Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Schools
The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Shields is a smaller city located in the state of Michigan. The city has a population of 7,518 residents. The majority of Shields residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. The Shields population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 48, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Shields, Michigan could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, commute, health & safety, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Shields and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Shields to Michigan and the national average.
With a livability score of 80 out of 100, Shields is ranked #1,516 in the United States and #71 in Michigan. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Shields could be a great choice! The cherry on top is that Shields also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Shields has received high marks for cost of living (A+), education (B+), employment (A) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Shields. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F).
The unemployment rate in Shields has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Shields can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Shields 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 Shields. The median home price for Shields homes is $255,095, which is 8.2% higher than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Shields, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 25% lower than the Michigan average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Shields | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.9% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.8% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.6% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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