When considering relocating to Detroit, MI or Toledo, OH, there are numerous elements to take into account. Overall, Detroit has a more robust economy with leading industries, but Toledo is more affordable with lower tax rates. From crime rates and weather to the work economy and education system, both cities offer their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Distance between
Detroit, MI and
Toledo, OH : 55.4 miles
Detroit's population is larger by 136%. Its population has decreased by 318,806 people (33.5%) since 2000. The population of Toledo has decreased by 45,111 people (14.4%) during that time.
Both Detroit, MI, and Toledo, OH, have high crime rates when compared to the national average. It is critical for anyone planning to move to either city to carefully consider safety, whether they are visiting as tourists or planning to relocate permanently. Detroit's crime rates are higher than Toledo's, with major issues in violent crimes and property crimes. Safety measures such as home security systems and awareness of surroundings are especially necessary. Toledo, while experiencing crime, is somewhat safer in comparison, making it a more comfortable choice for some.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,448 registered sex offenders living in Detroit and 850 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Detroit is 195 to 1; the ratio in Toledo is 328 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Detroit than in Toledo.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is relatively lower in both Detroit and Toledo as compared to the national average. However, Toledo is generally more affordable than Detroit, with lower costs in categories like housing, utilities, and groceries.
Income Tax
Michigan has a flat income tax rate of 4.25%, while in Ohio, it's progressive, with rates ranging from 0% to almost 5% depending on income. Both Detroit and Toledo also levy additional city income taxes.
Property Tax
Homeowners in Detroit face higher property taxes, with rates typically around 2.8%, compared to Toledo where rates are around 2.0%. But keep in mind that these rates are applied to lower house values, especially in Detroit.
Sales Tax
The state of Michigan, which includes Detroit, has a 6% sales tax. Ohio, including Toledo, has a slightly higher sales tax rate at 7.25%.
Income
Type
Detroit
Toledo
Estimated median household income
$36,140
$44,150
Estimated per capita income
$22,122
$25,641
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
94.1
91.8
If you make $50,000 in Toledo, you will have to make $51,253 in Detroit to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Detroit is situated near the US-Canada border and is defined by its riverfront location. Toledo is also located near Lake Erie, with the Maumee River running through the city. Both offer plenty of opportunities for water-based recreations.
In terms of education, both cities house various public, private, and charter schools, as well as a number of colleges and universities. Notably, Detroit is home to Wayne State University, a nationally recognized research institution. Toledo has the University of Toledo, known for its programs in law, engineering, business, and healthcare.
Detroit has a diverse economy, with key sectors being automotive, technology, healthcare, and finance. It is the automotive capital of the world, housing the "Big Three” auto manufacturers; Ford, General Motors, and Fiat Chrysler. As for Toledo, the economy is more dependent on healthcare, education, and the auto industry. It’s sometimes referred to as the "Glass City" due to its long history in glass manufacturing.
Biggest Employers
Ford, General Motors, and Fiat Chrysler are the biggest employers in Detroit. In Toledo, the biggest employers include Promedica Health Systems, the University of Toledo, and Mercy Health.
There were 10 building permits issued in Detroit in 2012 (8 less than in 2011) compared to 23 building permits issued in Toledo in 2012 (10 less than in 2011).
In Detroit (Wayne County), 73.1% voted for Democrats and 26.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Toledo (Lucas County), 65.2% voted for Democrats and 33.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Detroit
Toledo
Detroit
Toledo
Detroit
Toledo
2020
68.6%
57.5%
30.4%
40.8%
1.0%
1.7%
2016
66.6%
55.9%
29.4%
38.2%
4.0%
5.9%
2012
73.1%
65.2%
26.2%
33.4%
0.6%
1.4%
2008
74.4%
65.1%
24.7%
33.6%
0.9%
1.4%
2004
69.7%
60.4%
29.9%
39.6%
0.4%
0.0%
2000
69.1%
57.9%
29.1%
39.2%
1.8%
2.8%
1996
69.0%
57.7%
24.0%
32.0%
7.0%
10.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Detroit
Toledo
Detroit
Toledo
CATHOLIC CHURCH
16.3%
20.9%
11.2%
9.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.7%
0.4%
2.9%
0.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.5%
0.5%
2.4%
3.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
1.2%
0.7%
3.9%
2.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.7%
4.1%
2.8%
9.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.5%
2.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
1.4%
0.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.4%
0.3%
3.2%
3.5%
NATIONA ASSOCIA CONGREG CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
0.1%
0.3%
0.4%
1.3%
Weather
The weather in both Detroit and Toledo is typical of a Midwestern climate, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. Detroit’s location on the Detroit River can mean more dramatic temperature shifts, with colder winters and potentially warmer summers than Toledo. Both cities see a fair amount of snowfall in the winter, which can affect commuting and overall quality of life.
