Detroit, Michigan, and Newark, New Jersey, provide contrasting environments that reflect their unique cultural, geographical, and industrial backgrounds. Although both have struggled with crime and economic challenges, the cities have their distinct charm, vibrant arts scene, and unmistakable sports fan spirit. Both cities have seen substantial improvements in their crime rates, educational systems, and economic structure, making them increasingly attractive to both residents and tourists. The comparison below will delve into the specifics of living in each city, taking into account various aspects such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, and more to give a well-rounded perspective.
Distance between
Detroit, MI and
Newark, NJ : 474.7 miles
Detroit's population is larger by 106%. Its population has decreased by 318,806 people (33.5%) since 2000. The population of Newark has grown by 33,674 people (12.3%) during that time.
Both Detroit and Newark suffer from higher crime rates than the national average. However, Detroit's crime rate has been decreasing over the years, with violent crime dropping by 15% between 2018 and 2019. Newark, which once had one of the highest crime rates nationally, has also seen a significant reduction in crime recently, largely credited to community-oriented policing measures. It is essential for potential residents and tourists alike to stay informed and vigilant in certain neighborhoods.
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 598 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Detroit is 194 to 1; the ratio in Newark is 471 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Detroit than in Newark.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Newark is significantly higher than Detroit across various categories - housing, transportation, groceries, health care, and utilities. Consequently, Detroit might be more appealing to those looking for affordable living options, while those looking for close proximity to New York and better career opportunities might consider Newark's cost justified.
Income Tax
Michigan levies a flat 4.25% state income tax. In contrast, New Jersey implements a progressive tax that ranges from 1.4% to 8.97%, depending on income levels.
Property Tax
In Detroit, the average property tax rate is about 1.64%. Newark has one of the highest rates in the US, at around 3.88%.
Sales Tax
Michigan has a 6% sales tax, while New Jersey has a 6.625% sales tax. However, Newark has a 3.5% Urban Enterprise Zone rate which applies to certain areas of the city.
Income
Type
Detroit
Newark
Estimated median household income
$36,140
$43,242
Estimated per capita income
$22,122
$23,767
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
94.1
118.1
If you make $50,000 in Detroit, you will have to make $62,752 in Newark to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Detroit, located in the southeastern part of Michigan, is situated along the Detroit River, with a flat landscape. Newark is located in northeastern New Jersey, right on the Passaic River, with a mix of cityscape and green spaces.
Detroit Public Schools have struggled traditionally, but recent efforts have started to turn things around, with more students graduating than ever before. The University of Detroit Mercy and Wayne State University are well-regarded institutions. Newark's public schools are also improving, and the city is home to several higher education institutions, including Rutgers University-Newark and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Detroit, although historically known for its automotive industry, is diversifying its economy, with growth in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and green energy. Newark, a significant transportation and shipping hub, boasts a robust economy with strong sectors in healthcare, education, and finance, with upwards trends in technology as well.
Biggest Employers
In Detroit, the biggest employers include General Motors, Ford, and DTE Energy. In Newark, the largest employers include Rutgers University, United Airlines, and Prudential Financial.
There were 10 building permits issued in Detroit in 2012 (8 less than in 2011) compared to 1 building permits issued in Newark in 2012.
In Detroit (Wayne County), 73.1% voted for Democrats and 26.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Newark (Essex County), 78.3% voted for Democrats and 21.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Detroit
Newark
Detroit
Newark
Detroit
Newark
2020
68.6%
77.4%
30.4%
21.9%
1.0%
0.7%
2016
66.6%
77.2%
29.4%
20.2%
4.0%
2.6%
2012
73.1%
78.3%
26.2%
21.4%
0.6%
0.3%
2008
74.4%
76.2%
24.7%
23.5%
0.9%
0.3%
2004
69.7%
70.7%
29.9%
28.9%
0.4%
0.4%
2000
69.1%
71.9%
29.1%
25.9%
1.8%
2.2%
1996
69.0%
69.0%
24.0%
25.6%
7.0%
5.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Detroit
Newark
Detroit
Newark
CATHOLIC CHURCH
16.3%
33.4%
11.2%
10.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.7%
3.0%
2.9%
2.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.5%
2.1%
2.4%
8.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
1.2%
0.1%
3.9%
0.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.7%
0.1%
2.8%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.9%
2.5%
3.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.8%
1.4%
2.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.4%
0.3%
3.2%
2.6%
Weather
Detroit experiences four distinct seasons, with warm to hot summers and very cold winters with moderate to heavy snowfall. Newark also experiences four seasons but has milder winters with less snowfall and humid summers. For those who enjoy all four seasons, either city could cater to your preferences, though winter sports enthusiasts might prefer Detroit's heavier snowfall.
