Detroit and Cleveland are two of the Midwest's largest cities and both have their unique strengths and challenges. Each city offers unique opportunities for both residents and tourists. When comparing these cities, we will take into consideration various aspects like crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, the economy, and much more. Understanding these points can help one make an informed decision whether they're looking for a new place to live, or just visiting.
Distance between
Detroit, MI and
Cleveland, OH : 96.6 miles
Detroit's population is larger by 72%. Its population has decreased by 318,806 people (33.5%) since 2000. The population of Cleveland has decreased by 110,412 people (23.1%) during that time.
Detroit, Michigan, has seen a reduction in crime rates over the years, but it still struggles with a high crime rate compared to other US cities. Cleveland, Ohio, also has its share of crime, but statistics suggest that it's appreciably safer than Detroit. It's essential for prospective residents and tourists alike to stay updated on these evolving statistics. Both cities are putting strategies in place to combat crime and ensure the safety of their citizens and visitors.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,462 registered sex offenders living in Detroit and 1,986 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Detroit is 194 to 1; the ratio in Cleveland is 194 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Detroit is near to than in Cleveland.
Cost of Living
Overall, the cost of living is lower in Detroit than in Cleveland. This includes essentials like housing, groceries, and healthcare, meaning your paycheck will generally go a bit further in Detroit. However, individual costs can significantly vary based on lifestyle and personal choices, such as the chosen neighborhood or types of amenities one desires.
Income Tax
Detroit has a city income tax rate of 2.4% for residents and 1.2% for non-residents. Cleveland’s city income tax rate is 2.5% for both residents and non-residents. The state income tax in both Michigan and Ohio varies depending on income level.
Property Tax
Real estate property taxes are higher in Detroit than in Cleveland. However, many variables affect property tax amounts, including the specific location of the property and its assessed value.
Sales Tax
The total sales tax rate in Detroit is 6%, which includes both state and city rates. The total sales tax rate in Cleveland is 8.0%, again combining state, county, and city rates. As such, goods and services are generally subject to higher taxes in Cleveland than in Detroit.
Income
Type
Detroit
Cleveland
Estimated median household income
$36,140
$35,562
Estimated per capita income
$22,122
$24,093
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
94.1
94.3
If you make $50,000 in Detroit, you will have to make $50,106 in Cleveland to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Detroit is located near the Canadian border with portions of the city on an international water boundary, the Detroit River. Cleveland is situated along Lake Erie providing a beautiful waterfront setting but also causing more prevalent lake-effect weather, leading to more significant snowfall.
Both Detroit and Cleveland have numerous educational opportunities with many high-quality public and private schools. Cleveland is home to Case Western Reserve University, one of the country's top research universities. Detroit has Wayne State University, which has a strong reputation, particularly in fields like medicine and law. Each city offers a range of possibilities for furthering one's education.
Both Detroit and Cleveland have economies centered around the manufacturing industry. Detroit is particularly known for the auto industry, with major employers like General Motors and Ford. Cleveland has a diversified economy with sectors like healthcare, education, and finance also playing significant roles. Both cities have been working to recover from declines in manufacturing and reposition themselves for growth in the 21st-century economy.
Biggest Employers
In Detroit, the largest employers include the Detroit Medical Center, General Motors, and Ford. Cleveland's economy is anchored by some large employers as well, notably the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and Case Western Reserve University. Each city's largest employers play crucial roles in their respective local economies.
There were 10 building permits issued in Detroit in 2012 (8 less than in 2011) compared to 104 building permits issued in Cleveland in 2012 (18 more than in 2011).
In Detroit (Wayne County), 73.1% voted for Democrats and 26.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 29.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Detroit
Cleveland
Detroit
Cleveland
Detroit
Cleveland
2020
68.6%
66.5%
30.4%
32.4%
1.0%
1.1%
2016
66.6%
65.5%
29.4%
30.3%
4.0%
4.1%
2012
73.1%
69.7%
26.2%
29.7%
0.6%
0.5%
2008
74.4%
69.1%
24.7%
30.1%
0.9%
0.8%
2004
69.7%
66.6%
29.9%
32.9%
0.4%
0.5%
2000
69.1%
62.9%
29.1%
33.6%
1.8%
3.5%
1996
69.0%
60.8%
24.0%
29.1%
7.0%
10.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Detroit
Cleveland
Detroit
Cleveland
CATHOLIC CHURCH
16.3%
28.6%
11.2%
11.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.7%
0.3%
2.9%
1.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.5%
1.6%
2.4%
3.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
1.2%
1.4%
3.9%
4.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.7%
1.1%
2.8%
3.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
2.5%
2.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.4%
1.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.4%
0.4%
3.2%
3.0%
Weather
Detroit and Cleveland both experience a typical Midwestern climate with all four seasons present. Winters can be exceptionally cold and snowy, while summers can be quite warm and humid. However, Cleveland has more of a lake-effect weather due to its proximity to Lake Erie, which often results in more snowfall during the winter compared to Detroit.
