Dearborn 79 Exceptional
Dearborn Livability #90 ranked city in Michigan#2,114 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
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Dearborn, MI - The Heart of Automotive Innovation

Living in Dearborn, MI offers a unique blend of historical significance and modern suburban living. Known as the birthplace of Henry Ford and the home of the Ford Motor Company, Dearborn is steeped in automotive history. The city's rich heritage is complemented by its diverse cultural offerings and strong community spirit, making it an attractive place to live.

Dearborn’s cultural scene is vibrant and varied, featuring attractions like The Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, and the Arab American National Museum. The city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Dearborn Homecoming Festival and the Arab International Festival. These events highlight the city’s diversity and foster a sense of community among residents.

The dining options in Dearborn are as diverse as its population, offering a wide range of cuisines from around the world. From Middle Eastern delicacies to classic American fare, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The city’s well-maintained parks and recreation facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family fun.

Dearborn’s strategic location just outside Detroit offers convenient access to the greater metropolitan area. The city is well-connected by major highways and public transportation, making commuting a breeze. Additionally, the cost of living in Dearborn is relatively affordable, providing a great balance of quality of life and economic value.

For those considering a move to the Detroit area, Dearborn stands out as a top choice. Its blend of historical significance, cultural diversity, and strong community spirit make it a fantastic place to call home. Whether you’re drawn by its rich history, cultural attractions, or convenient location, living in Dearborn, MI offers a truly exceptional lifestyle.

Pros and Cons of Living in Dearborn

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Schools Schools

    The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.

What's it like Living in Dearborn?

Dearborn is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Michigan. The city has a population of 97,662 residents. Dearborn has a population density of 4,029 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. The majority of Dearborn residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Dearborn could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 32 years old is below the nation’s average. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Dearborn. With an average one way commute time of only 21 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Dearborn is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Michigan, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Dearborn and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Michigan and national averages.

Dearborn has a livability score of 79 out of 100 and is ranked #88 in Michigan and #1,919 in the USA. Clearly, Dearborn is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Dearborn also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we know that Dearborn ranks very well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Dearborn does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (D) and education (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Dearborn has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Dearborn real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Dearborn. The median home price for Dearborn homes is $279,459, which is 18.5% higher than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Dearborn, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 3.1% higher than the Michigan average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Dearborn

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      Dearborn transportation information

      Statistic Dearborn Michigan National
      Average one way commute21min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.8%82.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.9%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.7%1.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.3%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home4.5%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Dearborn, MI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.