Dayton, OH vs Detroit, MI
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.
Dayton
76
#394 nationally
Detroit
77.3
#253 nationally
Detroit leads in walk score (51 vs 40). Dayton leads in average commute (21.8 min vs 25.7 min). Dayton leads in cost of living index (78 vs 82).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Dayton, OH | Detroit, MI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76 (#394) | 77.3 (#253) |
| Population | 137,644 | 633,218 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $138,730 | $76,084 |
| Median Household Income | $38,924 | $37,761 |
| Average Commute | 21.8 min | 25.7 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 51 |
| Crime Level | High | 48.8 |
| School Rating | 4.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 78 | 82 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | Even | D+29.0 |
C
76 Score
Dayton, OH
Birthplace of Aviation
Median Home
$138,730
Population
137,644
Crime
High
Schools
C-
Midwest
View Dayton, OH →
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 →