Is Livonia Safe, Pros and cons of living in Livonia
Livonia, Michigan, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an attractive option for many seeking a new place to call home. Situated in Wayne County, this city provides a well-rounded living experience with a focus on community and amenities. Its strategic location allows for convenient access to larger metropolitan areas while maintaining its own distinct identity.
The city’s motto, “Families First,” underscores a commitment to fostering a family-friendly environment. This dedication is reflected in its numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and community-focused initiatives. Livonia strives to balance its growth with the preservation of a welcoming hometown atmosphere, appealing to a diverse range of residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Livonia?
Livonia is generally considered a safe city, with crime rates that are lower than both the national and state averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 30% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Livonia are reported to be 36.5% lower than the national average, and property crimes are also significantly lower than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). This safety profile contributes to Livonia’s reputation as a secure place to live.
While the overall crime rate is favorable, it’s important to note that crime can vary by neighborhood. Some areas may experience lower crime rates than others within the city. The chance of being a victim of crime in Livonia is about 1 in 68, with a 1 in 439 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 80 chance of being a victim of property crime (according to AreaVibes). Law enforcement efforts are in place, with the Livonia Police Department serving the city (according to Crime Explorer).
Cost of Living in Livonia
Housing Expenses
Housing in Livonia presents a mixed picture when compared to national averages. Overall living costs in Livonia are approximately 15% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). However, housing expenses in Livonia are reported to be 227% higher than the national average (according to Payscale), while other sources indicate that housing costs are 6.8% lower than the national average, with a median rent of $1,118 for a single person and $2,050 for a family of four (according to Salary.com). This discrepancy may depend on the specific data source and the metrics used.
The median home value in Livonia was approximately $250,978 in November 2025 (according to Livability.com). More recently, in March 2026, the median home value was reported as $309,576, showing a 2.7% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). Redfin reported a median sale price of $330K in March 2026, a 10.0% increase compared to the previous year (according to Redfin).
Rental Market
The rental market in Livonia offers various options, with average rents varying by the number of bedrooms. As of April 2026, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,328, for a two-bedroom was $1,508, and for a three-bedroom was $3,099 (according to Apartments.com). Another report from April 2026 indicates an average rent of $1,433, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,336 and two-bedroom units at $1,517 (according to RentCafe). Realtor.com stated a median rent of $1,999 per month as of May 2026.
The rent-to-income ratio in Livonia is around 29.5%, indicating the portion of earnings typically allocated to housing expenses for renters (according to Point2Homes). Livonia’s rental market has seen an increase in prices over the past year, with apartment rents rising by 5.0% (according to Apartments.com) and overall average rent increasing by 1.34% (according to RentCafe).
Other Expenses
Beyond housing, other cost of living factors in Livonia include utilities, transportation, groceries, and healthcare. Utility prices are reported to be 1% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Transportation expenses, such as gas prices and bus fares, are about 5% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).
Grocery prices in Livonia are approximately 1% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). Healthcare costs are about 4% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). These combined expenses contribute to the overall cost of living in the city.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Livonia boasts a diverse economic landscape with several major employers contributing to its job market. Among the leading employers are Ford Motor Company, Trinity Health, and St. Mary Mercy Hospital (according to Choose Livonia). Other significant employers include Livonia Public Schools, Schoolcraft College, and ZF (according to Choose Livonia).
The city is home to over 4,000 businesses, spanning industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, finance, and retail. This diverse business environment provides a range of employment opportunities for residents (according to Choose Livonia).
Salaries and Unemployment
The average annual household income in Livonia was approximately $116,819 in 2024 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau via Point2Homes). The average salary for jobs in Livonia is reported to be $71,226 per year, or $34 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). However, other data suggests the median wage is $46,300 per year, with most salaries ranging between $35,452 and $64,441 annually (according to ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate in Livonia is generally low, with reports indicating it is typically around 3% (according to Choose Livonia). More recent data for the Detroit-Warren-Livonia area shows an unemployment rate of 4.90% as of April 2026 (according to YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average for the region.
Climate and Weather
Temperatures and Seasons
Livonia experiences a classic four-season climate with distinct changes throughout the year. Summers are warm, with average high temperatures in July around 84°F and lows around 62°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold and snowy, with January seeing average highs of 32°F and lows of 18°F (according to myPerfectWeather).
The warm season typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with daily high temperatures averaging above 73°F. The cold season extends from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 42°F. Over the course of the year, temperatures generally range from 19°F to 84°F, rarely dropping below 4°F or exceeding 92°F (according to Livonia Climate).
Precipitation and Sunshine
The annual average precipitation in Livonia is around 35 inches, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year (according to myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically June, with an average of 3.60 inches of precipitation (according to myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is moderate, with an annual average of about 41 inches, and January is usually the snowiest month (according to myPerfectWeather).
Livonia receives approximately 2,390 hours of sunshine annually, with the sunniest months occurring from June through September. December tends to be the cloudiest month (according to myPerfectWeather). The chance of a wet day varies, with the wetter season spanning from late March to early October.
Education and Schools
School District Performance
Livonia Public Schools is a highly regarded school district, consistently ranking among the top in Michigan. For the 2022-2023 school year, it was ranked within the top 20% of all 845 school districts in Michigan based on combined math and reading proficiency (according to Public Schools Review). The district boasts strong performance in overall rankings, math proficiency, and reading proficiency.
The average math proficiency score in Livonia Public Schools is 48%, and the reading proficiency score is 57%, both of which are higher than the state averages (according to Public Schools Review). The district has a graduation rate of 92% (according to Public Schools Review).
School Rankings and Features
Several Livonia schools have received high rankings and positive reviews. Webster Elementary School, Nw Wayne Trainable Center, and Hoover Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools in the city (according to Best Public Schools in Livonia, MI). Livonia Public Schools as a whole has an average testing ranking of 9/10, placing it in the top 20% of Michigan public school districts (according to Public Schools Review).
The district serves over 12,000 students across 26 public schools. There are also 11 private schools serving an additional 1,400 students. The student-teacher ratio in Livonia Public Schools is 16:1, which is consistent with the state average (according to Public Schools Review).
Demographics and Diversity
Population and Age Distribution
Livonia is home to approximately 91,961 residents as of 2026, with the population currently declining slightly at a rate of -0.62% annually (according to Livonia, MI Population 2026). The city’s population has decreased by 3.62% since the 2020 census. The median age in Livonia is around 44.8 years, with males averaging 43.4 years and females averaging 46.7 years (according to Livonia, MI Population 2026).
The age distribution shows that about 15.2% of residents are under 15 years old, and 22.3% are 65 or older (according to Point2Homes). This indicates a significant portion of the population falls into both younger and older age brackets.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Livonia is predominantly White, making up about 83.7% of the population. Other racial groups include Black or African American (4.4%), Asian (4.01%), and smaller percentages for Native American and multiracial populations (according to Livonia, MI Population 2026). Hispanic residents constitute about 4% of the population.
Citizenship within Livonia is high, with 97.9% of residents being U.S. citizens (according to Data USA). As of 2024, about 8.33% of Livonia residents were born outside of the United States (according to Data USA).