Living in Royal Oak, Michigan
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Royal Oak · Census data 2020–2024
Royal Oak has 57,950 residents with a median age of 36.9. The median household income is $101,109 (39% higher than the Michigan median), the median home value is $328,700, the median rent is $1,381/month.
Royal Oak at a glance
- Population
- 57,950
- Median age
- 36.9State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $101,109State: $72,875
- Median home value
- $328,700State: $231,600
- Median rent
- $1,381/moState: $1,129
- Homeowners
- 68%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 64.1%
- Average commute
- 24 min
Is Royal Oak a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 39% higher than the Michigan median; an average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 3.5%; a poverty rate of 6.2%.
Cons: Home values 42% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Royal Oak
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Royal Oak the median home value is $328,700, about the same as the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,381 per month, which is 23.1% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,902 a month in housing costs.
Royal Oak median household income
The median household income in Royal Oak is $101,109 and the income per person is $66,293. 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line (Michigan: 13.2%).
Housing in Royal Oak: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 31,130
- Owner-occupied
- 68%
- Renter-occupied
- 32%
- Vacant
- 6.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1956
- Average household size
- 1.98
Royal Oak demographics
- Population
- 57,950
- Median age
- 36.9
- Under 18
- 14.8%
- 65 and older
- 15.6%
- Households
- 29,110
- Foreign-born
- 6.5%
- Veterans
- 3.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Royal Oak ›
Education in Royal Oak
64.1% of adults 25 and older in Royal Oak have a bachelor's degree or higher (Michigan: 32.4%), and 25.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Royal Oak
- Unemployment rate
- 3.5%State: 5.7%
- Average commute
- 24 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 27.4%
- Drive alone
- 67.1%
- Public transit
- 0.1%
- Walk to work
- 1.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 95%
Royal Oak vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Oak | 57,950 | $101,109 | $328,700 | $1,381 |
| Berkley | 15,149 | $116,239 | $316,700 | $1,526 |
| Huntington Woods | 6,328 | $190,150 | $473,900 | $2,493 |
| Clawson | 11,374 | $88,636 | $267,100 | $1,253 |
| Pleasant Ridge | 2,602 | $171,125 | $448,700 | $1,720 |
| Madison Heights | 28,419 | $69,503 | $199,100 | $1,176 |
| Oak Park | 29,318 | $71,510 | $212,300 | $1,396 |
| Ferndale | 19,190 | $94,640 | $247,700 | $1,311 |
| Lathrup Village | 4,059 | $109,893 | $310,600 | $1,483 |
More for people moving to Royal Oak
Royal Oak ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Royal Oak: FAQ
What is the median household income in Royal Oak, MI?
The median household income in Royal Oak is $101,109, 39% higher 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 Royal Oak?
The median home value in Royal Oak is $328,700, compared with $231,600 in Michigan.
How much is rent in Royal Oak?
The median gross rent in Royal Oak is $1,381 per month, about 23.1% of household income.
Is Royal Oak, MI a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 39% higher than the Michigan median; an average commute of 24 minutes; unemployment of 3.5%; a poverty rate of 6.2%. Minuses: home values 42% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in Royal Oak?
The median age in Royal Oak is 36.9 years (Michigan: 40.2).
How long is the commute in Royal Oak?
The average commute to work in Royal Oak is 24 minutes; 27.4% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Royal Oak?
The unemployment rate in Royal Oak is 3.5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Royal Oak?
64.1% of adults in Royal Oak 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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