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US City Data

Detroit, MI

Population 636,644 · Michigan

Population
636,644
Median Income
$39,575
Median Home Value
$76,800
Median Rent
$1,034/mo

About Detroit, MI

Detroit is a major city in Michigan with a population of 636,644 residents. The median household income is $39,575 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Detroit is 35.1 years.

Housing in Detroit has a median home value of $76,800 and median monthly rent of $1,034. Of the 326,065 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 125,927 owner-occupied and 127,280 renter-occupied units.

The unemployment rate in Detroit is 14.1% and the poverty rate is 31.5%. 17.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 25.4 minutes.

How Detroit Ranks in Michigan

Most Populated Cities
#1
of 50 cities · 636,644

Cost of Living in Detroit, MI

Compared to national averages, Detroit has a median household income of $39,575 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $76,800, which is 69% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,034 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Detroit's income is 40% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 58% below the state median of $183,391.

Income vs National
$39,575
National: $75,149
Michigan: $66,017
Home Value vs National
$76,800
National: $244,900
Michigan: $183,391
Rent vs National
$1,034
National: $1,163
Michigan: $921
Unemployment vs National
14.1%
National: 3.7%
Michigan: 6.2%

Why Live in Detroit, MI?

Detroit offers affordable housing with a median home value of $76,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,034/month.

Potential considerations include median household income ($39,575) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Detroit provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.

Detroit has a population of 636,644 with a median age of 35.1 years. Compare Detroit with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.

Similar Cities Near Detroit

Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Grand Rapids197,768$65,526$225,500Compare
Warren138,128$63,741$181,900Compare
Sterling Heights133,473$78,429$260,700Compare
Ann Arbor121,179$81,089$435,100Compare
Lansing112,546$52,170$119,400Compare
Dearborn107,846$65,192$205,900Compare
Livonia94,058$96,317$265,300Compare
Troy87,307$119,299$396,800Compare

Demographics

35.1
Median Age
302,503
Male
334,141
Female
6%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White5.5Hispanic/Latino1.5Black0.9Asian1.3Two or More76.4

Economy & Education

14.1%
Unemployment Rate
31.5%
Poverty Rate
17.6%
Bachelor's Degree+
25.4 min
Avg Commute

Housing

326,065
Total Housing Units
125,927
Owner Occupied
127,280
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in Michigan

Detroit BeachLake Michigan BeachMichigan CenterAddisonAdrianAdvance

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare Detroit With Other Cities

Detroit vs Detroit BeachDetroit vs Lake Michigan BeachDetroit vs Michigan CenterDetroit vs Addison

Frequently Asked Questions about Detroit

What is the population of Detroit, MI?

The population of Detroit, MI is 636,644 according to the latest Census data.

What is the median household income in Detroit?

The median household income in Detroit, MI is $39,575 per year.

What is the median home value in Detroit?

The median home value in Detroit, MI is $76,800.

What is the average rent in Detroit?

The median monthly rent in Detroit, MI is $1,034.

What is the unemployment rate in Detroit?

The unemployment rate in Detroit, MI is 14.1%.

Explore More

Cost of Living in MichiganMost Populated Cities in MichiganCheapest Cities in MichiganHighest Income Cities in MichiganLowest Rent in MichiganBest Cities for FamiliesBest Cities for Young ProfessionalsBest Cities for RetireesGuide: Cost Of LivingGuide: Moving GuideDetroit vs AddisonDetroit vs AdrianDetroit vs Advance