When comparing Detroit, MI, and Virginia Beach, VA, one will find distinct differences in lifestyle, economy, and culture, defining both cities' unique personalities. These differences span across factors such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, economy, infrastructure, occupations, real-estate, transportation, taxes, culture, and healthcare. As vibrant cities with their unique appeal, Detroit and Virginia Beach both have offerings that attract residents and tourists alike.
Distance between
Detroit, MI and
Virginia Beach, VA : 535.0 miles
Detroit's population is larger by 38%. Its population has decreased by 318,806 people (33.5%) since 2000. The population of Virginia Beach has grown by 32,415 people (7.6%) during that time.
Detroit, MI has suffered from an elevated crime rate, however, in recent years, efforts have been made to reduce these statistics and its safety index is slowly improving. Virginia Beach, VA is deemed safer with relatively lower crime rates, making it a more lucrative choice for families and older individuals who prioritize safety. Detroit's downtown area is generally safer, while certain neighborhoods in the outskirts can experience higher crime rates.
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 3,441 registered sex offenders living in Detroit and 706 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Detroit is 196 to 1; the ratio in Virginia Beach is 641 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Detroit than that in Virginia Beach.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Detroit is lower than the national average, making it attractive for individuals and families on a budget. On the other hand, Virginia Beach has a slightly higher than average cost of living, influenced by higher housing prices and a stronger job market.
Income Tax
Michigan has a flat state income tax rate of 4.25%, while Virginia adopts a progressive income tax system, ranging from 2% to 5.75%.
Property Tax
Property taxes are notably higher in Michigan than in Virginia, affecting homeownership costs.
Sales Tax
Both Michigan and Virginia have comparative sales tax rates, with Michigan slightly lower at 6% compared to Virginia's 5.3%-7%, depending on localities.
Income
Type
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Estimated median household income
$36,140
$81,634
Estimated per capita income
$22,122
$42,498
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
94.1
97
If you make $50,000 in Detroit, you will have to make $51,541 in Virginia Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Detroit is located near the Detroit River, Great Lakes, and has a flat topography. Virginia Beach's geography is defined by its positioning on the Atlantic Coast, providing an attractive coastal environment.
Both Detroit and Virginia Beach offer quality education, including public, private, and higher education institutions. However, Virginia Beach is often ranked higher when it comes to education, with schools such as Virginia Beach City Public Schools recognized for their performance.
Detroit historically relies on the auto industry with the presence of the 'Big Three' auto manufacturers. However, it's currently evolving with a growing presence in technology, healthcare, and arts. Virginia Beach is fueled by military, agribusiness, and tourism.
Biggest Employers
Detroit's biggest employers are General Motors, Ford, and Quicken Loans. In Virginia Beach, the prominent employers include the Navy, Geico, and STIHL, Inc.
There were 10 building permits issued in Detroit in 2012 (8 less than in 2011) compared to 335 building permits issued in Virginia Beach in 2012 (200 less than in 2011).
In Detroit (Wayne County), 73.1% voted for Democrats and 26.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach city), 48.1% voted for Democrats and 50.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Detroit
Virginia Beach
2020
68.6%
51.6%
30.4%
46.2%
1.0%
2.2%
2016
66.6%
44.8%
29.4%
48.4%
4.0%
6.8%
2012
73.1%
48.1%
26.2%
50.7%
0.6%
1.2%
2008
74.4%
49.3%
24.7%
50.1%
0.9%
0.6%
2004
69.7%
40.4%
29.9%
59.3%
0.4%
0.4%
2000
69.1%
41.8%
29.1%
56.1%
1.8%
2.1%
1996
69.0%
41.4%
24.0%
50.6%
7.0%
8.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Detroit
Virginia Beach
CATHOLIC CHURCH
16.3%
10.7%
11.2%
4.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.7%
0.8%
2.9%
0.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.5%
0.4%
2.4%
0.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
1.2%
0.2%
3.9%
0.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.7%
0.4%
2.8%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.4%
2.5%
4.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
1.4%
1.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.4%
4.9%
3.2%
13.6%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.3%
0.3%
0.4%
Weather
Detroit experiences a Midwest weather pattern, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Virginia Beach, lying on the Atlantic Ocean, has a humid subtropical climate, offering milder winters and hot, humid summers. The ocean's influence in Virginia Beach can also lead to hurricanes, which are virtually absent in Detroit's weather patterns.