Weather and climate
Type
Detroit
Newark
Temperature - Average
50°F
54°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.3%
67.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
30%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
77%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
53%
47%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.6 in
47 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
86.5 in
60.3 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12.7%
15.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
60.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
38%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
69%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
31%
44%
Wind speed - Average
10.2 mph
10.6 mph
Average climate in Detroit, Michigan
Average climate in Newark, New Jersey
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Detroit
Newark
Detroit
Newark
Detroit
Newark
Detroit
Newark
Detroit
Newark
Newark
Detroit
Newark
Detroit
Newark
2018
90
95
0.44
0.30
12.9
14.4
25.8
23.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.1
8.7
1.1
0.2
2017
87
99
0.56
0.30
12.7
15.1
20.9
22.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.1
8.7
1.3
0.2
2016
86
95
0.47
0.31
13.2
15.5
22.0
23.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
8.8
0.8
0.3
2015
95
100
0.49
0.33
14.8
16.7
26.5
23.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
8.7
1.2
0.5
2014
95
95
0.48
0.33
14.2
18.8
24.2
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.0
8.2
1.7
0.8
2013
80
97
0.53
0.35
14.4
18.3
24.5
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
9.1
1.3
0.8
2012
99
99
0.49
0.33
14.6
18.5
25.7
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.6
9.2
1.7
1.1
2011
94
108
0.32
0.36
12.9
21.2
24.3
22.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
8.5
1.6
2.0
2010
96
114
0.28
0.33
11.8
19.4
24.7
26.3
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.1
8.2
1.6
1.9
2009
68
104
0.27
0.38
12.7
21.6
23.4
19.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
1.9
2.3
2008
67
111
0.27
0.46
12.8
22.4
N/A
21.8
N/A
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
2.0
3.4
2007
81
123
0.29
0.51
13.7
23.5
25.8
22.3
0.017
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.7
N/A
4.3
2006
63
116
0.31
0.64
14.0
24.6
19.8
21.5
0.022
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.9
3.2
5.3
2005
83
113
0.36
0.78
17.4
26.1
22.6
20.5
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.0
7.2
2004
70
108
0.43
0.79
15.0
25.4
N/A
19.5
0.014
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
6.8
2003
86
108
0.40
0.76
18.5
26.1
N/A
18.1
0.013
0.013
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.8
6.0
2002
88
124
0.36
0.65
18.3
28.5
N/A
18.3
0.019
0.008
26.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
3.8
2001
83
125
0.36
0.79
19.0
30.1
N/A
21.2
0.020
0.020
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
6.2
2000
71
116
0.35
1.02
18.2
31.2
N/A
20.0
0.027
0.022
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
6.7
Natural disasters
Type
Detroit
Newark
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
128.5%
64.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
53.2%
31.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
30%
Transportation
Detroit’s public transit includes buses, the Detroit People Mover, and the QLine Streetcar. Newark has a more comprehensive transportation system, with frequent bus and rail services and access to the PATH train for New York City commuting.