Weather and climate
Type
Detroit
Toledo
Temperature - Average
50°F
49.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.3%
76.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
37%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
89%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
53%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.6 in
33.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
86.5 in
75.3 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12.7%
12.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
55.1%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
38%
36%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
69%
65%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
31%
29%
Wind speed - Average
10.2 mph
9.4 mph
Average climate in Detroit, Michigan
Average climate in Toledo, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Detroit
Toledo
Detroit
Detroit
Detroit
Toledo
Detroit
Toledo
Detroit
Detroit
Toledo
2018
90
47
0.44
N/A
12.9
N/A
25.8
30.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.1
N/A
1.1
0.7
2017
87
45
0.56
N/A
12.7
N/A
20.9
29.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.1
N/A
1.3
0.4
2016
86
50
0.47
N/A
13.2
N/A
22.0
29.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
N/A
0.8
0.5
2015
95
45
0.49
N/A
14.8
N/A
26.5
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
N/A
1.2
0.9
2014
95
50
0.48
N/A
14.2
N/A
24.2
28.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.0
N/A
1.7
1.7
2013
80
40
0.53
N/A
14.4
N/A
24.5
25.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
N/A
1.3
1.0
2012
99
84
0.49
N/A
14.6
N/A
25.7
30.6
N/A
N/A
23.5
N/A
6.6
N/A
1.7
N/A
2011
94
65
0.32
N/A
12.9
N/A
24.3
25.7
N/A
N/A
21.0
N/A
6.5
N/A
1.6
N/A
2010
96
69
0.28
N/A
11.8
N/A
24.7
27.2
0.006
N/A
24.6
N/A
12.1
N/A
1.6
N/A
2009
68
64
0.27
N/A
12.7
N/A
23.4
25.4
N/A
N/A
21.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
N/A
2008
67
68
0.27
N/A
12.8
N/A
N/A
26.8
N/A
N/A
21.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
N/A
2007
81
86
0.29
N/A
13.7
N/A
25.8
25.9
0.017
N/A
24.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.8
2006
63
70
0.31
N/A
14.0
N/A
19.8
24.7
0.022
N/A
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
3.7
2005
83
84
0.36
N/A
17.4
N/A
22.6
27.8
0.019
N/A
21.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.0
5.1
2004
70
67
0.43
N/A
15.0
N/A
N/A
23.6
0.014
N/A
19.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
5.6
2003
86
77
0.40
N/A
18.5
N/A
N/A
26.0
0.013
N/A
18.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.8
6.5
2002
88
85
0.36
N/A
18.3
N/A
N/A
27.5
0.019
N/A
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
5.7
2001
83
76
0.36
N/A
19.0
N/A
N/A
26.9
0.020
N/A
23.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
5.3
2000
71
64
0.35
N/A
18.2
N/A
N/A
24.0
0.027
N/A
23.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
4.2
Natural disasters
Type
Detroit
Toledo
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
128.5%
144.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
53.2%
67.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
13%
Transportation
Both Detroit and Toledo have public transit systems, although Detroit's is larger and includes buses, a streetcar system, and a bike share program. Private transportation is often necessary in Toledo, as its public transit system is less extensive than Detroit's. Both cities also have major airports and access to major highways.
Transport
Type
Detroit
Toledo
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
93
102
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
7
Means of transportation to work
Type
Detroit
Toledo
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
4%
1.1%
Carpooled
7.5%
9.2%
Car alone
83.4%
85.7%
Taxicab
0.5%
0.2%
Walked
2.7%
2.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Detroit
Toledo
Average
30.6 min
22.9 min
Other means
26 min
20.4 min
Public transportation
47.7 min
37.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Detroit
Toledo
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
87.1%
88.6%
In 2 person carpool
10.5%
9.9%
In 3 person carpool
1%
0.6%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Housing options in both cities vary from downtown apartments to suburban homes. Detroit has seen more fluctuation in its real estate market, with recent citywide revitalization efforts driving up prices, yet it still remains affordable compared to most US cities. Toledo's housing market is more stable and slightly cheaper.