Weather and climate
Type
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Temperature - Average
50°F
59.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.3%
73%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
83%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
53%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.6 in
45.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
86.5 in
15.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12.7%
17.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
66.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
38%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
69%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
31%
53%
Wind speed - Average
10.2 mph
10.4 mph
Average climate in Detroit, Michigan
Average climate in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Detroit
Virginia Beach
2018
90
57
0.44
0.27
12.9
6.3
25.8
31.3
N/A
0.002
10.1
6.1
1.1
0.4
2017
87
60
0.56
0.22
12.7
6.8
20.9
33.2
N/A
0.002
10.1
6.9
1.3
0.3
2016
86
66
0.47
0.21
13.2
6.5
22.0
31.7
N/A
0.002
10.9
6.1
0.8
0.4
2015
95
57
0.49
0.27
14.8
7.3
26.5
33.8
N/A
0.002
11.9
6.4
1.2
0.5
2014
95
59
0.48
0.27
14.2
7.5
24.2
33.8
N/A
0.002
12.0
6.8
1.7
1.1
2013
80
66
0.53
0.28
14.4
7.1
24.5
31.2
N/A
0.002
11.0
6.8
1.3
1.1
2012
99
76
0.49
0.29
14.6
7.8
25.7
34.6
N/A
0.002
6.6
8.1
1.7
1.1
2011
94
66
0.32
0.27
12.9
9.2
24.3
35.1
N/A
0.003
6.5
8.8
1.6
1.7
2010
96
71
0.28
0.25
11.8
4.8
24.7
38.4
0.006
0.004
12.1
N/A
1.6
2.2
2009
68
51
0.27
0.25
12.7
9.7
23.4
31.5
N/A
0.012
N/A
N/A
1.9
2.6
2008
67
77
0.27
0.23
12.8
10.3
N/A
36.2
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
2.0
3.3
2007
81
81
0.29
0.18
13.7
12.2
25.8
36.3
0.017
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
2006
63
62
0.31
0.32
14.0
N/A
19.8
36.2
0.022
0.004
N/A
N/A
3.2
3.4
2005
83
67
0.36
0.28
17.4
N/A
22.6
35.4
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.0
3.4
2004
70
80
0.43
0.30
15.0
15.9
N/A
33.3
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
4.3
2003
86
84
0.40
0.34
18.5
16.2
N/A
34.3
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.8
3.9
2002
88
99
0.36
0.40
18.3
17.8
N/A
38.0
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
5.9
2001
83
92
0.36
0.42
19.0
18.2
N/A
36.3
0.020
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
6.0
2000
71
85
0.35
0.44
18.2
15.7
N/A
36.5
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
6.5
Natural disasters
Type
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
128.5%
61.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
53.2%
35.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
0%
Transportation
Detroit has limited public transportation options and, given its historical link to the auto industry, is very car-centric. Virginia Beach also relies on cars but offers better commuting experiences due to more developed infrastructure.
Transport
Type
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
93
374
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
4%
1%
Carpooled
7.5%
9.5%
Car alone
83.4%
84.2%
Motorcycle
0%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.5%
0%
Walked
2.7%
3.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Average
30.6 min
24.8 min
Other means
26 min
23.7 min
Public transportation
47.7 min
41.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
87.1%
90.3%
In 2 person carpool
10.5%
8%
In 3 person carpool
1%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real-estate in Detroit is notably affordable compared to the national average. Virginia Beach, being a coastal city, has higher prices, particularly near the waterfront.
Neighborhoods
Detroit's neighborhoods vary with diverse ethnic enclaves. Some areas are undergoing gentrification, while others are more rundown. Virginia Beach is generally safe and well-maintained, renowned for the consistent quality of life across neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Houses
322,906
190,981
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.6
Median year apartment built
1953
1988
Median year house/condo built
1946
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.7 years
13.5 years
Houses occupied
251,729 (78%)
182,775 (95.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
129,084 (51.3%)
119,144 (65.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
122,645 (48.7%)
63,631 (34.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$798.06
$1,833
Median monthly housing costs
$755
$1,490
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$86,452
$508,833
Estimated median house or condo value
$69,300
$328,500
Median numbers of rooms
5.7
6
Median number of rooms in apartments
5
4.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
7
Median house price - detached houses
$96,752
$459,164
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$72,631
$200,674
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$183,952
$279,464
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$242,851
$229,647
Median house price - mobile homes
$43,864
$143,239
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$128,652
$261,878
Median house price - All housing units
$101,554
$401,957
Median house age
74
36
Renting percentage
48.9%
34.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,326.9
769.2
House value disparities
48.4%
29%
Household income disparities
49.3%
40.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$61,259
$104,941
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$38,901
$82,507
Housing units without a mortgage
2,599 (5.6%)
2,373 (2.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,270 (4.9%)
9,070 (10%)
Housing units with a mortgage
43,675 (94.4%)
88,748 (97.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
357 (0.8%)
287 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,466 (7.5%)
10,952 (12%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
16
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
17.1%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
13.6%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Detroit
Virginia Beach
One, detached
66.0%
53.2%
One, attached
6.1%
18.3%
Two
6.5%
1.7%
3 or 4
2.7%
4.6%
5 to 9
2.2%
9.0%
10 to 19
2.7%
4.5%
20 to 49
3.9%
2.1%
50 or more
9.4%
5.4%
Mobile homes
0.5%
1.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
11,725
9,992
State government workers
8,763
6,577
Unpaid family workers
441
251
Industries and Occupations
Detroit's primary industries are automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. In contrast, Virginia Beach focuses more on defense, tourism, agriculture, and aquaculture.
Detroit has reputable healthcare institutions, including the Detroit Medical Center and Henry Ford Health System. Virginia Beach also boasts prominent health systems such as Sentara Healthcare.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Detroit
Virginia Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Detroit shows signs of aging infrastructure, though regeneration and renovations are underway. Virginia Beach boasts better-maintained infrastructure, benefitting from military and tourist income.
Infrastructure
Type
Detroit
Virginia Beach
Hospitals
41
7
TV stations
16
24
Bank branches located here
98
96
Bank institutions located here
12
16
Main business address for public companies
11
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
6
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Detroit
Virginia Beach
1999
2,901
0
2000
4,079
0
2001
3,815
0
2002
3,247
0
2003
5,511
941
2004
9,068
1,388
2005
13,958
1,545
2006
16,654
1,502
2007
10,742
1,073
2008
2,823
340
2009
484
167
Culture and Food
Detroit is renowned for its robust arts scene, Motown heritage, and diverse food culture. Virginia Beach has a coastal culture with an emphasis on seafood and outdoor activities.
Sports Teams
Detroit boasts major league teams in every significant American sport. Virginia Beach doesn't have major league teams but residents support regional sports teams.
Detroit, MI
Virginia Beach, VA
Detroit, MI and 
Virginia Beach, VA : 535.0 miles
