Detroit, MI vs Madison, WI
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Detroit
77.3
#253 nationally
Madison
73.1
#790 nationally
Madison leads in median household income ($76,184 vs $37,761). Detroit leads in cost of living index (82 vs 109). Madison leads in average commute (20.1 min vs 25.7 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.3 (#253) | 73.1 (#790) |
| Population | 633,218 | 269,840 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $76,084 | $432,061 |
| Median Household Income | $37,761 | $76,184 |
| Average Commute | 25.7 min | 20.1 min |
| Walk Score | 51 | 48 |
| Crime Level | 48.8 | Moderate-Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 8.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 82 | 109 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+29.0 | D+51.7 |
C+
77.3 Score
Detroit, MI
Major Michigan city with a diverse economy
Median Home
$76,084
Population
633,218
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
51
Midwest
View Detroit, MI →
C
73.1 Score
Madison, WI
Education excellence on the isthmus
Median Home
$432,061
Population
269,840
Crime
Moderate-Low
Schools
A-
Midwest
View Madison, WI →