Neighborhoods
Detroit and Toledo both offer diverse neighborhoods to fit different lifestyles. Detroit has neighborhoods like Midtown, filled with cultural attractions and restaurants, and Corktown, Detroit's oldest neighborhood known for its historic architecture. In Toledo, Old West End is famous for its Victorian homes, while Downtown Toledo is popular due to its riverfront location and vibrant nightlife.
Houses and residents
Type
Detroit
Toledo
Houses
322,906
133,129
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.3
Median year apartment built
1953
1967
Median year house/condo built
1946
1953
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.7 years
15.4 years
Houses occupied
251,729 (78%)
120,895 (90.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
129,084 (51.3%)
67,831 (56.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
122,645 (48.7%)
53,064 (43.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$798.06
$666.64
Median monthly housing costs
$755
$752
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$86,452
$77,176
Estimated median house or condo value
$69,300
$100,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.7
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
5
4.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$96,752
$114,880
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$72,631
$106,468
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$183,952
$56,240
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$242,851
$108,374
Median house price - mobile homes
$43,864
$141,902
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$128,652
$127,839
Median house price - All housing units
$101,554
$114,763
Median house age
74
65
Renting percentage
48.9%
44.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,326.9
1,651.3
House value disparities
48.4%
38.9%
Household income disparities
49.3%
45.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$61,259
$70,155
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$38,901
$46,019
Housing units without a mortgage
2,599 (5.6%)
1,756 (4.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,270 (4.9%)
2,444 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
43,675 (94.4%)
37,635 (95.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
357 (0.8%)
70 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,466 (7.5%)
3,377 (8.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
16
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
17.1%
4.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
13.6%
4.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Detroit
Toledo
One, detached
66.0%
66.3%
One, attached
6.1%
3.4%
Two
6.5%
5.0%
3 or 4
2.7%
4.7%
5 to 9
2.2%
5.2%
10 to 19
2.7%
4.9%
20 to 49
3.9%
3.1%
50 or more
9.4%
5.4%
Mobile homes
0.5%
2.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
11,725
5,059
State government workers
8,763
3,238
Unpaid family workers
441
91
Industries and Occupations
Detroit's major industries include the automotive industry, healthcare, education, and technology. Toledo’s economy is led by industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, specifically in glass and auto parts.
In terms of healthcare, Detroit is home to numerous top-rated hospitals, including the Detroit Medical Center and Henry Ford Hospital. Toledo also offers quality healthcare, with the Toledo Hospital being highly ranked in Ohio.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Detroit
Toledo
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Detroit's infrastructure is robust, benefiting from significant investment over recent years. Still, like many parts of the US, Detroit struggles with aging infrastructure. Toledo also faces similar challenges, but has been implementing measures to improve its infrastructure system, especially in relation to water quality and road conditions.
Infrastructure
Type
Detroit
Toledo
Hospitals
41
18
TV stations
16
12
Arenas or stadiums
4
2
Bank branches located here
98
77
Bank institutions located here
12
11
Main business address for public companies
11
9
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
10
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Detroit
Toledo
1999
2,901
1,192
2000
4,079
1,302
2001
3,815
1,034
2002
3,247
719
2003
5,511
841
2004
9,068
1,086
2005
13,958
1,399
2006
16,654
1,229
2007
10,742
767
2008
2,823
408
2009
484
149
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural scenes and diverse food offerings. Detroit has a worldwide reputation for Motown music, while Toledo offers a thriving art scene including the Toledo Museum of Art. Detroit's food scene features everything from Middle Eastern cuisine to Detroit-style pizza, while in Toledo, local favorites include Tony Packo's chili dogs and Schmucker's pies.
Sports Teams
Detroit boasts four major professional sports teams – the Lions (NFL), Tigers (MLB), Pistons (NBA), and Red Wings (NHL). Toledo has minor league teams like the Mud Hens (baseball) and the Walleye (hockey), which have dedicated local followings.
Detroit, MI
Toledo, OH
Detroit, MI and 
Toledo, OH : 55.4 miles
