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Davison, Michigan

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

64
Overall Score

Davison is a charming city located in Genesee County, Michigan, offering a classic small-town atmosphere combined with convenient access to the greater Flint metropolitan area. Originally established in the 19th century as a lumbering and agricultural hub, the community has evolved into a residential haven prized for its historic downtown, community events, and family-oriented environment. Residents are drawn to Davison for its friendly neighborhoods, local parks, and a strong sense of civic pride that permeates local festivals and community gatherings.

About Michigan

Michigan, known as "The Great Lakes State," offers a diverse landscape with extensive freshwater coastlines and a distinct four-season climate, featuring warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Its economy, historically driven by the automotive industry, is diversifying into advanced manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, and technology. The cost of living in Michigan is generally lower than the national average, particularly for housing, making it an affordable option for many. Residents enjoy a lifestyle that often includes abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, from water sports on the Great Lakes to winter activities and extensive trail systems.

5,150
Population
$58K
Avg Salary
88
Cost Index
64.5
Quality Score
How this 65/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 78 / 100 78.0 30% 23.4
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 88.0 58.8 25% 14.7
Economy & jobs Median household income: $61,500 Income needed to live here: $48,000 Unemployment rate: 4.3% 65.7 20% 13.1
Growth Population growth rate: 0.5% Job growth rate: 1.5% 43.8 15% 6.6
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 67 / 100 67.0 10% 6.7
Overall score 64.5

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 16 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Quality Scores

Business
67
Livability
76
Affordability
82
Growth
68

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Davison remains notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families and retirees looking to stretch their budgets. Housing costs, in particular, sit well below typical U.S. benchmarks, allowing residents to secure more square footage for their investment compared to major metropolitan centers. Everyday goods, utilities, and transportation expenses also track moderately below national figures, contributing to overall financial accessibility.

Average Rent
$1,150/mo
Groceries
$380/mo
Transport
$115/mo
Utilities
$175/mo
Healthcare
$220/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$12.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$18.00
Monthly groceries
$380.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$130.00

Salary Insights

Davison's local economy is anchored by small businesses, retail, healthcare, and educational services, while many residents commute to nearby Flint, Grand Blanc, or the wider Detroit metro area for employment in automotive and manufacturing sectors. The downtown district features a vibrant mix of local shops, professional services, and eateries that support local entrepreneurship. While remote work has grown in popularity, the city's strategic location along major thoroughfares provides convenient connectivity to broader regional job markets.

The average salary in Davison is $58,000 per year. You would need approximately $48,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.10% Manufacturing +1.30% Healthcare +2.40% Educational Services +1.00% Hospitality and Food Services +1.80%

Climate

🌡️
49°F
Avg Temp
☀️
81°F
Summer High
❄️
16°F
Winter Low
🌧️
30.90"
Annual Rain
💧
68.00%
Humidity
🌤️
245
Sunny Days

Transport

Davison is primarily a car-dependent community, where most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting and errands via nearby routes like I-69. The compact downtown area offers good walkability for patrons visiting local storefronts and dining establishments. While dedicated public transit options within the city are limited, regional bus services connect the broader Genesee County area.

24 min
Avg Commute
42.00/10
Transit Score
58.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain significantly below the national average per US Census and Zillow data.
Highly rated local school district that attracts families seeking quality education in a small-town setting.
Low crime rates and a strong community safety profile compared to larger nearby metropolitan areas.
Charming and walkable historic downtown area featuring local boutiques, dining, and seasonal community events.
Convenient geographic location with easy access to I-69, providing straightforward commutes to Flint and surrounding employment centers.
Drawbacks
High reliance on personal automobiles due to limited public transportation infrastructure within the city.
Limited local high-paying corporate headquarters, requiring many residents to commute for specialized career opportunities.
Winters bring heavy snowfall averaging over 35 inches annually, requiring active snow removal and winter preparedness.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options within city limits, necessitating trips to larger neighboring cities for major events.
Modest job growth rate within the immediate municipal boundaries compared to high-growth tech or financial hubs.

Questions about Davison

What people ask about living in and moving to Davison, Michigan.

How are the public schools in Davison rated? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Davison receive average to above‑average ratings on state assessment metrics. The district emphasizes core academic subjects and offers extracurricular programs such as sports and arts. Class sizes are typically moderate, and many teachers hold advanced credentials. For detailed performance data, review the state’s education department reports and the district’s annual performance summaries, which i...

How does Davison’s cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Davison’s cost of living is roughly 10% lower than the national average. Housing costs are modest, with median home prices and rents below national averages. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also slightly lower. However, the city’s limited retail options mean residents often travel to nearby larger towns for certain goods, which can offset savings. For the most current data, compare recent census fi...

How do I get around without a car in Davison? Getting Around 1 answer

Public transportation is limited; a few bus routes connect Davison to nearby towns, but schedules are infrequent. Cycling is viable for short trips within the city, especially along the main thoroughfares and local parks. For longer commutes, many residents rely on ride‑share services or personal vehicles. Check the city’s transportation office for route maps, schedules, and any planned infrastructure improvements.

What types of housing are most common in Davison? Housing 1 answer

The housing stock in Davison is dominated by single‑family detached homes and townhomes. Most neighborhoods feature mid‑20th‑century bungalows and newer subdivisions with modest lot sizes. Detached homes are the preferred choice for families, offering yard space and privacy. Rental options include a small number of apartment complexes and some duplexes. For up‑to‑date listings, consult local real‑estate portals or th...

What industries provide most jobs in Davison? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Davison’s employment base is largely driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. A small number of tech‑related roles exist, typically in regional offices or support functions. Most tech professionals commute to nearby larger cities where tech hubs are established. To find openings, search regional job boards, the city’s economic development website, and professional networking sites that list positions in the s...

Is Davison a safe place to raise a family? Safety 1 answer

Davison reports crime rates that are below the national average for similar‑sized communities. Violent crime is rare, and most incidents involve property theft or vandalism. Neighborhoods are characterized by active community groups and local patrols. For the latest statistics, consult the city’s public safety department or the state’s crime‑reporting portal, which provide monthly updates on incident types and locati...

What healthcare facilities are available in Davison? Healthcare 1 answer

Davison hosts a small medical clinic that offers primary care and basic diagnostic services. For emergency care, residents typically travel to the nearest hospital in a larger neighboring city, which provides comprehensive emergency and specialty services. The clinic’s staff can refer patients to specialists and coordinate care. For appointment scheduling and insurance coverage, contact the clinic’s front desk or con...

What should I know about moving into Davison? Moving Here 1 answer

Plan your move during the mild spring or fall months to avoid extreme temperatures. Secure a temporary rental or storage if you need to bridge the gap between your current residence and new home. Register your vehicle and update your driver’s license at the local motor‑vehicle office. To find utilities, contact the city’s public works department for water, sewer, and trash services, and research local internet provid...

What is the overall vibe of Davison for new residents? General 1 answer

Davison has a small‑town atmosphere with a close‑knit community. Residents often participate in local events, volunteer groups, and neighborhood gatherings. The pace of life is relaxed, and there is a strong emphasis on family values and community cooperation. While it lacks the cultural amenities of a major city, the town offers a welcoming environment for newcomers who appreciate a quieter, more personal setting.

What recreational activities can I enjoy in Davison? Things to Do 1 answer

The city offers several parks with playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas. Seasonal festivals, farmers’ markets, and community concerts are common, especially during summer and fall. Local sports leagues provide youth and adult leagues for soccer, baseball, and basketball. For event calendars, visit the city’s recreation department website or community bulletin board, which lists upcoming activities and volunt...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Davison? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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