Weather and climate
Type
Detroit
Cleveland
Temperature - Average
50°F
50.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.3%
75.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
83%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
53%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.6 in
38.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
86.5 in
115.9 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12.7%
11.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
51.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
38%
44%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
69%
66%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
31%
22%
Wind speed - Average
10.2 mph
10.4 mph
Average climate in Detroit, Michigan
Average climate in Cleveland, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Detroit
Cleveland
Detroit
Cleveland
Detroit
Cleveland
Detroit
Cleveland
Detroit
Cleveland
Detroit
Cleveland
Detroit
Cleveland
2018
90
85
0.44
0.26
12.9
11.3
25.8
26.9
N/A
N/A
22.7
N/A
10.1
9.3
1.1
0.6
2017
87
82
0.56
0.27
12.7
11.4
20.9
27.6
N/A
N/A
23.2
N/A
10.1
8.2
1.3
0.5
2016
86
81
0.47
0.27
13.2
11.1
22.0
27.1
N/A
N/A
23.4
N/A
10.9
9.9
0.8
1.0
2015
95
76
0.49
0.27
14.8
12.9
26.5
25.1
N/A
N/A
31.5
N/A
11.9
8.0
1.2
1.9
2014
95
83
0.48
0.25
14.2
12.3
24.2
23.7
N/A
N/A
28.4
N/A
12.0
10.6
1.7
1.7
2013
80
88
0.53
0.24
14.4
12.9
24.5
23.8
N/A
N/A
27.3
N/A
11.0
12.0
1.3
1.9
2012
99
119
0.49
0.28
14.6
13.7
25.7
26.5
N/A
N/A
32.0
N/A
6.6
15.2
1.7
2.5
2011
94
110
0.32
0.29
12.9
15.3
24.3
25.8
N/A
N/A
29.7
N/A
6.5
16.1
1.6
3.4
2010
96
113
0.28
0.35
11.8
15.8
24.7
27.0
0.006
N/A
24.2
N/A
12.1
18.7
1.6
3.6
2009
68
67
0.27
0.37
12.7
17.1
23.4
26.0
N/A
N/A
21.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
3.7
2008
67
87
0.27
0.29
12.8
15.2
N/A
32.9
N/A
N/A
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
4.2
2007
81
94
0.29
0.29
13.7
18.1
25.8
32.9
0.017
N/A
30.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
2006
63
75
0.31
0.25
14.0
16.2
19.8
27.7
0.022
N/A
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
5.0
2005
83
98
0.36
0.27
17.4
19.2
22.6
28.6
0.019
N/A
31.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.0
5.7
2004
70
77
0.43
0.47
15.0
19.5
N/A
20.1
0.014
N/A
29.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
3.8
2003
86
81
0.40
0.49
18.5
19.6
N/A
25.8
0.013
N/A
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.8
5.7
2002
88
95
0.36
0.40
18.3
19.8
N/A
28.6
0.019
N/A
32.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
5.1
2001
83
91
0.36
0.43
19.0
21.1
N/A
28.4
0.020
N/A
35.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
5.9
2000
71
79
0.35
0.48
18.2
20.5
N/A
25.2
0.027
N/A
35.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
5.8
Natural disasters
Type
Detroit
Cleveland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
128.5%
93%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
53.2%
50.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
16%
Transportation
Each city has comprehensive transportation systems that include bus and light rail services. Detroit's QLine streetcar system and Cleveland's Rapid Transit provide excellent options for getting around town. However, both cities are also very car-dependent, with many residents choosing to commute by car.
