Introduction

Dearborn Heights is one of those “wait… I’ve driven through here a hundred times” Metro Detroit cities—close to everything, easy to navigate, and full of classic Michigan housing stock. People looking at Wayne County often put it on the shortlist because it sits near major corridors, offers a lot of traditional neighborhoods, and generally keeps day-to-day errands simple.

In this post, I’m breaking down what it’s actually like to live in Dearborn Heights—where it is, what homes cost, how taxes work (no mystery math, I promise), what you can do for fun, and how to think about schools in a neutral, data-based way.

Where Is Dearborn Heights, Michigan Located?

Dearborn Heights, Michigan is a city in Wayne County within the Detroit metro area. Based on U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Dearborn Heights covers about 11.7 square miles of land area. Census.gov

From a commute-and-convenience perspective, it’s positioned near major regional roadways and job centers in and around Detroit and Dearborn. If you like the idea of being able to get to a lot of Metro Detroit without planning your entire day around the drive, that’s a big part of the appeal.

For a reality check on daily commuting, QuickFacts also reports a mean travel time to work of about 24.3 minutes for residents (2019–2023). Census.gov

Cost of Living in Dearborn Heights, Michigan

Let’s talk “real life” costs—housing first, then the things that quietly add up.

Based on U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (2019–2023), Dearborn Heights shows:

• Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $174,900 Census.gov

• Median gross rent: $1,134 Census.gov

• Median selected monthly owner costs (with a mortgage): $1,424 Census.gov

For a statewide comparison point, Michigan’s median value of owner-occupied housing units is $217,600 (2019–2023), per U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Census.gov

If you like cost-of-living “index” style summaries, BestPlaces.net lists Dearborn Heights with a cost of living score of 91.8 (U.S. average = 100) and notes it’s slightly lower than the Michigan average overall. bestplaces.net

Utilities and transportation costs vary by household (and by how often you’re commuting versus working from home), so the best way to use these numbers is as a baseline—not a personal budget guarantee.

Real Estate & Housing Overview

Dearborn Heights real estate is heavily defined by established neighborhoods and a lot of mid-century style housing. In practical terms, that often means you’ll see plenty of:

• Brick ranch homes

• Split-levels and colonials in some pockets

• Homes with practical layouts (and, yes, a lot of “original charm” kitchens)

On the “own vs. rent” side, U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts reports an owner-occupied housing unit rate of 71.6% (2019–2023). Census.gov

As for pricing: the most stable public metric to cite citywide is the Census median value (not list price), because list prices can shift week to week. For Dearborn Heights, that Census median value is $174,900 (2019–2023). Census.gov

New construction exists in the broader region, but the city’s inventory is largely existing homes—so condition, updates, and inspection details tend to matter a lot in the buying process. (Translation: two similar-looking ranches can have very different “real” costs depending on roofs, HVAC, and mechanicals.)

Property Taxes in Dearborn Heights, Michigan

Property taxes in Michigan can feel confusing until you realize there are two different “values” that matter: assessed/state-equalized concepts and taxable value rules, plus local millage rates that vary by area and exemptions.

A big statewide concept to know: Michigan’s Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) can exempt a primary residence from the school operating tax portion up to 18 mills, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. Michigan.gov

Now for the local “what actually happens with bills” piece: the City of Dearborn Heights Treasurer’s Office explains that winter tax bills are typically mailed in early December and are due by February 14, with a one-time 3% penalty added on February 15 for unpaid winter taxes; after March 1, real property taxes are considered delinquent and are paid to Wayne County. dearbornheightsmi.gov

If you want an example of how deadlines can shift when dates land on weekends/holidays, the city’s Tax Collection Dates document notes a winter deadline of Monday, February 16, 2026, with late fees applying starting Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (per the document’s cited legal reference). dearbornheightsmi.gov

And one more helpful “mechanics” note: Michigan Treasury guidance explains that after certain transfers of ownership, taxable value can “uncap,” and taxable value is set in relation to true cash value (with state equalized value referenced as 50% of true cash value). Michigan.gov

No two households have identical tax situations, so the safe rule is: confirm your specific property’s numbers directly with the local assessor/treasurer before you buy.

Things to Do & Lifestyle

Dearborn Heights leans into everyday, local lifestyle—parks, rec programs, and easy access to nearby Metro Detroit activities.

A few city-based anchors include:

• Canfield Community Center (city recreation hub) dearbornheightsmi.gov

• Richard A. Young Recreation Center (programs and activities) dearbornheightsmi.gov

• Berwyn Senior Recreation Center and Eton Senior Recreation Center (senior-focused programs) dearbornheightsmi.gov

If you like long, scenic park drives and trail-adjacent hangouts, the Hines Drive corridor is a well-known regional feature. Wayne County’s park info describes the origin/history of Hines Drive and its connection to the larger park system. waynecountymi.gov

And for a “this is actually in Dearborn Heights” example, Wayne County parks programming references Helms Haven Park (Dearborn Heights) as a location for events/programming. waynecountymi.gov

Bottom line: if your idea of fun includes a rec class, a park walk, a casual weekend activity, or being close enough to Detroit to decide last-minute, Dearborn Heights fits that rhythm well.

