Detroit, Michigan and Northwest Harris, Texas both offer unique lifestyles, amenities, and opportunities for residents and tourists alike. Detroit is renowned for its automotive industry, music culture, and sports, while Northwest Harris is known for its fast-growing economy, safety, and quality education. Climate, cost of living, and taxes significantly vary between these two areas. Both cities however offer distinct culture, food scenes, and sports teams. This thorough comparison will provide valuable insights into these areas' respective features and benefits.
Detroit has been working hard to reduce its historically high crime rate, and while progress has been made, it still reports higher rates than the national average. The introduction of 'Project Greenlight', a real-time video surveillance program, has been instrumental in crime reduction. Conversely, Northwest Harris is regarded as relatively safe, with crime rates typically below the national average. This is partly due to Harris County's proactive approach towards public safety and law enforcement, making it more appealing for families and tourists in terms of safety.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Detroit is significantly lower than the national average, including housing, utilities, and groceries, making it attractive for those looking to relocate on a budget. Conversely, Northwest Harris, while still offering a reasonable cost of living, is slightly higher than Detroit due to its booming economy and rapid population growth.
Income Tax
Detroit residents are subject to city (2.4% for residents) and state income tax (4.25%). However, Texas is one of seven states where residents do not pay state income tax, providing a potential financial incentive for relocators.
Property Tax
Detroit has one of the highest property tax rates in the nation but due to its low house prices, yearly property tax bills are often still quite low. On the other hand, Northwest Harris residents typically pay higher property taxes, although this is offset by higher home values and no state income tax.
Sales Tax
Michigan imposes a 6% sales tax, on par with national averages. However, Texas has higher sales tax rates, with a base state-level rate of 6.25% and additional local sales taxes that can bring the total as high as 8.25%.
Income
Type
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Estimated median household income
$36,140
$91,482
Estimated per capita income
$22,122
$43,231
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
94.1
102.4
If you make $50,000 in Detroit, you will have to make $54,410 in Northwest Harris to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Detroit is located on the Detroit River, near the Great Lakes, providing a beautiful waterside view but can also lead to chilly winters. Northwest Harris is in southeast Texas, characterized by flat land and susceptibility to occasional flooding.
Geographical information
Type
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Land area
138.8 sq. miles
437.4 sq. miles
Population density
4,557.7 people per sq. mile
1,061.5 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Detroit, MI Northwest Harris, TX
Education
Detroit Public Schools Community District, the largest school district in Michigan, is undergoing reform to address previous challenges, and has a variety of charter and private schools. Northwest Harris falls within three school districts, each known for their high-quality education and excellent school ratings, with many recognized blue-ribbon schools. This might make Northwest Harris more appealing to families prioritizing educational opportunities.
Detroit, once heavily dependent on the automotive industry, has diversified its economy to include healthcare, education, and technology. Unemployment rates have been decreasing steadily, but remain above national average. Northwest Harris, part of the greater Houston area, boasts a dynamic and rapidly growing economy, with a strong job market in diverse fields such as healthcare, education, and oil and gas.
Biggest Employers
Detroit's biggest employers encompass healthcare and education, with Detroit Medical Center and Detroit Public Schools major employers. The automobile industry still plays a role, with General Motors and Ford offering numerous jobs. Meanwhile, in Northwest Harris, the largest employers include oil and gas corporations like ExxonMobil, healthcare organizations like Houston Methodist, and NASA, contributing to a diverse job market.
In Detroit (Wayne County), 73.1% voted for Democrats and 26.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Northwest Harris (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Detroit
Northwest Harris
2020
68.6%
56.0%
30.4%
42.7%
1.0%
1.3%
2016
66.6%
54.0%
29.4%
41.6%
4.0%
4.4%
2012
73.1%
49.4%
26.2%
49.3%
0.6%
1.3%
2008
74.4%
50.5%
24.7%
48.9%
0.9%
0.6%
2004
69.7%
44.6%
29.9%
54.9%
0.4%
0.5%
2000
69.1%
43.0%
29.1%
54.4%
1.8%
2.6%
1996
69.0%
45.2%
24.0%
49.2%
7.0%
5.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Detroit
Northwest Harris
CATHOLIC CHURCH
16.3%
18.1%
11.2%
3.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.7%
2.9%
2.9%
1.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.5%
0.0%
2.4%
0.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
1.2%
0.7%
3.9%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.7%
0.3%
2.8%
1.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.0%
2.5%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.4%
1.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.4%
14.2%
3.2%
26.8%
Weather
Detroit experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature ranges between 20°F to 85°F throughout the year. On the other hand, Northwest Harris enjoys a more temperate climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The temperature in Northwest Harris varies from 45°F to 95°F over the year. Tourists and potential residents should consider their climate preferences when choosing between these locations.
