Performance
Score Breakdown
Grand Blanc
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elyria is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
10% higher compared to Grand Blanc.
| Metric | Grand Blanc | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $983 | $917 | +7% |
| Groceries | $518 | $450 | +15% |
| Utilities | $180 | $249 | -28% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $125 | +100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,051 | $1,861 | +10% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 24% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elyria delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Grand Blanc is estimated at
$28,500 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Grand Blanc | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $59,270 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $28,500 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,389 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $70,518 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Grand Blanc | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elyria has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Grand Blanc.
Elyria scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Elyria leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Grand Blanc | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 34 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Grand Blanc.
From a growth perspective, Grand Blanc is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Elyria has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Grand Blanc | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,034 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 39.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.80% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Grand Blanc
Advantages
Grand Blanc's violent crime rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average of 3.6 per 1,000, contributing to a strong sense of safety.
The cost of living in Grand Blanc is 5% lower than the national average, making it a more affordable place to reside.
A high percentage of adults in Grand Blanc (43.7%) hold a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a well-educated populace.
The city has a strong healthcare sector, anchored by Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, providing comprehensive medical services.
Employment in Grand Blanc grew at a rate of 2.61% from 2023 to 2024, suggesting a healthy local job market.
Drawbacks
Grand Blanc is a car-dependent city with a Walk Score of 0 out of 100, meaning almost all errands require a car.
The average commute time of 34.20 minutes is higher than the national average, potentially leading to longer travel times for residents.
The city's population is currently experiencing a slight decline, with a -0.57% annual decrease.
The unemployment rate in Grand Blanc was 5.8% in March 2026, which is higher than the national average.
Public transportation options for daily commuting are limited or non-existent, increasing reliance on personal vehicles.
Elyria
Advantages
The cost of living in Elyria is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Elyria boasts a high livability score and ample local amenities, including restaurants, grocery stores, and parks.
The city's crime rate is lower than the national average, contributing to a generally safe environment.
Housing in Elyria is notably affordable, with a median property value significantly below the national average.
Elyria offers a strong sense of community and a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Drawbacks
The employment sector in Elyria has received a low grade, indicating challenges in the job market.
Public transportation options are limited, leading to high car dependency for most residents.
Some residents perceive a lack of nightlife and entertainment options for adults, describing the city as 'boring' for that demographic.
The city faces issues with road quality, including bad streets and potholes.
Shopping opportunities have been noted as dissipating from what was once a booming city.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Grand Blanc
#49Michigan, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$983
Avg Salary
$59,270
Cost Index
95
Commute
34 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.80%
Livability
72
Business
68
Elyria
#13Ohio, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
13.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
75
Business
50
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