Living in Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor is the 247th-largest city in the US, home to about 122,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (100.9 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 122,233-1.3% since 2020
- Median home value
- $453,4005.5 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,649/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $82,212median, per year
- Price level
- 100.9US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 32° / 84°lows 15° / 57°
- Average commute
- 20 min29% work from home
- State income tax
- 4.25%top rate, flat
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County: Washtenaw County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 883 ft
Metro area: Ann Arbor, MI
Cost of living in Ann Arbor
The median home in Ann Arbor is worth $453,400 and the median household earns $82,212 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.5 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,649 a month, about 24% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Ann Arbor, MI metro area at 100.9, with housing at 125.3 and goods at 93.7 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $75,700 here. Michigan taxes wages at a top rate of 4.25% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Michigan is 6%.
What would my salary be worth in Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor weather
Average highs run from 32°F in January to 84°F in July, and January nights average 15°F. It gets 30 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 59 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 150 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Ann Arbor
People and work
The median resident is 27.7 years old, and 78% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 46% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 20 minutes; 29% of workers work from home and 7% take public transit.
- Median age
- 27.716th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 78%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 46%of households
- People per sq mile
- 4,30628.4 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 7%13% walk, 2.1% bike
- Unemployment
- 3.9%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 23.8%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1971median year
Who moves to Ann Arbor, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Chicago (Cook County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and Grand Rapids (Kent County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Chicago (Cook County), Grand Rapids (Kent County) and Seattle (King County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Washtenaw County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, strong wind, lightning, ice storm.
Home prices
+3.4% in a year
Up 40% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Ann Arbor, MI area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
69% good days
8 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Ann Arbor, MI area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Ann Arbor
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor
- Wayne State University 35 miles
- Eastern Michigan University 6 miles
- University of Michigan-Dearborn 26 miles
- University of Detroit Mercy 32 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Ann Arbor
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport DTW | 20 mi | 16,110,696 |
| Toledo Express Airport TOL | 47 mi | 66,614 |
| Bishop International Airport FNT | 48 mi | 285,088 |
| Capital Region International Airport LAN | 56 mi | 123,608 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Ann Arbor
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | in town | 34,177 | $14,362 | 93% |
| Eastern Michigan University | 6 mi | 10,055 | $16,628 | 46% |
| Schoolcraft Community College District | 19 mi | 7,511 | $9,329 | n/a |
| Madonna University | 19 mi | 1,632 | $14,792 | 54% |
| Cleary University | 23 mi | 738 | $19,651 | 68% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Ann Arbor
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before May 8, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around September 24 and the first frost comes around October 4.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Ann Arbor Municipal Airport, MI, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Ann Arbor.
Wildfire smoke in Ann Arbor
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Ann Arbor on about 125 days a year, including about 35 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Ann Arbor
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 50,499 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Ann Arbor
Downtown Ann Arbor is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor Public Schools | Pre-K to 12 | 16,871 | 32 | 14.9 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (16,083 students), South Lyon Community Schools (8,387 students), Saline Area Schools (4,683 students), Van Buren Public Schools (4,273 students), Ypsilanti Community Schools (3,872 students), Lincoln Consolidated School District (3,416 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Ann Arbor's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Ann Arbor's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Burlington, VT79% matchCompare
- Manchester, NH74% matchCompare
- Portland, ME74% matchCompare
- Ithaca, NY73% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Ann Arbor
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Ann Arbor
- Mount Brighton 19 miles
- Timber Ridge Ski Area 104 miles
- Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort 132 miles
- Mad River Mountain 135 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Ann Arbor
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Commutes are short: 20 minutes each way on average.
- Data A highly educated city: 78% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Data Winters are snowy: about 59 inches a year.
- Data Poverty is high: 23.8% of residents live below the poverty line.
Ann Arbor report card from locals
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Cities near Ann Arbor
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westland, MI | 20 mi | 82,333 | $184,600 | 100.3 | Compare |
| Livonia, MI | 20 mi | 92,603 | $281,100 | 100.3 | Compare |
| Farmington Hills, MI | 24 mi | 83,291 | $354,500 | 100.3 | Compare |
| Dearborn, MI | 29 mi | 105,611 | $218,800 | 100.3 | Compare |
| Southfield, MI | 31 mi | 76,111 | $236,200 | 100.3 | Compare |
| Detroit, MI | 34 mi | 649,095 | $83,900 | 100.3 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Ann Arbor with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Ann Arbor a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show short commutes; the trade-offs are heavy snow. Compare Ann Arbor side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Ann Arbor?
The Census Bureau estimates Ann Arbor had 122,233 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 123,899 in April 2020 (-1.3%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Ann Arbor?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $75,700 in the Ann Arbor area. The median household here earns $82,212.
When is the best time to visit Ann Arbor?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 84°F and January 32°F for daytime highs.
What county is Ann Arbor in?
Ann Arbor is in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Ann Arbor in?
Ann Arbor is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Ann Arbor?
About 883 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Michigan have a state income tax?
Yes. Michigan has a flat income tax with a top rate of 4.25% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Ann Arbor. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Ann Arbor, MI metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Ann Arbor Municipal Airport, MI station; snowfall from Ann Arbor SE, MI. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.