Raising a family in a diverse community shapes how children perceive and interact with the world. For many parents, it’s an essential factor when choosing where to live.
Niche, a trusted source for rankings and data on schools, towns, and colleges, has just released its 2024 list of the Most Diverse Places to Live. This ranking highlights the top spots in Oakland County for families, based on a range of factors, including ethnic and economic diversity.
These statistics were calculated based on ethnic and economic diversity statistics by city from the U.S. Census. Explore the full methodology to learn more.
Read on to see what Oakland County towns made the list.
This story was updated on Oct. 22, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. Her update included adding a graphic. Questions? Please email katina@metroparent.com.
Most diverse places in Oakland County
1. Pontiac
- Average home value: $100,100
- Population: 61,965
Pontiac is known for its many recreation options including nightlife, concert venues, sports complexes, theaters, restaurants and more.
2. Auburn Hills
- Average home value: $215,400
- Population: 24,593
With an overall score of “A” from Niche, Auburn Hills is a strong contender for families looking for a diverse place to live with a good cost of living and great outdoor activity options.
3. Oak Park
- Average home value: $176,900
- Population: 29,495
Oak Park draws many young families for its proximity to robust shopping and recreation in nearby Ferndale and Royal Oak as well as a more affordable cost of living, among other benefits.
4. Farmington Hills
- Average home value: $319,000
- Population: 83,562
Farmington Hills boasts great schools, safe neighborhoods and robust outdoor activity options.
5. Novi
- Average home value: $380,200
- Population: 65,870
Novi has some of the highest ranking schools in all of metro Detroit. Families looking for a diverse place to raise kids with plenty of parks, shopping and restaurants should consider Novi.
6. Southfield
- Average home value: $212,800
- Population: 76,107
Southfield’s location is convenient for families who wish to be in the center of the happenings in metro Detroit. Plus, access to nice nature preserves and parks.
7. Farmington
- Average home value: $262,400
- Population: 11,486
Farmington’s stellar schools and diverse neighborhoods make it a big draw for families, as are its theaters, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
8. Troy
- Average home value: $375,600
- Population: 87,170
Award winning schools aren’t the only draw in Troy. Niche ranks Troy as the #1 place to live in metro Detroit overall.
9. Wixom
- Average home value: $321,000
- Population: 17,007
Wixom is surrounded by impressive green space–residents enjoy easy access to the Proud Lake Recreation Area and Kensington Metropark.
10. West Bloomfield Charter Township
- Average home value: $375,900
- Population: 65,816
This picturesque suburb offers residents proximity to nearby lakes as well as great schools, safe neighborhoods and good housing options.
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