Please check your email for your login details.Moving to Detroit and Metro Detroit
Compare the six counties side by side with Census data, learn what sets the largest cities apart and get a first-week checklist for utilities, your license, voting and schools.
- U.S. Census data for every county
- Michigan new resident rules
- Local pros for move-in repairs
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Metro Detroit at a glance
Metro Detroit is a region of six counties and more than 200 cities, villages and townships. U.S. Census Bureau estimates put the six-county population at about 4.38 million people living in about 1.93 million housing units. Detroit is the largest city by far, with about 638,500 residents, followed by Warren, Sterling Heights and Dearborn.
The region's housing is older than in many U.S. metros. The median home across the six counties was built in 1968, and about 40% of homes were built before 1960. In Detroit, the median year built is 1947. That matters when you move: older homes often need upgrades to wiring, heating, plumbing and insulation, so budget time for inspections and repairs.
All figures on this page come from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates unless noted. They are medians, so half of homes or households fall above and half below.
The six Metro Detroit counties compared
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates. Dollar figures are in U.S. dollars.
| County | Population | Median home value (USD) | Median gross rent per month (USD) | Median year built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne County | 1,772,259 | 178,500 | 1,132 | 1956 |
| Oakland County | 1,279,825 | 343,600 | 1,376 | 1975 |
| Macomb County | 879,853 | 243,900 | 1,211 | 1975 |
| Livingston County | 195,833 | 356,800 | 1,287 | 1991 |
| St. Clair County | 160,221 | 224,600 | 1,029 | 1975 |
| Lapeer County | 88,837 | 239,000 | 988 | 1978 |
| Six-county metro | 4,376,828 | 249,700 | 1,207 | 1968 |
What the numbers say about each county
Wayne County
Home to Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, Canton and the Downriver cities. It has the most people, the lowest median home value of the six counties and the oldest housing, with a median year built of 1956. About 65% of homes are owner occupied.
Oakland County
The second largest county, with Troy, Southfield, Farmington Hills, Novi, Royal Oak and Pontiac. It has the highest median rent of the six and the second highest median home value. About 73% of homes are owner occupied.
Macomb County
North and east of Detroit, including Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Macomb Township and St. Clair Shores. Its median home value sits close to the metro median, and about 75% of homes are owner occupied.
Livingston County
To the northwest, with the newest housing in the region (median year built 1991) and the highest median home value. About 87% of homes are owner occupied.
St. Clair County and Lapeer County
The two smallest counties by population, to the north and northeast. Port Huron is St. Clair County's largest city. Both have lower median rents than the metro, and more than 80% of homes are owner occupied.
Largest Metro Detroit cities at a glance
The 12 most populous communities. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates.
| City or township | County | Population | Median home value (USD) | Median rent (USD) | Median year built | Owner occupied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | Wayne | 638,530 | 83,900 | 1,074 | 1947 | 50% |
| Warren | Macomb | 137,928 | 193,400 | 1,225 | 1965 | 71% |
| Sterling Heights | Macomb | 133,573 | 274,300 | 1,292 | 1977 | 76% |
| Dearborn | Wayne | 107,423 | 218,800 | 1,327 | 1952 | 68% |
| Clinton Township | Macomb | 100,447 | 225,000 | 1,194 | 1980 | 66% |
| Canton | Wayne | 99,041 | 372,400 | 1,501 | 1991 | 77% |
| Livonia | Wayne | 93,851 | 281,100 | 1,322 | 1964 | 87% |
| Macomb Township | Macomb | 92,629 | 387,000 | 1,379 | 2000 | 91% |
| Troy | Oakland | 87,898 | 420,300 | 1,602 | 1977 | 73% |
| Westland | Wayne | 83,633 | 184,600 | 1,158 | 1969 | 61% |
| Farmington Hills | Oakland | 83,515 | 354,500 | 1,551 | 1978 | 65% |
| Shelby Township | Macomb | 79,641 | 354,500 | 1,346 | 1989 | 74% |
City highlights from the data
- Oldest housing among the 40 largest communities: Detroit (median year built 1947), Dearborn (1952), and Eastpointe and Lincoln Park (1954). In Detroit, about 78% of homes were built before 1960.
- Newest housing among the 40 largest communities: Macomb Township (2000), Washington Township in Macomb County (1995), Chesterfield and Brownstown Township (1994), and Novi and Northville Township (1993).
- Highest share of owner-occupied homes among the 12 largest: Macomb Township (91%) and Livonia (87%).
- Most renters among the 12 largest: Detroit, where about half of homes are rented. Browse rentals and apartments.
- Want to compare more places? Every community has its own guide on our cities page, and Detroit's neighborhoods have their own pages at Detroit neighborhoods.
Your first-week checklist after moving to Michigan
- 1
Start utilities
Set up electric and gas, water and internet before move-in day. Our utilities guide lists who serves Detroit and the suburbs and how to reach them.
- 2
Get your Michigan license and register your car
The Michigan Department of State says new residents must apply for a Michigan driver's license or ID, vehicle title and registration as soon as they establish residency. There is no grace period in Michigan law. Schedule a Secretary of State office visit and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, legal presence and two proofs of Michigan residency. See our auto guide.
- 3
Buy Michigan no-fault insurance
You need proof of Michigan no-fault auto insurance to register your vehicle.
- 4
Register to vote
You are registered automatically when you get a Michigan license or ID unless you opt out. You can also register at Michigan.gov/Vote. To vote in a local election, you must live in your city or township for at least 30 days by Election Day.
- 5
Enroll kids in school
In Detroit, DPSCD asks for a parent photo ID, birth record, immunization record or waiver, latest report card and two proofs of address. Suburban districts have their own steps. See our school guide.
- 6
Homebuyers: file your exemption
If you bought a home you live in, make sure it has a Principal Residence Exemption, which exempts it from up to 18 mills of local school operating taxes.
- 7
Learn how to get around
Compare buses, the QLINE, the People Mover and bike share on our transportation guide.
Pros to call for an older Metro Detroit home
With so much of the region's housing built before 1960, these are common first projects.
Home inspection
Know what you are buying before you close.
Find inspectors →Sewer camera inspection
Check old clay and cast iron sewer lines.
Compare plumbers →Electrical panel upgrade
More capacity for modern appliances.
Compare electricians →Boiler service
Radiator heat is common in older homes.
Compare HVAC pros →Attic insulation
Cut heating bills in drafty houses.
Compare installers →Basement waterproofing
Keep older basements dry.
Compare pros →Lock rekeying
New keys for a new home.
Compare locksmiths →Move-out cleaning
Leave your old place spotless.
Compare cleaners →Find a place to live
Moving to Metro Detroit FAQ
Find your next home in Metro Detroit
Browse homes for sale across Detroit and the suburbs, then line up local pros for move-in repairs.
Browse homes for saleSources
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates
- Michigan Department of State: New Michigan residents FAQ
- Michigan Department of State: New Michigan residents
- Michigan Department of State: Register to vote
- DPSCD: Enroll
- Michigan Treasury: Principal Residence Exemption
Updated September 2026. Rules and procedures change; confirm with the responsible office before a decision.