Metro areas in Michigan: income, rent and home values
Michigan has 16 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Detroit, MI with 4.4 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Ann Arbor, MI ($89,052). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Monroe, MI (24.6%) and the largest in Saginaw, MI (36.2%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Grand Rapids, MI (+8.4%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI | 4,390,913 | $79,203 | $1,316 | $284,200 | 31.9% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | 1,183,645 | $84,764 | $1,365 | $333,100 | 31.0% |
| Lansing, MI | 479,722 | $78,962 | $1,207 | $245,500 | 30.7% |
| Flint, MI | 401,093 | $66,305 | $1,045 | $204,800 | 31.5% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 370,214 | $89,052 | $1,562 | $418,400 | 34.4% |
| South Bend, IN | 324,538 | $67,932 | $1,158 | $229,100 | 28.1% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | 263,795 | $72,002 | $1,171 | $272,800 | 31.3% |
| Saginaw, MI | 187,688 | $65,039 | $1,043 | $170,200 | 36.2% |
| Muskegon, MI | 177,901 | $67,089 | $1,046 | $247,300 | 31.8% |
| Jackson, MI | 159,552 | $75,221 | $1,066 | $219,600 | 32.1% |
| Traverse City, MI | 156,972 | $79,246 | $1,241 | $398,700 | 26.5% |
| Monroe, MI | 156,004 | $85,229 | $1,264 | $275,200 | 24.6% |
| Niles, MI | 152,444 | $73,126 | $1,009 | $255,300 | 26.4% |
| Battle Creek, MI | 133,408 | $64,880 | $1,103 | $184,800 | 32.9% |
| Bay City, MI | 102,123 | $66,214 | $928 | $176,300 | 27.0% |
| Midland, MI | 83,754 | $85,595 | $1,133 | $233,800 | 25.5% |
Includes 1 metro area that cross into neighboring states.
Compare Detroit with another metro ↗ See national rankings ↗
Michigan at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Michigan for renters?+
Monroe, MI, where renters spend a median 24.6% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Michigan has the highest income?+
Ann Arbor, MI, with a median household income of $89,052 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Michigan?+
16 metropolitan statistical areas in Michigan have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.