Transport
Type
Detroit
Newark
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
93
20
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Detroit
Newark
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
4%
6.8%
Carpooled
7.5%
9.2%
Car alone
83.4%
69.3%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Streetcar
0.1%
0.9%
Subway
0.1%
1.2%
Taxicab
0.5%
0.7%
Walked
2.7%
3.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Detroit
Newark
Average
30.6 min
33.2 min
Other means
26 min
28 min
Public transportation
47.7 min
45.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Detroit
Newark
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.1%
81.7%
In 2 person carpool
10.5%
14.8%
In 3 person carpool
1%
2.4%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.4%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Detroit is more affordable, with increasing investment opportunities in residential properties. Newark's real estate market is more expensive but benefits from its proximity to New York City.
Neighborhoods
Detroit has diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique charm, including Corktown, Detroit's oldest neighborhood, and Midtown, popular with professionals. Newark's notable neighborhoods include Ironbound, known for its dining and nightlife, and Forest Hill, a historic neighborhood.
Houses and residents
Type
Detroit
Newark
Houses
322,906
122,145
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.8
Median year apartment built
1953
1967
Median year house/condo built
1946
1960
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.7 years
17.1 years
Houses occupied
251,729 (78%)
115,145 (94.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
129,084 (51.3%)
24,002 (20.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
122,645 (48.7%)
91,143 (79.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$798.06
$408.22
Median monthly housing costs
$755
$1,277
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$86,452
$153,754
Estimated median house or condo value
$69,300
$323,200
Median numbers of rooms
5.7
4.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
5
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
$96,752
$321,688
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$72,631
$347,644
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$183,952
$337,992
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$242,851
$210,604
Median house price - mobile homes
$43,864
$129,070
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$128,652
$224,107
Median house price - All housing units
$101,554
$325,388
Median house age
74
55
Renting percentage
48.9%
77.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,326.9
5,132.8
House value disparities
48.4%
31.5%
Household income disparities
49.3%
47.8%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$61,259
$71,676
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$38,901
$62,906
Housing units without a mortgage
2,599 (5.6%)
459 (2.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,270 (4.9%)
647 (3.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
43,675 (94.4%)
16,603 (97.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
357 (0.8%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,466 (7.5%)
769 (4.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
16
18
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
5
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
17.1%
2.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
13.6%
1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Detroit
Newark
One, detached
66.0%
10.7%
One, attached
6.1%
11.4%
Two
6.5%
19.5%
3 or 4
2.7%
21.1%
5 to 9
2.2%
8.2%
10 to 19
2.7%
6.0%
20 to 49
3.9%
6.5%
50 or more
9.4%
15.8%
Mobile homes
0.5%
0.9%
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
7,752
State government workers
8,763
5,591
Unpaid family workers
441
121
Industries and Occupations
Detroit's industries have grown beyond its automotive roots to include technology, healthcare, and entertainment. Newark's diversified economy includes sectors like finance, insurance, healthcare, and education.
Detroit has some top medical institutions like the Detroit Medical Center and Henry Ford Health System. In Newark, you can find excellent health care at facilities like the University Hospital and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Detroit
Newark
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Detroit is seeing significant infrastructural improvements, with new developments across the city and upgrades to public transportation systems. Newark also invests heavily in infrastructure, especially being a critical transportation hub with the busiest airport in the New Jersey-New York metropolitan area.
Infrastructure
Type
Detroit
Newark
Hospitals
41
8
TV stations
16
31
Bank branches located here
98
69
Bank institutions located here
12
19
Main business address for public companies
11
15
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Detroit
Newark
1999
2,901
429
2000
4,079
515
2001
3,815
536
2002
3,247
547
2003
5,511
740
2004
9,068
1,167
2005
13,958
2,198
2006
16,654
3,193
2007
10,742
2,300
2008
2,823
508
2009
484
182
Culture and Food
Detroit is famous for its music scene, particularly Motown, and has a burgeoning food landscape with an excellent representation of ethnic cuisines. Newark’s rich diversity is evident in its thriving food scene, especially Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish cuisines, particularly in Ironbound.
Sports Teams
Detroit is home to four major sports teams: the Tigers (MLB), Lions (NFL), Pistons (NBA), and Red Wings (NHL). Newark is host to the New Jersey Devils (NHL), and close to New York teams.
Detroit, MI
Newark, NJ
