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Michigan city profile

What Is It Like to Live in Detroit?

What it costs to live in Detroit, and how it compares with other Michigan cities, in plain numbers.

Value score

46

50th best value in Michigan

How much you get for what you pay, versus other Michigan cities.

Overall livability

32

63rd overall in Michigan

Cost, safety, schools, jobs and quality of life combined.

Detroit is home to about 645,658 people. A typical home runs $57,700 and a household earns around $34,800, a price-to-income ratio of 1.7. Among Michigan's largest cities, it ranks 50th for value and 63rd overall.

Detroit at a glance

Median home price

$57,700

3rd in MI of 75

Median rent

$899/mo

Median household income

$34,800

Home price to income

1.7x

Unemployment

15.3%

74th in MI of 75

School rating

1/10

68th in MI of 75

Air quality (AQI)

45

0th in MI of 75

Walk score

80/100

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‹ See all top Michigan cities ranked  ยท  Michigan state profile ›

Sources: Home prices and rent from Zillow; income, unemployment and commute from the U.S. Census; school ratings from state education data; crime from the FBI; air quality from the EPA. City rankings are within Michigan only. Updated 2026.