Royal Oak, MI
Population 57,880 · Michigan
About Royal Oak, MI
Royal Oak is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 57,880 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $95,182 per year, which is 27% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Royal Oak features a median home value of $305,900, which is 25% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Royal Oak in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,335, 15% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 31,227 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (19,498 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (9,853 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Royal Oak shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Royal Oak have an average one-way commute time of 24.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
62.6% of Royal Oak residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 7.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Royal Oak Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Royal Oak, MI
Compared to national averages, Royal Oak has a median household income of $95,182 (27% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $305,900, which is 25% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,335 is 15% above the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Royal Oak's income is 44% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 67% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Royal Oak, MI?
Royal Oak offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $95,182, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%, and a well-educated community where 62.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.4 minutes.
Royal Oak has a population of 57,880 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Royal Oak with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Royal Oak
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Clair Shores | 58,287 | $72,693 | $196,400 | Compare |
| Kentwood | 54,114 | $73,647 | $249,000 | Compare |
| Pontiac | 61,914 | $42,791 | $110,600 | Compare |
| Dearborn Heights | 62,099 | $61,035 | $174,900 | Compare |
| Taylor | 62,405 | $59,537 | $141,200 | Compare |
| Battle Creek | 52,392 | $51,699 | $127,600 | Compare |
| Novi | 66,224 | $110,938 | $399,100 | Compare |
| Portage | 49,015 | $79,529 | $243,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Royal Oak With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Oak
What is the population of Royal Oak, MI?
The population of Royal Oak, MI is 57,880 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Royal Oak?
The median household income in Royal Oak, MI is $95,182 per year, which is 27% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Royal Oak?
The median home value in Royal Oak, MI is $305,900, which is 25% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Royal Oak?
The median monthly rent in Royal Oak, MI is $1,335, which is 15% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Royal Oak?
The unemployment rate in Royal Oak, MI is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Royal Oak, MI a good place to live?
Royal Oak offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 57,880 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Royal Oak, MI?
62.6% of residents in Royal Oak aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Royal Oak?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Royal Oak, MI: median home value is $305,900 (25% above national), median rent is $1,335/month, and median household income is $95,182. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Royal Oak?
The poverty rate in Royal Oak, MI is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Royal Oak, MI?
Royal Oak's population is 2.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 6.1% two or more races. 7.0% of residents are foreign-born.