Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Royal Oak, MI
Planning a move to Royal Oak, MI? With a vibrant population of about 58,000, Royal Oak offers a blend of lively downtown entertainment, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community. The median home price is $345,000 and average 2-bedroom rents are around $1,350, making the city relatively affordable for its amenities. Residents enjoy short commutes (about 25 minutes), low violent crime (103 per 100K), and access to excellent healthcare. With a youthful vibe, highly educated neighbors, and four-season climate, Royal Oak is a welcoming spot for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Royal Oak, MI
Demographics - Royal Oak, MI
Royal Oak is home to about 58,000 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 36.7 and a population density of 5,000 per square mile. The city is predominantly White, with small but vibrant Asian and Black communities, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This creates a community that is diverse yet close-knit, ideal for newcomers seeking a welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
58,211
Density:
5,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.7
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.9%
Black:
3.7%
Asian:
3.1%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Royal Oak, MI?
With a median home value of $345,000 and average rent at $1,350, Royal Oak offers accessible housing options for both buyers and renters. The cost of living index sits slightly above the national average at 108.2, reflecting higher housing costs balanced by moderate utility and healthcare expenses. The city’s overall affordability makes it an attractive choice for professionals and families.
Median House Value:
$345,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,725
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.2
Grocery:
104.3
Housing:
116.9
Utilities:
96.2
Transportation:
109.5
Health Care:
101.7
Miscellaneous:
103.1
Crime
Is Royal Oak, MI a safe place to live?
Royal Oak is considered a safe suburb, boasting a low violent crime rate of 103 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,080 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 971 chance of experiencing violent crime, which is well below national averages. This makes the city a secure environment for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
103
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,080
Crime Index:
1,183
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 971
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in Royal Oak, MI year-round?
Royal Oak experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 19°F and warm summers reaching highs near 83°F. The area receives about 33 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine on 51% of days. This seasonal variety allows residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
51%
Neighbors
Royal Oak’s neighbors are highly educated, with over 60% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and the area enjoys a strong median household income of $97,600. Unemployment is low at 3.2%, and the poverty rate is just 6.7%, contributing to a stable and prosperous community. Most residents have short commutes of around 25 minutes, adding to the city’s convenience.
Median Income:
$54,000
Household Income:
$97,600
Family Income:
$124,000
Per Capita Income:
$53,200
Income Male:
$67,000
Income Female:
$53,000
Poverty Rate:
6.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
24.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.3%
Bachelors or More:
60.8%
Education
How are the schools in Royal Oak, MI?
Royal Oak is served by high-performing public and private schools, including Royal Oak High School and Shrine Catholic High School, as well as nearby colleges like Oakland Community College. The student-teacher ratios support focused learning environments. Families and students will find diverse educational opportunities from elementary through higher education.

Public Schools
Name:
Royal Oak High School
Street:
1500 Lexington Blvd
Phone:
248-435-8500
Students:
1,325
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Name:
Keller Elementary School
Street:
1505 N Campbell Rd
Phone:
248-542-6500
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
17:1

Private Schools
Name:
Shrine Catholic High School
Street:
3500 W 13 Mile Rd
Phone:
248-549-2925
Students:
300

Colleges
Name:
Oakland Community College - Royal Oak Campus
City:
Royal Oak
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,800
Name:
Wayne State University
City:
Detroit
State:
MI
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
24,000
Healthcare
Residents of Royal Oak benefit from excellent healthcare access, including top hospitals like Beaumont Hospital. The city has a high health insurance coverage rate of 94.6% and nearly three physicians per 1,000 residents. These factors ensure high-quality medical services are readily available.

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:
Ascension Providence Hospital
Address:
16001 W Nine Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48075
Phone:
(248) 849-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Royal Oak, MI?
Royal Oak’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $345,000 and a home appreciation rate of 4.4% over the past year. Most residents own their homes, and the rental vacancy rate is a low 4.4%, reflecting strong demand and community investment. The area also sees minimal foreclosures, making it a reliable place to buy or rent.
Median Home Price:
$345,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Michigan residents in Royal Oak can access DMV services through the Secretary of State’s office in Lansing or online. The department provides essential services like vehicle registration, driver's licensing, and title transfers. Information and resources are readily available on the official state website.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
7064 Crowner Dr, 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.