City Profile
Flint, Michigan
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Flint, Michigan, a city steeped in automotive history, is located along the Flint River, approximately 66 miles northwest of Detroit. Once a bustling industrial hub, particularly for General Motors, the city has faced significant economic and demographic shifts since the late 1960s, including a substantial downsizing of its manufacturing workforce. Despite these challenges, Flint is actively engaged in revitalization efforts, focusing on community development, education, and healthcare. The city is known for its resilient spirit and a strong sense of community, with institutions like the Flint Cultural Center serving as key attractions.
While the city's population has seen a decline, the broader Flint metropolitan area has experienced modest growth in recent years. People are drawn to Flint for its affordable cost of living, particularly in housing, and the ongoing initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and quality of life. The presence of educational institutions like the University of Michigan-Flint and Kettering University also contributes to a vibrant, if evolving, community atmosphere.
Michigan, known as the "Great Lakes State," offers a diverse landscape with extensive freshwater coastlines and distinct four-season weather. Its economy, historically centered on the automotive industry, has diversified to include advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, agriculture, and tourism. The cost of living in Michigan is generally lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside. Residents experience warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, with the Great Lakes moderating temperatures, and enjoy a lifestyle that balances career opportunities with access to natural beauty and outdoor activities.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Flint, Michigan, is notably more affordable than the national average, with an overall cost of living index estimated at 89.5, meaning it is about 10.5% lower than the U.S. average. Housing expenses, in particular, are significantly lower, being approximately 27.2% less expensive than the national average. This affordability extends to other essential categories, with groceries being about 0.6% cheaper and transportation costs around 2.6% lower than the national average.
While housing and groceries contribute to a lower overall cost, utility costs in Flint are roughly on par with the national average. A single person's estimated monthly expenses, excluding rent, are around $1,730, with major expenditures typically allocated to shelter, taxes, transportation, healthcare, and groceries. This makes Flint an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a more budget-friendly lifestyle compared to many other U.S. cities.
Income
Salary Insights
Flint's economy, while historically dominated by manufacturing, has diversified, with key sectors now including healthcare and social assistance, education, and retail trade. In 2024, healthcare and social services accounted for the largest number of jobs, followed by education and manufacturing. The education and health services sector specifically saw a 2.7% year-over-year increase in jobs, partly due to expansions at facilities like McLaren Flint Regional Medical Center.
The average annual salary in Flint was around $45,900 as of June 2026, with the mean hourly wage reported at $27.46 in May 2024. While nonfarm payroll growth in the Flint Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) slowed in 2024, it remained above the average annual rate seen from 2015 to 2019, indicating a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market. The city also has a notable presence of educational institutions, contributing to employment in that sector.
The average salary in Flint is $45,900 per year. You would need approximately $50,364 to live comfortably.
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Weather
Climate
Mobility
Transport
Most residents in Flint rely on personal vehicles for transportation, with the average commute time being 22.7 minutes in 2024. Car ownership in Flint averages one car per household, which is lower than the national average, yet the city exhibits a medium car dependency due to the widespread use of personal vehicles for commuting.
Public transportation options are available, though specific transit and walkability scores for Flint were not readily available in recent data. The city's layout and historical development mean that many areas are designed for driving. Efforts to enhance walkability and public transit infrastructure are part of broader urban development plans, but for now, a car remains the primary mode of getting around for most residents.
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