Muskegon 79 Exceptional
Muskegon Livability #87 ranked city in Michigan#2,001 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Muskegon

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Crime Crime

    High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.

  • Schools Schools

    Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.

What's it like Living in Muskegon?

Muskegon, Michigan is a medium-sized city with a population of 38,255 people. Muskegon is mostly populated by White (57%) and Black or African American (32%) ethnic groups. Muskegon is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 35%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Muskegon is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Muskegon, Michigan could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Muskegon, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, employment and more.

Muskegon has a livability score of 78/100 and is ranked #95 in Michigan and #2,291 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Muskegon ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Muskegon also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Muskegon ranks well for amenities (A+) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Muskegon does not have favorable scores for the following: crime (F), education (D-) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Muskegon has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Muskegon has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Muskegon are: Pere Marquette Park, Hackley and Hume Historic Site, and Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Muskegon apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Assuming that Muskegon meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Muskegon. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Muskegon are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Muskegon come in at $141,717, which is 39.9% lower than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Muskegon, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 18.8% lower than the Michigan average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Muskegon

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Compare Muskegon, MI Livability

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      Muskegon transportation information

      Statistic Muskegon Michigan National
      Average one way commute20min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.9%82.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool13.0%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.6%1.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.7%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.7%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home2.9%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Muskegon, 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.