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Boynton
Suburban Neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan
Wayne County 48217
F Neighborhood Grade
4.1 Neighborhood Score
$74,926
Average Value
$72
Average Price per Sq Ft
Detroit’s Last Southern Stronghold in District 6
The Boynton neighborhood is located in ZIP code 48217 in District 6, situated between the Rouge River, heavy industry, and the suburb of River Rouge in the city’s southwestern corner.
Little known on maps and in conversations, the Boynton neighborhood has scars – and spirit.
Here, chemical smokestacks loom over neat brick ranches, and residents fight for clean air and stable streets with the kind of determination only long-haulers know.
One of Detroit’s most resilient working-class neighborhoods, Boynton has remained true to its identity even as housing values drop and eyes turn to the next big redevelopment, despite environmental woes.
Boynton’s Housing Snapshot: Battered, Yet Rising
The Boynton neighborhood’s housing stock is defined by its post-war practicality.
Here, you’ll find low-slung bungalows and ranch-style homes, with the occasional split-level or zany Tudor revival mixed in, making this a neighborhood for families and auto workers.
Though some streets look neglected, some areas are actually quite well-kept, with manicured lawns and original woodwork left behind by previous generations of residents.
That said, fixer-uppers and boarded-up homes in the Boynton area still sell for as little as $7,500 to $20,000, particularly west of Outer Drive or near I-75.
As for well-maintained homes on quieter blocks, those listings are usually between $70,000 and $106,000.
This makes Boynton a popular draw for investors and first-time buyers alike, with a median sale price in the 48217 ZIP code of $64,000, putting the area up 28% year over year and suggesting slow but steady progress.
In short, Boynton remains one of Detroit’s last low-cost homeownership options within city limits, especially as inflation continues cutting into city-wide affordability.
District 6’s Southern Outpost: Rooted and Ready
As part of District 6, the Boynton neighborhood is unique. Industrial corridors and freeways physically separate it from much of Detroit, yet it still has one of Detroit’s strongest neighborhood identities. These are not passive community members. Instead, you’ll find organizers, watchdogs, and devoted neighbors who keep each other informed and safe. This kind of hyperlocal energy is what makes Boynton more than a zip code – it’s a fight to stay visible, one backed by groups like Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision and the 48217 Community Council, which have long pushed for environmental justice and infrastructure improvements.
Nature, Pollution, and the Paradox of Place
Boynton ranks among the most polluted ZIP codes in Michigan.
A few miles from oil refineries, factories, and shipping lanes, residents have long reported higher than average asthma and respiratory illness rates.
But nature is still present in the area.
It borders the Rouge River, and although the area has an industrial past, green spaces such as Belanger Park and the nearby Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge allow residents to fish, walk, and watch the sunset.
However, just one block from some of the city’s most peaceful residential streets are heavy trucks and chemical plants – an irony not lost on the people who live there.
Shopping, Transit, and Daily Life in 48217
Although Boynton has no commercial strip, basic needs are met in the nearby area thanks to dollar stores, corner shops, and convenience stores lining the neighborhood.
Residents also shop in nearby Southwest Detroit or Lincoln Park for full groceries and more extensive retail hauls.
As far as transit is concerned, DDOT bus service along Fort Street and Outer Drive links the neighborhood to downtown and other parts of District 6, but car ownership is still the most common way residents get around.
For drivers, access to Interstate 75, I-94, and M-85 (Fort Street) makes commuting easy – though industrial zoning and infrastructure wear may limit walking or biking.
Schools and Family Services
Boynton is served by Detroit Public Schools Community District, although many families choose other educational options outside the immediate area.
K-8 instruction is available at nearby Mark Twain School for Scholars, while River Rouge High School, just across the city line, is also popular with local families.
There are also a few charter options within a short drive and nonprofit youth centers in Southwest Detroit offering tutoring and enrichment for teens and younger children.
The school landscape is improving, but like much of Boynton, it’s going to take a whole lot of persistence.
Final Word: Boynton 48217 – Rough Edges & Strong Roots
Boynton isn’t trendy, but it’s real – and home to those who stay, rebuild, and speak up.
This part of District 6 in ZIP code 48217 is a haven of rare affordability, suburban style lots, and strong neighborhood loyalty.
For buyers who see potential where others see pollution or who want a foothold in a neighborhood with history and heart, Boynton is a place to watch – and fight for.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Transit
Airport
Detroit Metro Wayne County
Bus
Schaefer & Annabelle
Bus
Schaefer & Deacon
Bus
Schaefer & Liddesdale
Bus
Outer Dr & Electric
Bus
Fort & Schaefer
Bus
Outer Dr & Annabelle
Bus
Fort & Bayside
Crime and Safety
| 1 – Low Crime, 10 – High Crime | Boynton | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 9 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 6 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 8 | 4 |
| Robbery | 7 | 4 |
| Burglary | 5 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 6 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Boynton Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Boynton, Detroit sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The median sale price for homes in Boynton, Detroit over the last 12 months is $68,750, up 7% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
| Median List Price | Median Sale Price | Median Single Family Sale Price | Median Change From 1st List Price |
| $70,000 | $68,750 | $70,000 | 7% |
| Last 12 months Home Sales | Median Home Sale Price YoY Change | Average Price Per Sq Ft | |
| 45 | 7% | $72 |
Neighborhood Facts
| Number of Homes in Neighborhood | Number of Homes for Sale |
| 3,202 | 11 |
| Median Year Built | Months of Supply |
| 1948 | 2.90 |
| Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft Significantly below the national average | Median Lot Size Sq Ft |
| 1,417 1,937 | 4,791 |
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
See All Homes
Average Home Value
Property Mix – Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
| Total Population | Median Age | Population Density | Population under 18 On par with the national average |
| 6,572 | 42 | 7 ppl/acre | 24.8% 23.8% |
| Population over 65 On par with the national average | |||
| 21% 19.1% |
Finances
| Median Household Income Significantly below the national average | Average Household Income |
| $40,123 $71,702 | $54,733 |
Education and Workforce
| High School Graduates | College Graduates Below the national average | Advanced Degrees | % Population in Labor Force Below the national average |
| 83.5% | 10.9% 34.1% | 2.4% | 49.8% 65.1% |
Weather
| Annual Precipitation | Average Winter Low Temperature | Average Summer High Temperature | Annual Snowfall |
| 30” | 20°F | 83°F | 38” |
