Is Auburn Hills Safe, Pros and cons of living in Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills, Michigan, offers a dynamic blend of suburban comfort and urban accessibility, making it an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded place to live. Nestled in Oakland County, this city provides a strategic location with proximity to Detroit while maintaining its own distinct identity. Its economic landscape is robust, driven by major corporations and a growing business community.
The city boasts a variety of amenities, from shopping and dining to parks and recreational facilities, catering to a diverse range of lifestyles. With a commitment to community engagement and a forward-thinking approach, Auburn Hills presents a compelling case for individuals and families considering a move to the Metro Detroit area.
Is it Safe to Live in Auburn Hills?
Auburn Hills has a crime rate that is 7.6% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes occur at a rate of 373 per 100,000 individuals, which is 3.8% higher than the national average. Property crimes are also a concern, with 1,906 incidents per 100,000 residents, marking an 8.3% increase compared to the U.S. average.
The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Auburn Hills is 1 in 269, and the chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 53 (as reported by AreaVibes). Overall, the chance of being a victim of any crime in Auburn Hills is 1 in 44. NeighborhoodScout indicates that Auburn Hills is not among the safest communities in America and has a crime rate higher than 89% of Michigan’s cities and towns of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Market and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Auburn Hills is described as very competitive, with a median listing price of $319,900 (as reported by Realtor.com®). Redfin notes that the average Auburn Hills house price was $305,000 last month, an increase of 6.8% since last year. However, other data from Redfin indicates that in March 2026, home prices were down 2.4% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $254,000.
Homes in Auburn Hills sell relatively quickly, with a median of 13 days on the market in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). Realtor.com® also highlights a competitive market where homes sell for around 100% of the asking price. Zillow reports the average home value in Auburn Hills to be $277,483 as of March 31, 2026, an increase of 3.8% over the past year.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Auburn Hills is generally higher than the Michigan average, largely due to housing expenses (as reported by Niche.com). However, other sources suggest a different picture. According to PayScale, Auburn Hills’s cost of living is 8% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being 42% lower than the national average. Livingcost.org states the average cost of living in Auburn Hills is $1,913 per month for one person, placing it in the top 25% of the most expensive cities globally and 33rd out of 59 in Michigan.
Salary.com indicates that living costs in Auburn Hills are 1% higher than the U.S. national average, but 116% lower than Michigan’s state average. Transportation costs are slightly higher than the national average, while grocery prices are about 1% higher. Healthcare expenses are notably higher, at 11% above the national average (as reported by PayScale).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Auburn Hills is a significant economic hub, particularly for the automotive industry. It is home to the U.S. headquarters of Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler) and BorgWarner (as reported by Wikipedia). Other notable employers include Continental Automotive Systems, Inc., George P. Johnson Experience Marketing (GPJ), and The Home Depot. General Motors and Starbucks also have a significant presence in the area.
The city’s business community is further strengthened by the presence of Oakland University, which partners with developers to create technology and research parks. This has attracted companies like Comerica and EDS, contributing to a vibrant workday population of approximately 80,000 people.
Employment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Auburn Hills was 4.8% in February 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). The average annual salary in Auburn Hills is approximately $68,964, which breaks down to about $33.16 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median individual income was $43,940 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons).
Salaries in Auburn Hills can vary by occupation, with some top-paying jobs including Lead Systems Engineer, Dentist, and Product Manager. H1B salary data for FY 2026 indicates a median salary of $114,000 for H1B LCAs submitted in Auburn Hills (as reported by H1B Grader). Payscale data shows average salaries for various companies, with some reaching over $100,000 annually for positions at companies like Brose North America Inc. and BorgWarner, Inc.
Climate and Environment
Weather Patterns
Auburn Hills experiences a climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 18°F to 82°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 3°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by World Weather Online). The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 82°F.
The cold season extends from December to early March, with January being the coldest month, featuring average lows of 19°F and highs of 31°F. The area experiences partly cloudy conditions year-round. Recent weather forecasts indicate temperatures in the low 50s°F for daytime highs in early May, with overnight lows in the upper 30s°F, and a chance of showers (as reported by the National Weather Service).
Environmental Factors
The city maintains several parks and green spaces, including Riverside Park and trail connections along the Clinton River (as reported by Niche.com). Auburn Hills also benefits from its proximity to the Clinton River, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. The air quality in Auburn Hills is considered excellent, with an air quality index of 6.9 µg/m³ (as reported by Livingcost.org).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
School districts serving sections of Auburn Hills include Avondale School District, Pontiac School District, and Rochester Community Schools (as reported by Wikipedia). Auburn Hills Christian School, a private institution, receives an overall Niche grade of A+ and is highly rated for diversity and as a Christian high school (as reported by Niche.com). Auburn Elementary School, a public school, has a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1, with 10% of students proficient in math and 28% in reading (as reported by Niche.com).
Niche.com also ranks school districts, with Avondale School District receiving a rating of 3.69 out of 5. Rochester Community School District is recognized as one of the best school districts in Michigan. Several elementary schools in and around Auburn Hills receive good overall Niche grades, such as Eastover Elementary School with an A+ rating.
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Auburn Hills had a population of 24,360 (as reported by Wikipedia). Recent estimates suggest the population has grown to approximately 25,105 (as reported by Census Reporter and Data Commons). The median age in Auburn Hills is 31.7 years (as reported by Wikipedia), though Data Commons lists the median age as 36.5 in 2024.
The racial makeup of Auburn Hills is diverse and has become more so since the 2020 census. Currently, the population is approximately 52.1% White, 15.3% Black, 13.5% Asian, and 12.4% Hispanic, with smaller percentages of Multiracial and Native American/Other residents (as reported by Census Reporter and Data Commons). This demographic diversity is notably higher than the state of Michigan overall.
Pros and Cons of Living in Auburn Hills
Pros
Auburn Hills offers a strong job market, particularly within the automotive and technology sectors, with major corporate headquarters located within the city. Its strategic location provides convenient access to major highways and the broader Detroit metropolitan area. The city also features a variety of shopping and entertainment options, most notably Great Lakes Crossing Outlets.
Residents benefit from numerous parks and recreational areas, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The presence of Oakland University enhances the community with cultural events and educational resources. Furthermore, the housing market, while competitive, offers a range of options, and the cost of living, particularly for housing, can be lower than the national average according to some sources.
Cons
One of the primary concerns for potential residents is the crime rate, which is higher than the national average for both violent and property crimes (as reported by AreaVibes and NeighborhoodScout). While some sources indicate a lower cost of living, others suggest it is above the Michigan average, driven by housing costs.
The housing market’s competitiveness can lead to bidding wars and quick sales, making it challenging for buyers. Additionally, while the climate offers distinct seasons, the winters can be harsh with freezing temperatures and snow. Some areas within the city may experience higher crime rates than others, necessitating careful neighborhood selection.