, and more below to see if Pontiac fits your lifestyle.
Demographics - Pontiac, MI
Demographics - Pontiac, MI
Pontiac, MI is home to about 60,000 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 33.8 and a diverse community where nearly half the population identifies as Black and 18% as Hispanic. The city's density fosters a vibrant urban environment, and over 10% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
60,084
Density:
3,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
20.8%
Black:
49.5%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
10.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pontiac, MI?
Pontiac offers a cost of living below the national average, with affordable median home values around $119,000 and typical rents of $1,050. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals or families.
Median House Value:
$119,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$2,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.0
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
63.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
102.0
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Pontiac, MI a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Pontiac are higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 1,032 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 3,220 per 100,000. Residents should be aware of their surroundings and take standard precautions, as the chance of experiencing a property crime is roughly 1 in 31.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,032
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,220
Crime Index:
4,252
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 97
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Pontiac, MI year-round?
Pontiac experiences all four seasons, with winters that can be quite cold—temperatures often dip to 18°F—while summers are warm, reaching up to 83°F. The city receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly half the year, making for a classic Michigan climate.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
50%
Neighbors
Residents in Pontiac typically see a median household income of around $41,500, and the area has a poverty rate of 28.2%. Commute times average about 26 minutes, and most neighbors have at least a high school education, contributing to a close-knit and resilient community.
Median Income:
$39,000
Household Income:
$41,500
Family Income:
$48,900
Per Capita Income:
$21,200
Income Male:
$32,400
Income Female:
$29,100
Poverty Rate:
28.2%
Non English Speakers:
10.2%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.2%
Commute Time:
25.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.6%
Bachelors or More:
13.4%
Education
How are the schools in Pontiac, MI?
Pontiac offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Pontiac High School and private options such as Notre Dame Preparatory School. Higher education is easily accessible, with Oakland University and Baker College located within a short drive of the city.
Public Schools
Name:
Pontiac High School
Street:
1051 Arlene Ave
Phone:
248-451-7310
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.4
Name:
Herrington Elementary School
Street:
161 Herrington Dr
Phone:
248-451-6810
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Private Schools
Name:
Notre Dame Preparatory School
Street:
1389 Giddings Rd
Phone:
248-373-5300
Students:
700
Colleges
Name:
Oakland University
City:
Rochester
State:
MI
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
17,000
Name:
Baker College of Auburn Hills
City:
Auburn Hills
State:
MI
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Pontiac is accessible, with major hospitals such as Trinity Health Oakland Hospital and Pontiac General Hospital offering full emergency services. Nearly 90% of residents have health insurance coverage, and the city maintains an average number of physicians per capita.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Trinity Health Oakland Hospital
Address:
44405 Woodward Ave, Pontiac, MI 48341
Phone:
(248) 858-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Pontiac General Hospital
Address:
461 W Huron St, Pontiac, MI 48341
Phone:
(248) 857-7200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
67.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pontiac, MI?
Pontiac's housing market is affordable, with median home prices at $119,000 and about half of residents owning their homes. Rental options are plentiful, with a rental vacancy rate of 10.8% and average two-bedroom rents at $1,050, while home values have appreciated by over 5% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$119,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
50.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services in Pontiac are managed by the Michigan Secretary of State, headquartered in Lansing. Residents can access resources, renewals, and appointments through the state DMV website or by phone for convenience.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
118 N. Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48918
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.