Troy
RANK #426 / 996 NAT · #30 / 36 MI · POP 1,272,264
1YR FORECAST: +1.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +25%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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 scores 57/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#426). Median household income is $92,620 and job growth is running at -0.3%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Oakland County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $302,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $1,243/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Oakland County are both close to flat — population +0.0% YoY and jobs -0.3%. Home values shifted +3.0% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.91% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Oakland County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.