Royal Oak, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
57,950
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$101,109/yr
6.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
31,130
-0.3% year-over-year change

Royal Oak population

How many people live in Royal Oak

Royal Oak is home to 57,950 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Royal Oak locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
57,950
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
29,463
Female
49.2%
28,487
Value Percent YoY change
Male 29,463 50.8% -0.2%
Female 28,487 49.2% 0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Royal Oak is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.5% are children under 15, then 10.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 37.2% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.5%
15 to 24
10.5%
25 to 44
37.2%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
15.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,258 12.5% -0.2%
15 to 24 6,102 10.5% -1.1%
25 to 44 21,557 37.2% -0.3%
45 to 64 14,018 24.2% -0.2%
Over 65 9,015 15.6% 2.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Royal Oak, 92.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81.7% of locals are Caucasian, 6.1% are African American and 3.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.1%
Non-citizens
2.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 53,536 92.4% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,974 5.1% -3.2%
Non-citizens 1,440 2.5% -10.3%
Racial breakdown
White
81.7%
Black or African American
6.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
3.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.2%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 47,324 81.7%
Black or African American 3,551 6.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 50 0.1%
Asian 2,088 3.6%
Two or more races 4,169 7.2%
Other 768 1.3%

Households in Royal Oak

A peek inside Royal Oak households

Royal Oak has 29,110 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 43.7% are families, while the remaining 56.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
29,110
-0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
16,394
Family households
12,716
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 16,394 56.3% -0.9%
Family households 12,716 43.7% -0.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Royal Oak

The housing landscape of Royal Oak

Royal Oak's housing consists of 31,130 units, with 64.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
31,130
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 20,180 64.8%
1 unit, attached 1,690 5.4%
2 units 702 2.3%
3 or 4 units 1,280 4.1%
5 to 9 units 2,355 7.6%
10 to 19 units 1,402 4.5%
20 to 49 units 2,137 6.9%
50 or more units 1,339 4.3%
Mobile home 45 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
398
362.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Royal Oak

In Royal Oak, the median construction year is 1956. About 16.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 15.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,151 16.6% 3.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 4,795 15.4% -4.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 8,896 28.6% 0.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,975 12.8% -2.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,841 9.1% -7.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,326 4.3% -0.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 908 2.9% -14.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,162 3.7% 2.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,678 5.4% 0.5%
Built in 2020 or later 398 1.3% 362.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Royal Oak occupancy rates

Out of the 29,110 occupied housing units in Royal Oak, 68% are owner-occupied, while 32% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
29,110
-0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
9,319
Owner occupied
19,791
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 9,319 32% -5.4%
Owner occupied 19,791 68% 1.5%
Unoccupied housing units
6.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Royal Oak housing costs

Housing costs in Royal Oak come to a median of $1,452 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,381.

Median housing costs per month
$1,452/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Royal Oak
$1,381/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Royal Oak

Royal Oak education at a glance

About 14.4% of the population in Royal Oak went to high school, while 16.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.1% earned an associate degree and 39.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 23.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 452 0.9% -8.3%
High school diploma 7,081 14.4% -9.9%
College diploma 7,959 16.1% -0.8%
Associate degree 2,999 6.1% 4.6%
Bachelor's degree 19,328 39.2% 1.6%
Graduate degree 11,541 23.4% 4.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Royal Oak

How much people earn in Royal Oak

The average annual household income in Royal Oak was $128,805 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $101,109, reflecting a +6.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Royal Oak
$128,805/year
5.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Royal Oak
$101,109/year
6.2% year-over-year change

Royal Oak income by age

In Royal Oak, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $120,816. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $114,030 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $78,968, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $59,184 in earnings. Overall, 93.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $78,968 7.1%
25 - 44 $120,816 4.2%
45 - 64 $114,030 7.9%
Over 65 $59,184 8.3%
Above poverty level
53,502
Below poverty level
3,568
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 53,502 93.8% -0.2%
Below poverty level 3,568 6.2% 4.3%

Average renter income in Royal Oak

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Royal Oak, their median household income was $70,122 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 23.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$70,122
Rent-to-income ratio
23.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Royal Oak

Workforce and job types in Royal Oak

The job market in Royal Oak is powered by 36,008 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 71% are employed by private companies, and 8.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
36,008
-0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
32,618
Blue collar
3,390
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 32,618 90.6% -0.8%
Blue collar 3,390 9.4% -1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
71%
Governmental workers
8.3%
Not for profit companies
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,017 8.4% -1.6%
Private companies 25,581 71% -1.2%
Governmental workers 2,981 8.3% -3.0%
Not for profit companies 4,429 12.3% 3.5%
Unemployment rate
3.5%
12.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Royal Oak stands at 3.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Royal Oak

How people get around in Royal Oak

In Royal Oak, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 70.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 24,782 70.1% -5.2%
Bus or trolleybus 26 0.1% -55.2%
Bicycle 121 0.3% 55.1%
Walk 534 1.5% -3.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Royal Oak by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48067 24,868 12,777 $112,840 $139,920
48073 33,106 16,354 $91,627 $120,009

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FAQs about Royal Oak demographics 

What is the total population of Royal Oak?

Royal Oak has a total population of 57,950 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Royal Oak?

The gender ratio in Royal Oak is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (29,463 residents)
  • 49.2% females (28,487 residents)

What is the median age in Royal Oak?

The median age in Royal Oak is 36.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Royal Oak?

The age distribution in Royal Oak is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.5% (7,258 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.5% (6,102 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 37.2% (21,557 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (14,018 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.6% (9,015 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Royal Oak?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Royal Oak is as follows:
  • White: 81.7% (47,324 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.1% (3,551 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (50 residents)
  • Asian: 3.6% (2,088 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.2% (4,169 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (768 residents)

What percentage of the population in Royal Oak are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.4% of the population in Royal Oak.

How many housing units are there in Royal Oak?

There are 31,130 housing units in Royal Oak, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Royal Oak and what is the average household size?

Royal Oak has a total of 29,110 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Royal Oak?

Royal Oak has a median household income of $101,109, representing a +6.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Royal Oak?

The employment rate is 96.5% in Royal Oak, with a workforce of 36,008 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.6% (32,618 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.4% (3,390 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (3,017 residents)
  • Private companies: 71% (25,581 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.3% (2,981 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.3% (4,429 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025