Living in River Rouge, Michigan

Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of River Rouge · Census data 2020–2024

River Rouge has 7,008 residents with a median age of 34.4. The median household income is $41,053 (44% lower than the Michigan median), the median home value is $65,100, the median rent is $839/month.

River Rouge at a glance

Population
7,008
Median age
34.4State: 40.2
Median household income
$41,053State: $72,875
Median home value
$65,100State: $231,600
Median rent
$839/moState: $1,129
Homeowners
57.3%
Bachelor's degree or higher
6.6%
Average commute
26 min

Is River Rouge a good place to live?

Pros: Home values 72% lower than the state median.

Cons: Median household income 44% lower than the Michigan median; an average commute of 26 minutes; unemployment of 11.4%; a poverty rate of 39.8%.

The weather is best in May–June and August–September.

Cost of living in River Rouge

Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In River Rouge the median home value is $65,100, 80% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $839 per month, which is 43.3% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,133 a month in housing costs.

Median home value

River Rouge$65,100
Michigan$231,600
United States$332,700

Median monthly rent

River Rouge$839
Michigan$1,129
United States$1,413

River Rouge median household income

The median household income in River Rouge is $41,053 and the income per person is $22,576. 39.8% of residents live below the poverty line (Michigan: 13.2%).

Median household income

River Rouge$41,053
Michigan$72,875
United States$80,734

Housing in River Rouge: homes for sale and rent

Housing units
3,129
Owner-occupied
57.3%
Renter-occupied
42.7%
Vacant
12.1%Includes seasonal homes
Median year built
1940
Average household size
2.55

River Rouge demographics

Population
7,008
Median age
34.4
Under 18
24.2%
65 and older
12.7%
Households
2,749
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans
3.7%Adults 18+

Race and ethnicity

White32%
Hispanic or Latino17%
Black45.5%
Asian0%

Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of River Rouge ›

Education in River Rouge

6.6% of adults 25 and older in River Rouge have a bachelor's degree or higher (Michigan: 32.4%), and 2.4% have a graduate or professional degree.

Bachelor's degree or higher

River Rouge6.6%
Michigan32.4%
United States35.7%

Jobs and commute in River Rouge

Unemployment rate
11.4%State: 5.7%
Average commute
26 minState: 24 min
Work from home
7.6%
Drive alone
72.7%
Public transit
1.2%
Walk to work
2.4%
Homes with broadband
80.8%

River Rouge vs nearby towns

TownPopulationMedian incomeHome valueRent
River Rouge7,008$41,053$65,100$839
Ecorse9,064$40,241$65,400$840
Melvindale12,554$42,185$125,800$1,110
Lincoln Park39,257$58,616$131,000$1,023
Allen Park27,925$81,655$183,700$1,246
Wyandotte24,489$71,987$166,900$972
Dearborn107,423$65,324$218,800$1,327
Southgate29,366$66,118$173,600$1,120
Detroit638,530$39,938$83,900$1,074

More for people moving to River Rouge

River Rouge ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›

Living in River Rouge: FAQ

What is the median household income in River Rouge, MI?

The median household income in River Rouge is $41,053, 44% lower than the Michigan median of $72,875 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

What is the average home price in River Rouge?

The median home value in River Rouge is $65,100, compared with $231,600 in Michigan.

How much is rent in River Rouge?

The median gross rent in River Rouge is $839 per month, about 43.3% of household income.

Is River Rouge, MI a good place to live?

Pluses: home values 72% lower than the state median. Minuses: median household income 44% lower than the Michigan median; an average commute of 26 minutes; unemployment of 11.4%; a poverty rate of 39.8%.

What is the median age in River Rouge?

The median age in River Rouge is 34.4 years (Michigan: 40.2).

How long is the commute in River Rouge?

The average commute to work in River Rouge is 26 minutes; 7.6% of workers work from home.

What is the unemployment rate in River Rouge?

The unemployment rate in River Rouge is 11.4% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

How educated is River Rouge?

6.6% of adults in River Rouge have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.

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