Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waterford, MI
Considering Waterford, MI for your next move? This vibrant township of about 70,500 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $255,000 and rents around $1,200. Commute times average 28 minutes, and you’ll find a strong sense of community, good public schools, and easy access to local lakes and parks. With a moderate crime rate, distinct four-season climate, and a cost of living below the national average, Waterford is a great fit for families or anyone seeking suburban comfort near big-city amenities.
Demographics - Waterford, MI
Demographics - Waterford, MI
Waterford, MI is home to approximately 70,565 residents, with a median age of 41, reflecting a mature and settled community. The population is predominantly White (85%), with smaller Black, Asian, and other minority groups contributing to its diversity. With a nearly equal gender ratio and about 7% non-English speakers, Waterford offers a welcoming suburban environment for a variety of households.
Population:
70,565
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.0
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
5.6%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
7.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waterford, MI?
Waterford offers an affordable lifestyle, with a cost of living index of 94.6, which is below the national average. The median home value is $255,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,200, making it attractive for both homeowners and renters. Residents also benefit from relatively low utility and grocery costs compared to other areas in Michigan.
Median House Value:
$255,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$2,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,675
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.6
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
83.2
Utilities:
96.7
Transportation:
105.5
Health Care:
90.3
Miscellaneous:
97.5
Crime
Is Waterford, MI a safe place to live?
Waterford experiences moderate crime rates, with about 224 violent crimes and 1,495 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents have a 1 in 446 chance of being a victim of violent crime, which is typical for suburban communities. The overall crime index suggests that Waterford is generally safe, though standard safety precautions are advised.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
224
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,495
Crime Index:
1,719
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 446
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Waterford, MI year-round?
Waterford enjoys a classic four-season climate, with cold winters averaging lows around 17°F and warm summers reaching highs near 83°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine approximately 49% of the year. Residents can expect a mix of snowy winters and pleasantly warm summers, ideal for outdoor activities in every season.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
The median household income in Waterford is $74,300, with a poverty rate of 9% and an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Most residents commute about 28 minutes to work, and public transportation usage is low. The area is highly educated, with over 93% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, making it a stable and family-friendly neighborhood.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$74,300
Family Income:
$87,100
Per Capita Income:
$34,900
Income Male:
$48,200
Income Female:
$38,600
Poverty Rate:
9.0%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
28.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.5%
Bachelors or More:
25.8%
Education
How are the schools in Waterford, MI?
Waterford offers quality education with reputable public schools like Waterford Kettering High School and Pierce Middle School, supported by manageable student-teacher ratios. The township also features private school options and is home to Oakland Community College’s Highland Lakes Campus, with other higher education opportunities nearby. This mix of educational resources ensures families have access to strong academic pathways from preschool through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Waterford Kettering High School
Street:
2800 Kettering Dr
Phone:
248-674-0113
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.5
Name:
Pierce Middle School
Street:
5145 Hatchery Rd
Phone:
248-674-6240
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.2
Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School
Street:
5495 Dixie Hwy
Phone:
248-623-0340
Students:
380
Colleges
Name:
Oakland Community College – Highland Lakes Campus
City:
Waterford
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,200
Name:
Oakland University
City:
Rochester
State:
MI
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
18,000
Healthcare
Waterford residents have convenient access to major hospitals like McLaren Oakland and Ascension Providence, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services nearby. The community enjoys good healthcare coverage, with over 92% insured and about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people. This ensures timely medical care and a range of health services locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
McLaren Oakland Hospital
Address:
50 N Perry St, Pontiac, MI 48342
Phone:
(248) 338-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Ascension Providence Hospital - Rochester
Address:
1101 W University Dr, Rochester, MI 48307
Phone:
(248) 652-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
68.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waterford, MI?
The Waterford housing market is largely owner-occupied, with 76% of residents owning their homes and a median sale price of $255,000. Rental options are also available, with average two-bedroom units leasing for $1,200 and a moderate vacancy rate of 6%. Home values have appreciated by 3.4% over the past year, reflecting a steady and healthy real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Waterford residents can access all vehicle and licensing services at the Michigan Secretary of State office located at 1151 Scott Lake Rd. The office provides driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and other DMV services, and can be reached at 1-888-767-6424. Additional information and online services are available through the official Michigan Secretary of State website.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
Secretary of State Office, 1151 Scott Lake Rd, Waterford, MI 48328
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.