RANK #354 / 996 · POP 1,272,264 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.3%
Oakland County, Michigan, stands out for its numerous lakes, boasting over 1,400 natural lakes, more than any other county in the state. This feature contributes to its reputation as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Located just north of Detroit, the county offers a blend of suburban and urban environments. Commute times average around 26 minutes, with access to major highways and public transit options like SMART bus services and local providers. Communities range from vibrant downtowns like Royal Oak and Birmingham to more tranquil villages and rural areas, providing diverse living experiences. The county also contains the headwaters of five major rivers, further enhancing its natural scenery.
Life in Oakland County is characterized by a high quality of life, with residents benefiting from well-regarded public schools and numerous parks and trails. Families are drawn to the area for its educational opportunities and safe neighborhoods. The economy is driven by a diverse range of sectors, including automotive, technology, healthcare, and finance. Recent economic developments show investment flowing into advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and mobility. There is also a focus on supporting small businesses and redeveloping areas like downtown Pontiac.
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Flex (Hyperscale Data Center)
Verrus (subsidiary of Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, backed by Alphabet)
|
$1,000M | Proposed |
|
Woodson Energy Storage (Battery Energy Storage System)
Vesper Energy
|
$300M | Planned |
|
Four Cities Metro Pipeline Project
Consumers Energy
|
$182M | Under Construction |
|
Astemo Americas, Inc. Regional Headquarters and Tech Center
Astemo Americas, Inc.
|
$95M | Planned |
|
Pontiac Redevelopment Project (Phoenix Center Demolition & GM Building Renovation)
Oakland County, City of Pontiac, Endeavour Pontiac Partners, LLC
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Affordable Housing Developments (Unity Park, Auburn Place, Beacon Place, Royal Oak Cottages, Westwood South Apartments, Casa Del Rey Apartments)
Community Housing Network, Lighthouse, Cartessa Real Estate Company, others
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Oakland County has a Boom Town Index score of 64/100, ranking #354 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.3% and a median household income of $92,620, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Oakland County is $302,800 with median rent at $1,243/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3059, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.3%. Home values changed +3.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.91% of Oakland County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.