Signs of economic instability emerge in Oakland County, one of Michigan’s wealthiest

A sociologist’s analysis of a Michigan county reveals pockets of economic instability as rising housing costs continue to pressure residents.

By: Grigoris Argeros, Eastern Michigan University and Jordyn Gerwig, Eastern Michigan University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 21, 2026

Words: 1,130

Last Updated: 3 months, 1 week ago

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By Grigoris Argeros, Eastern Michigan University and Jordyn Gerwig, Eastern Michigan University

Oakland County, home to nearly 1.3 million residents, ranks among Michigan’s wealthiest counties.

But that description does not tell the whole story.

Since 2020, Oakland County’s population and income have grown steadily. Over the same period, Wayne County’s population declined, and Macomb County experienced slower growth.

Oakland County also has higher incomes overall. Median household income is …

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