Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Detroit

Affordability

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), Detroit's median household income is $39,938 per year and the median gross rent is $1,074 per month, meaning housing costs can stretch budgets significantly for many residents. Roughly 50% of Detroit households are renters, reflecting strong demand for rental assistance programs in the city.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Detroit Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 1,783 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and definitions.

Getting Around Detroit

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Detroit rates 60 (Somewhat Walkable) for walking, 53 (Good Transit) for public transportation, and 77 for biking. These scores reflect conditions near the assisted housing locations in the city.

Schools

Detroit is served by 187 schools across 56 districts, including 111 elementary, 11 middle, 60 high schools, and 5 other campuses, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should look up the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

Cost of Living

Detroit's median household income is $39,938 per year, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimate. Affordable and income-based housing in the city can make a meaningful difference for renters stretching that income.

The citywide median rent is $1,074 per month, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimate. Rents at HUD-assisted and income-based properties are set based on household income or local area median income limits, so your actual cost will depend on your specific program and unit.

• Median household income: $39,938/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $1,074/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Share of households that rent: 50% (Census ACS 5-Year)

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 88 HUD-assisted properties in Detroit have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, 3 properties fall within a high-risk flood zone -- the remaining 85 carry low or minimal flood risk according to flood mapping data.