Oakland
Michigan

What stands out

Three things set Oakland County apart from the other 3,142 counties: violent crime is among the lowest in America (2.7 per 1,000), the uninsured rate is in the bottom 3% of American counties (4.9%), and natural-hazard risk is in the top 4% of American counties (96 of 100). Within Michigan it ranks 1st of 83 counties for violent crime, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Oakland County, Michigan. 1,272,264 people live here with you, which makes it one of the country's big urban counties. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -8,944).

Michigan has a flat income tax just over 4% and has never taxed Social Security. It restored a broad exemption for pension and retirement income in 2023, phasing in over four years. Home prices are below the national average nearly everywhere except the lakeshore counties and the Ann Arbor area. Detroit's population is growing again for the first time since the 1950s.

Money

The typical household here brings in $92,620 a year, higher than 94% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $77,917. Unemployment runs 3.0%, lower than 66% of American counties. 15% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 22 minutes each way.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,936 a year.

Home

The median home costs $373K, pricier than 82% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,343 a month. Property tax is 1.36% of home value, roughly $4,124 a year on that median home, higher than 80% of American counties. 72% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.4 years, longer than 87% of American counties. There are 9,069 active physicians in the county, about 71.3 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 4.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.10 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 59% of American counties. 95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 12 points. 83% of eligible voters turned out. Under Michigan law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 49°F, highs near 59 and lows near 39, colder than 78% of American counties. About 30 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 96 out of 100, riskier than 96% of American counties; the county has had 15 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 276 Mbps down, faster than 87% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 25 breweries, 10 museums.