Demographics
As of 2023, Oakland County, MI, has a population of approximately 1.27 million. The median age is 41.8 years, with 48.8% male and 51.2% female. Racially, the population is 72% White, 14% Black or African American, 9% Asian, 4% Hispanic or Latino, and 1% other or multiracial. The county features diverse communities with significant representation across age and ethnic groups.
Elections
Oakland County, MI, has over 1.2 million residents and nearly 900,000 registered voters. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections at various polling locations across 61 municipalities. In the 2020 presidential election, 56.2% voted Democratic and 42.3% Republican. The Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds administers elections, ensuring compliance and accessibility. Issues on recent ballots included school funding and infrastructure. Both major parties are active, with Democrats currently holding a majority on the county board. The Clerk’s office regularly updates polling sites, with 342 precincts in 2024, and manages absentee voting for increased participation.
Education, Employment and Housing
Oakland County, MI boasts over 200 public schools, with a high school graduation rate of 92% and about 48% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county’s schools consistently rank in Michigan’s top 10% for academic performance, with average SAT scores near 1100. Numerous adult education programs and career centers support lifelong learning. School safety is prioritized, with over 95% of schools meeting state safety standards. Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and STEM-focused curricula are widely available to students across the district.
Oakland County, MI, boasts an employment rate of approximately 63.5%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (16%), manufacturing (13%), and professional, scientific, and technical services (12%). Office and administrative support, management, and sales are leading occupation types. About 82% of employed residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes; 12% work within their city of residence. Key employment hubs include Troy, Southfield, and Auburn Hills.
Oakland County, MI boasts a homeownership rate of around 74%, with a median home value near $325,000 in 2024. Median rents are approximately $1,350/month. The area features diverse housing options, from historic homes in Royal Oak to upscale properties in Bloomfield Hills and affordable apartments in Pontiac. Popular neighborhoods include Farmington, Troy, and Novi. Property values have risen over 5% year-over-year as of early 2024. Average property tax rates are about 1.6%. The county offers a mix of suburban comfort, urban amenities, and excellent public schools, making it attractive for families and professionals alike.
County Crime & Safety
Oakland County, MI, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to 2022 FBI data, the violent crime rate was approximately 172 incidents per 100,000 residents, significantly below the U.S. average of 380. Property crime stood at 1,070 per 100,000, also lower than national rates. Local law enforcement encourages active community reporting and uses advanced technology for crime tracking. Recent initiatives have contributed to ongoing declines in both violent and property crimes, enhancing safety throughout the county.
Popular names
- Michael Smith
- John Smith
- David Smith
- Michael Williams
- James Smith
- Robert Smith
- Michael Brown
- Michael Johnson
- James Johnson
- James Davis
- Mary Smith
- Jennifer Smith
- Robert Johnson
- David Brown
- Michael Miller
- David Johnson
- Michael Moore
- Kevin Smith
- Richard Smith
- Susan Smith
- Christopher Smith
- William Smith
- James Jones
- Michael Davis
- Robert Brown
- James Miller
- Jennifer Johnson
- Matthew Smith
- Daniel Smith
- David Miller
- James Williams
- Michael Wilson
- Eric Smith
- Patricia Smith
- Jason Smith
- Robert Miller
- Michael Thomas
- Michael Jones
- Richard Johnson
- John Miller
- John Williams
- David Jones
- Heather Smith
- James Anderson
- James Brown
- Charles Johnson
- Mary Johnson
- Michael Martin
- Brian Smith
- Eric Johnson
- David Williams
- Joseph Smith
- Lisa Smith
- Mark Smith
- Scott Smith
- Steven Smith
- Thomas Smith
- John Johnson
- Linda Smith
- Jessica Smith
Other Counties in Michigan
- Alcona
- Alger
- Allegan
- Alpena
- Antrim
- Arenac
- Baraga
- Barry
- Bay
- Benzie
- Berrien
- Branch
- Calhoun
- Cass
- Charlevoix
- Cheboygan
- Chippewa
- Clare
- Clinton
- Crawford
- Delta
- Dickinson
- Eaton
- Emmet
- Genesee
- Gladwin
- Gogebic
- Grand Traverse
- Gratiot
- Hillsdale
- Houghton
- Huron
- Ingham
- Ionia
- Iosco
- Iron
- Isabella
- Jackson
- Kalamazoo
- Kalkaska
- Kent
- Keweenaw
- Lake
- Lapeer
- Leelanau
- Lenawee
- Livingston
- Luce
- Mackinac
- Macomb
- Manistee