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Flint, Michigan

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

40
Overall Score

Flint, Michigan, once a booming hub of the American automotive industry, is a city with a rich industrial past and a resilient spirit. Known historically as 'Vehicle City' due to its deep ties with General Motors, Flint played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's manufacturing landscape. While the city has faced significant economic and social challenges since the late 1960s, including a substantial downsizing of the auto workforce, it continues to be a community focused on revitalization and community-led initiatives. People are drawn to Flint for its affordable cost of living, strong community institutions like the Flint Cultural Center, and the presence of several higher education institutions, including Kettering University, which is experiencing growth. The city is located along the Flint River, approximately 66 miles northwest of Detroit, serving as a principal city within the Central Michigan region.

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.

80,175
Population
$24K
Avg Salary
78
Cost Index
40.0
Quality Score
How this 40/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 18 / 100 18.0 30% 5.4
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 78.0 71.3 25% 17.8
Economy & jobs Median household income: $37,646 Income needed to live here: $35,000 Unemployment rate: 13.1% 17.2 20% 3.4
Growth Population growth rate: -0.1% Job growth rate: 2.45% 45.8 15% 6.9
Business climate assessment No usable reading — dataset average used 64.9 10% 6.5
Overall score 40.0

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 3 (deep think) (q=59, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 9 August 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

Livability
74
Affordability
85

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Flint, Michigan, is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Residents benefit from a cost of living that is approximately 21.63% below the national average, with housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare expenses all contributing to this favorable positioning. This affordability allows residents' financial resources to extend further, supporting an economical and sustainable lifestyle. For instance, the average rent in Flint is significantly lower than the national median, positioning it as an accessible market for renters seeking value.

Average Rent
$950/mo
Groceries
$360/mo
Transport
$150/mo
Utilities
$250/mo
Healthcare
$200/mo
1BR Apartment (city centre)
$800.00
2BR Apartment (city centre)
$900.00

Salary Insights

Flint's economy has undergone significant transformation, moving away from its heavy reliance on automotive manufacturing. While manufacturing remains a key sector, the city's employment landscape in 2024 also saw substantial contributions from Health Care & Social Assistance and Retail Trade. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Flint experienced a growth rate of 2.45%. Despite these positive shifts in employment, the city faces challenges, with an unemployment rate of 13.1% in 2026, which is higher than the national average. The job market continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to diversify the economic base and increase access to employment opportunities for residents.

The average salary in Flint is $23,997 per year. You would need approximately $35,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade Manufacturing Education Health Care & Social Assistance Other Services

Climate

🌡️
9°F
Avg Temp
☀️
27°F
Summer High
❄️
-9°F
Winter Low
🌧️
810.00"
Annual Rain
💧
72.00%
Humidity
🌤️
172
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Flint primarily relies on personal vehicles, as indicated by the average commute time of 22.7 minutes in 2024, with most people driving alone to work. Car ownership in Flint averages one car per household, which is lower than the national average. While public transportation options exist, the city's transit score is 50 out of 100, suggesting some public transit availability but not extensive coverage. Similarly, Flint has a walkability score of 50 out of 100, indicating it is fairly walkable in some areas. Given these scores and commuter habits, Flint exhibits a high degree of car dependency for daily travel.

23 min
Avg Commute
50.00/10
Transit Score
50.00/10
Walkability
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
The cost of living in Flint is significantly lower than the national average, making it highly affordable.
Housing costs, including both rent and property values, are considerably more affordable in Flint compared to many other U.S. cities.
Flint is home to important cultural institutions like the Flint Cultural Center, offering artistic and educational attractions.
The city has a strong healthcare infrastructure with three major regional hospitals providing comprehensive medical services.
Employment in Flint saw a growth rate of 2.45% from 2023 to 2024, indicating some positive job market movement.
Drawbacks
Flint has a very high crime rate, with a safety score of 18/100 and violent crime rates significantly above the national average in 2024.
The unemployment rate in Flint was 13.1% in 2026, which is considerably higher than the national average.
A substantial portion of Flint's population, 34.1% in 2024, lives below the poverty line.
Concerns about water quality persist among residents, as highlighted in 2024 community surveys.
The city has experienced a long-term population decline, with the metropolitan area decreasing by 5.3% between 2010 and 2024.

Questions about Flint

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

What are some popular outdoor activities in Flint? Things to Do 1 answer

Flint offers several parks and green spaces where residents can hike, bike, or relax. These parks feature walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Some also host community events such as farmers’ markets and outdoor concerts. To find the best spots for outdoor recreation, look up the city’s park listings or consult local community calendars for upcoming events.

What healthcare facilities are located in Flint? Healthcare 1 answer

Flint hosts several healthcare facilities that provide a range of services, from primary care clinics to emergency departments. These include hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialty clinics. For specific addresses, hours, and services, visit the city’s health department website or use local medical directories to find the nearest facility that meets your needs.

What is the average salary for entry-level positions in Flint? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

The average salary in Flint is $23,997 per year. Entry-level roles typically pay within a range that aligns with this average, though exact wages vary by industry and experience. When looking for jobs, consider local industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education, and use job boards or local employment agencies to find openings that match your skill set.

How does the cost of living in Flint compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Flint’s cost of living index is 78, which means it is about 22% lower than the national average (100). This includes groceries, utilities, transportation, and housing. With a lower cost of living, everyday expenses such as groceries and utilities will be more affordable, but it’s still important to factor in local wage levels when planning your budget.

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

Public schools in Flint have mixed ratings. Some schools receive higher performance scores, while others face challenges. To evaluate specific schools, review state education department reports, school performance dashboards, and local parent reviews. Visiting schools and speaking with administrators can also provide insight into classroom environment, resources, and extracurricular opportunities.

What should I know about moving into Flint from another state? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to Flint, start by researching local utilities, registering for city services, and finding a reliable moving company that serves the area. It’s helpful to arrange a temporary address for mail forwarding and to set up essential services such as electricity, water, and internet before arrival. Additionally, explore local community groups or forums to connect with residents and learn about neighborhood resou...

What public transportation options are available for commuting in Flint? Getting Around 1 answer

Flint offers a city transit system that includes bus routes covering major streets and key destinations such as shopping centers and medical facilities. Buses run on a regular schedule, with some routes operating on weekdays and limited service on weekends. For detailed route maps, schedules, and fare information, check the city’s official transit website or contact the transit office directly.

What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Flint? Housing 1 answer

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Flint is $950 per month. This figure reflects the current market for standard rental units in the city. When searching for a place, look at local listings on major rental websites and compare prices in different parts of the city. Keep in mind that rent can vary based on amenities, location, and the condition of the unit.

Is Flint safe for families with children? Safety 1 answer

Flint’s safety score is 18.0 out of 100, indicating higher crime rates compared to national averages. Certain neighborhoods have higher incidents of property and violent crimes. It is advisable to research specific areas, consult local crime statistics, and visit neighborhoods at different times of day. Engaging with community groups and local law enforcement can also help assess safety for families.

What is the overall economic outlook for Flint? General 1 answer

Flint has a mixed economic outlook. While the city has faced significant challenges in the past, it is working on revitalization efforts that include infrastructure improvements and community development projects. Economic growth is gradual, with some sectors showing potential for expansion. For the latest economic data, review state economic reports, local business news, and city planning documents.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Flint? 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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