What to know when moving to Royal Oak, MI
Royal Oak at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 67.1% hold a bachelor's degree and 32.5% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $107,355, providing a solid financial base for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.4% use public transit, so you will likely need a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,435/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Royal Oak features a well-educated population with 67.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The median household income stands at $107,355, while the poverty rate is low at 5.9%. With 32.5% of the population renting, the housing market has a mix of owners and renters. However, the area sees only 0.4% of residents using public transit, which indicates that having a car is essential for getting around.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer relying on public transportation, as it's quite limited here.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,435, which means you'll need a budget that reflects this cost.
- Median home value is $309,200, making it a significant investment for potential homeowners.
- 67.1% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, contributing to a community with educational aspirations.
- 5.9% poverty rate indicates a generally affluence-oriented population.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Michigan's crime rates show a mixed picture. While the state has a property crime rate of 1,283.6 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 1,546.9, the violent crime rate is higher at 422.8 compared to the national rate of 325.3. Notably, property crime has decreased by 19.3% from 2022 to 2025, indicating a positive trend.
- Violent crime: 422.8 per 100,000 (10.2% decrease since 2022)
- Property crime: 1,283.6 per 100,000 (19.3% decrease since 2022)
- Burglary: 157.5 per 100,000 (29.9% decrease since 2022)
- Robbery: 26.7 per 100,000 (28.6% decrease since 2022)
- Larceny: 928.6 per 100,000 (13.8% decrease since 2022)
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Michigan).
Schools & Higher Ed
Royal Oak has access to 36 postsecondary institutions in the nearby area, with 35 providing data via the College Scorecard. Some notable options include:
- Baker College - Royal Oak Campus
- David Pressley School of Cosmetology
- Cranbrook Academy of Art (Bloomfield Hills)
- Dorsey College (Madison Heights)
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Oakland County sees an annual average precipitation of about 19.2 inches, with 69 rainy days each year. Spring and summer are the wettest seasons, contributing to a lush environment. With no snow days reported, outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- David H Shepherd Park (4.5 stars, 969 reviews)
- Firefighters Park (4.6 stars, 1,448 reviews)
- Raintree Park (4.6 stars, 803 reviews)
- Cranbrook Art Museum (4.7 stars, 835 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.