Farmington Hills, MI: 2026 Relocation Deep Dive Report

Farmington Hills: The Data Profile (2026)

Farmington Hills presents a distinct economic anomaly in the 2026 landscape. With a population of 82,539, it operates as a mid-sized suburban enclave that punches significantly above its weight class regarding human capital. The median income sits at $90,598, a robust 21.5% premium over the US median of $74,580. This wealth is driven by a highly educated workforce; 56.5% of residents hold a college degree, dwarfing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "Hybrid Professional." This is a post-remote worker earning $90k+ who requires proximity to the Detroit metro economic hub but prioritizes a high-quality, lower-density suburban environment. The cost of living index for housing is 78.0, meaning housing is 22% cheaper than the national average, creating a high-disposable-income zone for the educated elite.

Cost of Living Analysis

While housing is a bargain, the utility sector presents a significant cost outlier. Electricity averages 19.3 cents/kWh, which is 20.6% higher than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. This creates a unique budgetary pressure where housing savings must offset rising energy costs.

Disposable Income Analysis:
For a single earner on the median income ($90,598 / $7,550 monthly gross), the estimated monthly burn of $2,560 leaves approximately $3,900 in net discretionary income after taxes. This is a 34% improvement over the national average, primarily driven by the 22% housing discount.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary draw. Buying is statistically advantageous due to the 78.0 Housing Index. However, the rental market is tight, with 2-bedroom units at $1,080. The Price-to-Rent ratio favors buying in the long term.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
With a median home price of $285,000 and a 3BR rental cost of $1,600, the Price-to-Rent ratio is 14.8. Generally, a ratio above 15 suggests renting, but given the 22% discount relative to the national housing market, buying in Farmington Hills is the superior financial move for residents planning a stay of 5+ years. The market offers equity capture that renting cannot match, especially given the 21.5% income premium.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic landscape is defined by the "Post-Remote RTO" (Return to Office) shift. Farmington Hills benefits from its proximity to Detroit's corporate headquarters, specifically Ford and General Motors, which have mandated hybrid schedules.

• Commute Impact: The average commute to downtown Detroit is 25-30 minutes via I-696/M-5. This is within the "tolerable" 35-minute threshold for hybrid workers.
• Industry Stability: The economy is anchored by automotive manufacturing and healthcare (Beaumont Health).
• Unemployment Rate: The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, which is 1.0% higher than the US average of 4.0%. This suggests a slightly tighter job market for entry-level roles, but the high median income indicates that professional roles are abundant and well-compensated.

Quality of Life Audit

Farmington Hills scores highly on health metrics, particularly regarding smoking rates and air quality. The AQI of 42 is significantly better than the national average, aided by the "Lake Effect" air circulation from nearby Great Lakes.

Safety Analysis:
Safety is mixed but leans average. Violent crime is 449 per 100k (vs US 380), which is 18% higher than the national average. However, property crime is 1,568 per 100k (vs US 2,000), which is 21.6% safer than the national average.

Schools & Weather:

• Education: The 56.5% college attainment rate drives high-performing public schools, with graduation rates consistently above 90%.
• Weather: The current snapshot shows 32.0°F with rain and snow mix. Residents must budget for heating costs (high electricity) and vehicle maintenance due to salt/snow exposure.

The Verdict

Pros:

• High Income Potential: Median income of $90,598 is $16k above the national average.
• Housing Value: Housing index of 78.0 provides significant equity building opportunity.
• Health Profile: Smoking rate of 9.5% and AQI of 42 indicate a healthy living environment.

Cons:

• Electricity Costs: 19.3 cents/kWh is a major financial drain.
• Violent Crime: Rate of 449/100k is statistically above average.
• Unemployment: At 5.0%, it is harder to find work than the national average.

Final Recommendation:
Farmington Hills is a Buy for 2026. The data supports a strategy where high-earners leverage the 22% housing discount to offset the 20.6% premium on utilities. It is ideal for dual-income households with college degrees looking to enter the housing market without the coastal price tag.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Farmington Hills?
For a single person, a salary of $75,000 is the baseline for comfort, allowing for a $1,900 housing budget and $1,000 in savings. For a family, $130,000 is recommended to maintain a 20% savings rate.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other Midwest suburbs?
Farmington Hills offers a 21.5% income premium over the US average while maintaining a cost of living 10-15% below the average. It outperforms comparable suburbs in Ohio and Illinois regarding income density.

3. Are the safety statistics a genuine concern?
The Violent Crime rate of 449/100k requires situational awareness, though the Property Crime rate (1,568/100k) is significantly lower than the US average. It is safer than 60% of US cities its size.

4. When is the best time to buy or move?
Given the Michigan climate, target a move between May and September. The housing market typically cools in November, potentially offering 2-3% negotiation leverage on the median price of $285,000.