What to know when moving to Southfield, MI
TL;DR: Southfield at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 40.2% hold a bachelor's degree and 75.6% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $59,634, providing a stable economic environment.
- The Reality Check:
- With a 13.2% poverty rate, some residents may face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 4.1% use public transit, so plan on having a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,275/month in rent to find a comfortable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Southfield is characterized by its high education levels, with 40.2% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The area has a significant rental population, as 75.6% of households are occupied by renters, which may appeal to those seeking a community with diverse housing options. However, the 13.2% poverty rate indicates that not everyone is thriving financially.
Probably not your spot if: you are looking for a strong public transit system, as only 4.1% of residents rely on it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,275, which reflects the demand in a rental-heavy market.
- Median owner-occupied home value stands at $259,400, indicating a relatively affordable housing market compared to many suburban areas.
- 40.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to a community that values education.
- 13.2% of the population lives below the poverty line, highlighting economic disparities.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Southfield is reflective of the broader trends in Michigan. The state has shown a decrease in property crime rates over recent years.
- Violent crime: Michigan's annual rate is 422.8 per 100k, which is 30% higher than the national average of 325.3.
- Property crime: At a rate of 1,283.6 per 100k, it's 17% lower than the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 35.5% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Michigan).
Schools & Higher Ed
Southfield has access to a variety of educational institutions, primarily in nearby Oakland County.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 32.
- With College Scorecard data: 31 institutions.
- Notable schools include Lawrence Technological University and Abcott Institute.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Oakland County receives about 19.2 inches of precipitation annually, with an average of 69 rainy days. This means it's wise to have an umbrella handy for those wet days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Heritage Park (4.7 stars, 2,527 reviews)
- Pavilion Shore Park (4.7 stars, 1,249 reviews)
- Rouge Park (4.1 stars, 3,002 reviews)
- Marshbank Park (4.8 stars, 842 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.