City Profile
St. Clair Shores, Michigan
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
St. Clair Shores is a vibrant waterfront community located in Macomb County, Michigan, nestled along the scenic shores of Lake St. Clair. Originally incorporated as a village and later as a city, it has evolved into a premier residential suburb renowned for its extensive boating culture and the famous Nautical Mile commercial district. People are continually drawn to the area for its friendly neighborhoods, abundant waterfront access, and strong sense of local community pride.
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.
How this 66/100 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): 98.0 | 46.3 | 25% | 11.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $78,500 Income needed to live here: $52,000 Unemployment rate: 4% | 81.9 | 20% | 16.4 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 1.5% | 50.0 | 15% | 7.5 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 10% | 6.8 |
| Overall score | 65.6 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 2 (reasoned) (q=54, 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.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in St. Clair Shores remains slightly below the national average, making it an attractive option for families and retirees seeking affordability without sacrificing lifestyle amenities. Housing costs, while experiencing steady appreciation, remain more accessible than in many other major metropolitan suburbs across the country. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation track closely with or slightly under national benchmarks, supported by competitive regional pricing.
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While primarily a residential suburb, St. Clair Shores benefits significantly from its strategic proximity to the broader Detroit metropolitan job market, particularly the manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive sectors. Local employment within the city is heavily driven by retail trade, small businesses, lake-associated hospitality, and professional services. Many residents commute daily into nearby Detroit, Warren, or Troy for corporate, technical, and engineering careers.
The average salary in St. Clair Shores is $68,000 per year. You would need approximately $52,000 to live comfortably.
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Transportation in St. Clair Shores is predominantly car-dependent, with major regional thoroughfares like I-94 providing direct access to downtown Detroit and surrounding employment hubs. While limited public transit via SMART bus routes is available, owning a vehicle is practically essential for daily commuting and errands. The city features a flat topography that encourages recreational cycling, though daily pedestrian walkability varies by neighborhood.
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