Wayland 77 Exceptional
Wayland Livability #117 ranked city in Michigan#2,796 ranked city in the USARanks better than 90% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Wayland

PROS
  • Cost Of Living 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.

  • Housing 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 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 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.

  • Ratings Ratings

    According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Amenities 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 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.

What's it like Living in Wayland?

Wayland, Michigan is a small-sized city with a population of 4,349 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (94% White). Given that fact, Wayland could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Wayland residents is 30. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Wayland, only 45% of the population is married. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Wayland, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 24 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Wayland, Michigan. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Wayland and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, commute, employment and other important metrics.

With a livability score of 77 out of 100, Wayland is ranked #2,521 in the United States and #109 in Michigan. Based on this score, Wayland would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Wayland also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Wayland ranks very well for crime (B), cost of living (A+), education (B+) and employment (B-). There is at least one category that did not score well in Wayland. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F).

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Wayland, the unemployment rate stands at 2.3%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

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 Wayland 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.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Wayland is actually affordable. The median home price for Wayland homes is $249,598, which is 5.8% higher than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Wayland, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 12.5% lower than the Michigan average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Wayland

See all the best places to live around Wayland

How Do You Rate The Livability In Wayland?

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Compare Wayland, MI Livability

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      Wayland transportation information

      Statistic Wayland Michigan National
      Average one way commute24min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work71.2%82.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.3%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.2%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk11.7%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home5.1%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Wayland, 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.