What to know when moving to Birmingham, MI
Birmingham at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 76.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 23.8% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $152,443, making it a financially robust area.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $1,891, which may be high for some budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 0.3% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,891/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Birmingham is characterized by a strong educational background, with 76.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The median household income of $152,443 suggests a financially stable community. However, with only 23.8% of residents renting, the housing market may be competitive and focused on ownership. Additionally, the area sees around 69 rainy days per year, which might influence outdoor activities.
Probably not your spot if you prefer public transit, as only 0.3% of residents rely on it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,891, indicating higher living costs.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $712,000, reflecting a strong housing market.
- Poverty rate is low at 4.9%, contributing to overall community stability.
- Renter percentage is 23.8%, showing a predominantly owner-occupied landscape.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Michigan, the overall crime rate shows trends worth noting. While the state has a property crime rate of 1,283.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 17% lower than the national average, the violent crime rate stands at 422.8 per 100,000, which is 30% higher than the national average.
- Violent crime: 422.8 per 100,000 vs. 325.3 national average, with a 10.2% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,283.6 per 100,000 vs. 1,546.9 national average, with a 19.3% decrease since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 35.5% since 2022, now at 4.5 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Michigan).
Schools & Higher Ed
Birmingham has access to a variety of educational institutions, with a total of 33 nearby schools in the region. Notable options include
- ACUPUNCTURE AND MASSAGE SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE in Southfield
- Baker College - Royal Oak Campus in Royal Oak
- Carnegie Institute in Troy
- Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Oakland County receives an average of 19.2 inches of precipitation annually, with about 69 rainy days. This means it's wise to have an umbrella handy for those spring and summer showers. There are several parks to enjoy, such as:
- Dodge Park - Rated 4.7 with 4,230 reviews
- Heritage Park - Rated 4.7 with 2,527 reviews
- River Bends Park - Rated 4.7 with 2,260 reviews
- Palmer Park - Rated 4.3 with 2,255 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.