Schools & Education (Neutral Framing)

Dearborn Heights is served by multiple public school districts, and the “right fit” often depends on the specific address.

Some of the districts you’ll commonly see connected with Dearborn Heights include:

• Crestwood School District (Dearborn Heights) GreatSchools.org

• Dearborn Heights School District #7 GreatSchools.org

• Westwood Community School District GreatSchools.org

When researching schools, GreatSchools provides school profiles and ratings based on multiple measures (test scores, student progress, equity data, etc.), which can be useful as a starting point—but it’s still smart to compare multiple sources and, if possible, visit. For example, GreatSchools’ Crestwood School District page lists top-rated schools within that district, along with methodology notes. GreatSchools.org

(And yes: school boundaries can change over time, so always verify the district assignment for any specific property before making a decision.)

Pros & Cons of Living in Dearborn Heights, Michigan

• Median home value baseline is $174,900 (2019–2023), per U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Census.gov

• Owner-occupied housing rate is 71.6% (2019–2023), per U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Census.gov

• Mean commute time is about 24.3 minutes (2019–2023), per U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Census.gov

• City recreation options include Canfield Community Center and multiple recreation centers, per the City of Dearborn Heights Parks & Recreation page. dearbornheightsmi.gov

• Winter tax timing and penalties are clearly outlined by the City Treasurer’s Office (due Feb 14; penalty Feb 15; delinquent real property taxes to county after March 1). dearbornheightsmi.gov

• The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) can reduce school operating tax up to 18 mills for eligible primary residences, per Michigan Department of Treasury. Michigan.gov

• Multiple school districts serve the city (address-dependent), including Crestwood, Dearborn Heights School District #7, and Westwood, per GreatSchools district pages. GreatSchools.org+2GreatSchools.org+2

• Cost-of-living index summaries vary by methodology; BestPlaces reports an overall cost of living score of 91.8 (U.S.=100). bestplaces.net

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Dearborn Heights, Michigan

1) What county is Dearborn Heights in?
Dearborn Heights is in Wayne County, per U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Census.gov

2) How big is Dearborn Heights, Michigan?
QuickFacts lists Dearborn Heights at about 11.7 square miles of land area. Census.gov

3) What is the average commute time from Dearborn Heights?
The mean travel time to work is about 24.3 minutes (2019–2023), according to U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Census.gov

4) What do homes cost in Dearborn Heights?
A stable citywide benchmark is the Census median value of owner-occupied housing units: $174,900 (2019–2023), per U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Census.gov

5) How much is rent in Dearborn Heights?
Median gross rent is $1,134 (2019–2023), according to U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Census.gov

6) Is Dearborn Heights more affordable than Michigan overall?
Michigan’s median home value is $217,600 (2019–2023), per U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, which is higher than Dearborn Heights’ median value. Census.gov+1

7) When are winter property taxes due in Dearborn Heights?
The City Treasurer’s Office states winter taxes are due by February 14, with a one-time 3% penalty added on February 15 if unpaid. dearbornheightsmi.gov

8) What happens if winter taxes aren’t paid by March 1?
The Treasurer’s Office notes real property taxes become delinquent and must be paid to Wayne County starting March 1. dearbornheightsmi.gov

9) What is the Michigan Principal Residence Exemption (PRE)?
Michigan Treasury explains the PRE exempts a primary residence from school operating taxes up to 18 mills (if eligible). Michigan.gov

10) Which school districts serve Dearborn Heights?
Common districts associated with Dearborn Heights include Crestwood School District, Dearborn Heights School District #7, and Westwood Community School District (depending on address). GreatSchools.org+2GreatSchools.org+2

11) Where can I find local recreation programs in Dearborn Heights?
The city’s Parks & Recreation department lists facilities and program links, including Canfield Community Center and the Richard A. Young Recreation Center. dearbornheightsmi.gov

12) Is there access to regional parks nearby?
Wayne County’s park information references Hines Drive as part of the regional park system context, and Wayne County programming also references Helms Haven Park in Dearborn Heights. waynecountymi.gov+1

13) How should I compare “cost of living” sources?
Indexes can be useful, but they vary by inputs. BestPlaces reports a Dearborn Heights cost of living score of 91.8 (U.S.=100) and breaks down categories like housing and transportation. bestplaces.net

14) Do property taxes change when you buy a home in Michigan?
Michigan Treasury guidance explains taxable value can “uncap” after certain transfers of ownership, which can change taxes for a new owner compared to the prior bill. Michigan.gov

15) What’s the safest way to verify school assignment and taxes for a specific house?
Use the property’s exact address to confirm school district assignment (district boundary tools + district verification) and confirm tax details directly with the local assessor/treasurer, since exemptions and taxable value rules can vary by situation. (The PRE basics are outlined by Michigan Treasury as a statewide reference.) Michigan.gov+1

To Conclude:

If you're looking to move to, from, or within the state of Michigan in one day or a million, I help people do just that and I love it as a Michigan Realtor. Please reach out anytime for help — I’m happy to be your go-to resource.

Question for you!

What’s the biggest “must-have” on your list if you were moving to Dearborn Heights—commute, home style, parks, or something else?