Weather and climate
Type
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Temperature - Average
50°F
68.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.3%
80.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
37%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
93%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
53%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.6 in
48.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
86.5 in
0.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12.7%
15%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
60.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
38%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
69%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
31%
43%
Wind speed - Average
10.2 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in Detroit, Michigan
Average climate in Northwest Harris, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Detroit
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Detroit
Northwest Harris
2018
90
95
0.44
N/A
12.9
5.1
25.8
23.5
N/A
N/A
10.1
8.7
1.1
N/A
2017
87
94
0.56
N/A
12.7
4.7
20.9
25.2
N/A
N/A
10.1
8.5
1.3
0.5
2016
86
93
0.47
N/A
13.2
5.7
22.0
23.7
N/A
N/A
10.9
8.5
0.8
0.4
2015
95
100
0.49
N/A
14.8
6.1
26.5
23.1
N/A
N/A
11.9
9.3
1.2
0.1
2014
95
88
0.48
0.28
14.2
6.7
24.2
22.3
N/A
N/A
12.0
9.6
1.7
0.1
2013
80
104
0.53
0.29
14.4
6.6
24.5
23.7
N/A
N/A
11.0
10.3
1.3
0.1
2012
99
107
0.49
0.30
14.6
7.1
25.7
24.8
N/A
N/A
6.6
10.6
1.7
0.2
2011
94
115
0.32
0.32
12.9
6.8
24.3
27.0
N/A
N/A
6.5
11.3
1.6
0.6
2010
96
104
0.28
0.26
11.8
7.5
24.7
25.0
0.006
N/A
12.1
11.1
1.6
0.8
2009
68
114
0.27
0.27
12.7
6.8
23.4
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
1.9
0.9
2008
67
104
0.27
0.35
12.8
8.0
N/A
24.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
2.0
1.4
2007
81
123
0.29
0.37
13.7
9.1
25.8
23.2
0.017
N/A
N/A
13.0
N/A
1.7
2006
63
130
0.31
0.39
14.0
9.0
19.8
25.0
0.022
N/A
N/A
11.6
3.2
1.5
2005
83
132
0.36
0.42
17.4
9.7
22.6
25.3
0.019
N/A
N/A
13.3
4.0
2.6
2004
70
125
0.43
0.44
15.0
10.0
N/A
22.9
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
2.8
2003
86
144
0.40
0.62
18.5
10.8
N/A
23.5
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.8
2.4
2002
88
124
0.36
0.55
18.3
10.5
N/A
22.5
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
1.5
2001
83
148
0.36
0.44
19.0
12.0
N/A
22.2
0.020
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
2.0
2000
71
133
0.35
0.50
18.2
10.8
N/A
23.0
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
128.5%
179.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
53.2%
67.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
32%
Transportation
Detroit residents rely heavily on private vehicles for commuting due to a less extensive public transit system. Meanwhile, Northwest Harris is well-served by Houston METRO, offering comprehensive bus and light rail services. Commuters here also rely on personal cars, given the sprawling nature of the Houston area.
Transport
Type
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
0
FAA registered aircraft
93
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Bicycle
0.5%
0.1%
Bus
4%
2.5%
Carpooled
7.5%
11.3%
Car alone
83.4%
81.5%
Taxicab
0.5%
0%
Walked
2.7%
0.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Average
30.6 min
31.3 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Detroit is considerably cheaper than the national average. However, depreciating property values and high property tax rates can pose challenges for homebuyers. Northwest Harris, in contrast, offers higher property values with growing demand, and while property taxes can be significant, the strong housing market often offsets these costs.
Neighborhoods
Detroit has a range of neighborhoods, each with unique characteristics – like Midtown, known for its cultural institutions, and Corktown, Detroit's oldest neighborhood. In Northwest Harris, desirable neighborhoods include Champions, which is known for its golf courses, and Willowbrook, popular for its retail centers and restaurants.
Houses and residents
Type
Detroit
Northwest Harris
Houses
322,906
149,181
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.9
Houses occupied
251,729 (78%)
141,708 (95%)
Houses occupied by owners
129,084 (51.3%)
100,076 (70.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
122,645 (48.7%)
41,632 (29.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$798.06
$1,182
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$86,452
$300,799
Estimated median house or condo value
$69,300
$307,883
Median number of rooms in apartments
5
3.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
7.5
Renting percentage
48.9%
28.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,326.9
341.1
Household income disparities
49.3%
38.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
2,599 (5.6%)
15,158 (16.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,270 (4.9%)
105 (0.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
43,675 (94.4%)
76,541 (83.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
357 (0.8%)
3,826 (4.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,466 (7.5%)
4,244 (4.6%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
17.1%
0.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
11,725
12,608
State government workers
8,763
7,312
Unpaid family workers
441
552
Industries and Occupations
Detroit's largest industries are manufacturing, healthcare and education. Meanwhile, the largest occupations in Northwest Harris are management, business, science, arts, sales, and office jobs, largely due to its proximity to Houston's thriving job market and industry diversity.
Detroit is home to several well-known healthcare centers, such as the Detroit Medical Center and Henry Ford Health System. Northwest Harris is served by a number of highly-rated hospitals, with easy access to the acclaimed Texas Medical Center in nearby Houston.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Detroit
Northwest Harris
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Detroit's infrastructure reflects its rich history, with many historic buildings and landmarks. However, its aging infrastructure system, including roads and public utilities, has had its challenges. Northwest Harris, due to its newer development and significant infrastructure investments, often has more modern and well-maintained infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Detroit
Northwest Harris
TV stations
16
27
Culture and Food
Detroit boasts a culturally rich music scene, known as the birthplace of Motown Records. Its food scene reflects its diverse population, with classic American, Middle Eastern, and Mexican fare predominating. In contrast, Northwest Harris offers a taste of Texas with its barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. Plus, its close proximity to Houston provides easy access to a global culinary scene and a rich arts and culture landscape.
Sports Teams
Detroit is home to four major sports teams: Detroit Tigers (MLB), Detroit Lions (NFL), Detroit Pistons (NBA), and Detroit Red Wings (NHL). Meanwhile, Northwest Harris residents root for Houston's professional sports teams, the Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Rockets (NBA), Houston Astros (MLB), and Houston Dynamo (MLS).
Detroit, MI
Northwest Harris, TX