Transport
Type
Detroit
Cleveland
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
93
307
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
Detroit
Cleveland
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
4%
3.5%
Carpooled
7.5%
7.7%
Car alone
83.4%
83.1%
Railroad
0%
0.1%
Streetcar
0.1%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.5%
0.1%
Walked
2.7%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Detroit
Cleveland
Average
30.6 min
28.9 min
Other means
26 min
23.2 min
Public transportation
47.7 min
42.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Detroit
Cleveland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.1%
87.9%
In 2 person carpool
10.5%
10.3%
In 3 person carpool
1%
1%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in both cities is comparatively affordable, especially when contrasted with prices on the coasts. However, Cleveland generally has higher real estate prices than Detroit. Each city offers various options, from urban condominiums to suburban homes, fitting different personal preferences and budgets.
Neighborhoods
Detroit and Cleveland both have a rich tapestry of neighborhoods, each with its unique character. Notably, Detroit's Downtown has seen substantial revitalization efforts making it appealing to new residents and tourists. Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood is renowned for vibrant restaurant scenes and the historic West Side Market.
Houses and residents
Type
Detroit
Cleveland
Houses
322,906
202,735
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.3
Median year apartment built
1953
1946
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.7 years
17.5 years
Houses occupied
251,729 (78%)
171,321 (84.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
129,084 (51.3%)
67,039 (39.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
122,645 (48.7%)
104,282 (60.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$798.06
$1,284
Median monthly housing costs
$755
$754
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$86,452
$86,306
Estimated median house or condo value
$69,300
$83,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.7
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
5
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$96,752
$104,861
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$72,631
$81,957
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$183,952
$250,787
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$242,851
$156,467
Median house price - mobile homes
$43,864
$40,340
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$128,652
$125,938
Median house price - All housing units
$101,554
$105,403
Median house age
74
80
Renting percentage
48.9%
55.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,326.9
2,613.2
House value disparities
48.4%
41.6%
Household income disparities
49.3%
48.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$61,259
$61,885
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$38,901
$42,551
Housing units without a mortgage
2,599 (5.6%)
2,325 (6.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,270 (4.9%)
2,348 (6.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
43,675 (94.4%)
34,401 (93.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
357 (0.8%)
166 (0.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,466 (7.5%)
3,335 (9.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
16
19
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
17.1%
8.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
13.6%
5.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Detroit
Cleveland
One, detached
66.0%
48.7%
One, attached
6.1%
5.6%
Two
6.5%
14.7%
3 or 4
2.7%
5.2%
5 to 9
2.2%
5.0%
10 to 19
2.7%
3.8%
20 to 49
3.9%
3.3%
50 or more
9.4%
13.1%
Mobile homes
0.5%
0.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
11,725
7,246
State government workers
8,763
2,212
Unpaid family workers
441
328
Industries and Occupations
Detroit is undeniably linked to automotive manufacturing, which remains a leading industry. Cleveland's economy is more diverse with healthcare, finance, and education playing central roles. Each city offers an array of career opportunities across these varied sectors.
Both Detroit and Cleveland provide robust health care services. Detroit has the Detroit Medical Center, and in Cleveland, there is the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. Both cities have numerous other hospitals and clinics, ensuring residents have access to high-quality healthcare.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Detroit
Cleveland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Detroit has seen a resurgence in recent years with significant renovations and new construction, particularly downtown. Cleveland also boasts robust infrastructure, plus it has Cleveland Clinic, one of the nation's premier medical centers. Both cities have ongoing projects aimed at improving their overall infrastructures, offering subsequent opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Infrastructure
Type
Detroit
Cleveland
Hospitals
41
30
TV stations
16
16
Arenas or stadiums
4
4
Bank branches located here
98
116
Bank institutions located here
12
17
Main business address for public companies
11
31
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Detroit
Cleveland
1999
2,901
1,871
2000
4,079
2,587
2001
3,815
2,077
2002
3,247
1,561
2003
5,511
1,242
2004
9,068
1,561
2005
13,958
3,297
2006
16,654
3,951
2007
10,742
2,211
2008
2,823
482
2009
484
184
Culture and Food
Both cities have vibrant cultural scenes. Detroit is known for its Motown roots, innovative foods, and rich African American culture. Cleveland is beloved for its rock and roll heritage, dynamic food scene, and the renowned Cleveland Orchestra. Each city has a distinct cultural and culinary identity attracting both locals and visitors.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will find plenty to love in both cities. Detroit hosts professional teams like the Lions (NFL), Tigers (MLB), Red Wings (NHL), and Pistons (NBA). Cleveland also has a strong sports culture with the Browns (NFL), Indians (MLB), and Cavaliers (NBA). These teams bring significant excitement and local pride to their cities.
Detroit, MI
Cleveland, OH
