Michigan: What you need to know
More than half of Michigan is covered by forests making the state fertile ground for hunting and nature enthusiasts. The state’s craft beer scene also draws tourists, while its charming cities lure many new residents. The best places to live in Michigan include Traverse City, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. Automakers Ford and GM lead the top employers in Michigan, but the state is home to thriving industries like aerospace and military equipment manufacturing, copper and ore mining, tourism and Christmas tree farming.
Best Places to Live in Michigan
Make the Mitten State your home with these 10 great cities.
Pair plentiful outdoor activities, job opportunities and affordability with a welcoming vibe, and it’s no wonder Michigan is a draw for families.
The Wolverine State delivers on budget-conscious living without skimping on the amenities
Read More About Michigan
- Port of Muskegon and marinas serve numerous industries including tourism, agriculture, fishing and manufacturing
- Community Foundation for Muskegon County unites people for good
- America's wine industry is thriving — in places you might not expect.
- Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor leverages a wealth of capabilities to create a diverse and dynamic economy
- Ann Arbor's powerhouse research capabilities stimulate life sciences breakthroughs
- Ann Arbor's tech sector includes Thomson Reuters, Truven Health Analytics, Nokia and Google
- American Center for Mobility, Mcity Serve As Catalysts for Research Advancements
- Manufacturers, healthcare providers, U of M rank high on the list.
Featured Cities in Michigan
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Quick Facts about MI
| Population | 9,900,571 |
| Latest Population Increase | 0.00% |
| Median Household Income | $49,576 |
| Median Home Price | $122,400 |
| Median Property Tax | $1,257 |
| Median Rent | $71 |
Employment Rate in MI
| Employed | 95.1% | |
| Unemployed | 4.9% |
Featured Cities/Population in MI
| Grand Rapids, MI | 192,416 |
| Traverse City, MI | 15,168 |
| Midland, MI | 41,995 |
| Kalamazoo, MI | 75,499 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 116,194 |
| St. Clair, MI | 896 |
| Marquette, MI | 21,444 |
| Holland, MI | 33,526 |
| Muskegon, MI | 37,861 |
| Lansing, MI | 114,485 |
Race in MI
| Ethnicity White | 79% | |
| Ethnicity Black | 14% | |
| Ethnicity Asian | 2.7% | |
| Ethnicity Hispanic | 4.7% | |
| Ethnicity Indian | 0.5% | |
| Ethnicity Other | 1.1% |
Employment Rate in MI
| Employed | 95.1% | |
| Unemployed | 4.9% |
Educational Levels in MI
| Bachelor's Degree | 16.5% | |
| Associate's Degree | 8.9% | |
| Graduate or Professional Degree | 10.5% | |
| High School Graduate | 29.9% | |
| Some College, No Degree | 23.8% | |
| Percent Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 26.9% | |
| Percent High School Graduate or Higher | 89.6% |
Industry in MI
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting and Mining | 1.3% |
| Construction | 4.8% |
| Manufacturing | 17.8% |
| Wholesale Trade | 2.4% |
| Retail Trade | 11.4% |
| Transportation and Warehousing, and Utilities | 4.2% |
| Information | 1.6% |
| Finance and Insurance, and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | 5.4% |
| Professional, Scientific and Management and Administrative and Waste | 9.3% |
| Educational Services and Health Care and Social Assistance | 23.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment and recreation and Accommodation and food Services | 9.5% |
| Other Services, Except Public Administration | 4.7% |
| Public Administration | 3.6% |
Housing in MI
| Homes Rent | 71% | |
| Homes Owned | 29% |
Data Sources : U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census, 2011-2015 American Community Survey, 2010 Census Gazetteer, GreatSchools, WalkScore, Bureau of Labor and Statistics, County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service, Veterans Administration (VA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Michigan Rankings
Best places to Live in Michigan
| Title | Population | Median Home Price | Median Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | 690,074 | $42,300 | $25,764 |
| Grand Rapids | 192,416 | $109,400 | $40,355 |
| Warren | 134,857 | $87,800 | $43,523 |
| Sterling Heights | 131,139 | $147,700 | $60,089 |
| Ann Arbor | 116,194 | $269,572 | $55,990 |
| Lansing | 114,485 | $76,600 | $35,563 |
| Flint | 99,802 | $32,600 | $24,862 |
| Dearborn | 96,069 | $105,800 | $47,375 |
| Livonia | 95,312 | $156,100 | $70,125 |
| Westland | 82,642 | $90,900 | $44,641 |
| Troy | 82,542 | $230,400 | $85,027 |
| Farmington Hills | 80,971 | $207,200 | $71,609 |
| Kalamazoo | 75,499 | $96,600 | $33,009 |
| Wyoming | 74,105 | $98,400 | $46,849 |
| Southfield | 72,859 | $105,800 | $49,244 |
| Rochester Hills | 72,643 | $230,100 | $82,112 |
| Taylor | 62,021 | $72,500 | $40,545 |
| Pontiac | 59,928 | $54,100 | $28,505 |
| St. Clair Shores | 59,888 | $95,000 | $53,093 |
| Royal Oak | 58,689 | $166,200 | $65,786 |