Everything You Should Know Before Moving to River Rouge, MI
Considering a move to River Rouge, MI? With a close-knit population of 7,224 and a highly affordable median home price of $54,000, River Rouge appeals to budget-conscious movers. While living costs are well below the national average, residents should be aware of higher crime rates and a median commute of 25 minutes. The city offers access to major Detroit hospitals and nearby colleges, and experiences four distinct seasons with about 51% sunny days each year. Explore housing, schools, and more to see if River Rouge fits your needs.
Demographics - River Rouge, MI
Demographics - River Rouge, MI
River Rouge, Michigan is home to approximately 7,224 residents and features a diverse community, with a majority Black population and a median age of 36.2 years. The city has a high population density and about 8.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural character.
Population:
7,224
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
23.1%
Black:
65.0%
Others:
4.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in River Rouge, MI?
River Rouge offers a notably low cost of living, with a median home value of $54,000 and average rent around $875 per month. Utilities and groceries remain affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-minded individuals, though auto insurance premiums are higher than average.
Median House Value:
$54,000
Gross Rent:
$875
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$910
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.3
Grocery:
91.2
Housing:
37.5
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
104.2
Health Care:
89.3
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is River Rouge, MI a safe place to live?
While River Rouge is an affordable place to live, residents should be aware of elevated crime rates, with a 1 in 100 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 41 chance of property crime annually. The city’s overall crime index is higher than the national average.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,003
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,435
Crime Index:
3,438
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 100
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in River Rouge, MI year-round?
River Rouge experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows near 20°F and warm summers reaching highs around 83°F. The area receives about 34.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 51% of the year, offering a balanced Midwestern climate.

Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
The city’s median household income is $31,200, and about 35% of residents live below the poverty line. Most neighbors commute about 25 minutes to work, and while over 74% have a high school diploma or higher, only a small percentage have a bachelor's degree.
Median Income:
$18,500
Household Income:
$31,200
Family Income:
$35,600
Per Capita Income:
$16,650
Income Male:
$22,000
Income Female:
$18,200
Poverty Rate:
35.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$875
Unemployment Rate:
9.9%
Public Transport Usage:
4.2%
Commute Time:
25.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
74.6%
Bachelors or More:
7.5%
Education
How are the schools in River Rouge, MI?
River Rouge is served by public schools like River Rouge High School and Sabin Elementary, offering manageable class sizes and student-teacher ratios. Nearby, residents can access higher education at Wayne County Community College District and the University of Michigan – Dearborn, both within 10 miles.

Public Schools
Name:
River Rouge High School
Street:
1460 W Coolidge Hwy
Phone:
313-297-9600
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.2
Name:
Sabin Elementary School
Street:
18650 W Jefferson Ave
Phone:
313-297-9630
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.8

Colleges
Name:
Wayne County Community College District
City:
Detroit
State:
MI
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
14,000
Name:
University of Michigan - Dearborn
City:
Dearborn
State:
MI
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
8,900
Healthcare
Residents of River Rouge have convenient access to major regional hospitals, such as Henry Ford Hospital and Beaumont Hospital Dearborn, both offering emergency services. With 91% health insurance coverage and a moderate healthcare index, the city provides essential health resources for its community.

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:
Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn
Address:
18101 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone:
(313) 593-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
66.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in River Rouge, MI?
River Rouge features an accessible housing market, with a median home price of just $54,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $850. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the city has a modest home appreciation rate along with a relatively low new construction rate.
Median Home Price:
$54,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.6%
DMV Information
Drivers in River Rouge are served by the Michigan Secretary of State office located in Detroit, offering convenient access to vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential DMV services. The office provides support both online and in-person for Michigan residents.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
3046 W Grand Blvd, 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.