Wixom

Located close to  Oakland City, Michigan, Wixom was once known for its rich automotive and railroad industries. 

After a $200 million project to revitalize its downtown area, the Old World-style Wixom has transformed into the bustling suburb it is today.

The community-centric location is home to over 14,050 residents belonging to five thriving neighborhoods.

Young professionals, families, and seniors enjoy  a vibrant village, thanks to Wixom’s exciting variety of parks, local businesses, regular events, and recreational opportunities.

A Brief History of Wixom

To appreciate the rich roots of Wixom, let’s begin with a brief history of the city of Wixom in Michigan:

After humble beginnings as a railroad junction, Wixom attracted many businesses, stores, and investors. Soon, a village began to take root in the area.

Wixom soon became home to a lumber yard and a prosperous cider mill. The small village turned into the largest grain handling point in Michigan.

By the late 1880s, Wixom was also famous for farming, agriculture and dairy.

After a disastrous fire in 1925, the Wixom community worked hard to rebuild a new urban-suburban location.

In 1957, portions of the Commerce and Novi Townships were incorporated as the village of Wixom. The following year, Wixom was incorporated as a city.

Development of Wixom Downtown

By 1989, Wixom began acquiring more lands for:

• Parks
• Conservation areas
• Cemeteries
• Commercial and residential development projects
• New city buildings

By the 1990s, a community library, new police headquarters, and government buildings were erected in the area.

In 2005, investors put in $200 million for the rebirth of downtown Wixom.

According to then-mayor Michael Dornan, the goal was to build a unique and healthy community. Wixom wasn’t going to be your run-of-the-mill urban center or green space development project.

The construction of the Wixom Village Center gave rise to over 800 ranch-style condominiums and single-family homes. The city plan also included on-street parking and over 150,000 square feet of retail space. 

The new buildings all take on the eclectic architecture of the 1800s to the 1900s. 

The Tribute or Wixom Village Center contains an exciting mix of retail shops, service shops, restaurants, and a pedestrian plaza.

This is all to revive local businesses and encourage younger populations to take an interest in the bustling city.

Location and Geography

Wixom is a city located in Oakland County, Michigan. 

The suburb is part of metropolitan Detroit, located about 20 miles northwest of the city of Detroit. 

The city of Wixom has a total area of 9.37 square miles (24.26 km2), consisting of:

• Land: 9.15 square miles (23.70 km2)
• Water: 0.21 square miles (0.54 km2) 

Population

In the 2021 census, Wixom, Michigan, had a population of approximately 14,180. 

This means the city has an annual growth rate of 0.47%

This also puts Wixom as the 67th largest city in the state of Michigan.

The population consists of:

• About 53% of the population is female, while 47% of the population is male.
• About 11,000 of the Wixom population are adults, with 1,500+ being seniors.

According to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Wixom is estimated to now have a total population of almost 25,000. Just how fast is the city growing and progressing? Well, Wixom has grown by a whopping 85% since 2000. 

Real estate 

Wixom has a harmonious mix of Old World and ranch-style condominiums, townhouses, and single-family homes.

More than half the people in this  urban-suburban mixed city rent their homes. The median gross rent between 2015 to 2019 is approximately $745.

Between 2015 to 2019, 49% of Wixom housing units were owner-occupied. Married couples own the majority of owner-occupied homes at 78%.

The median value of two-bedroom owner-occupied housing units in Wixom is around $250,000 to $300,000. Monthly owner costs are estimated to be:

• With mortgage: $1,740
• Without mortgage: $580

Job Opportunities 

The labor force participation rate is at 76.3%, with an:

• Employment rate of 74.7%
• Unemployment rate of 2.1%

Compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.7%, the unemployment rate in Wixom is well below the national average.

Wixom has a mix of blue-collar and white-collar jobs.

However, the workforce is made mainly of:

• Sales and office workers
• Administrative and management occupations
• Professionals
• Service providers

Additionally, Wixom is home to 95% more math and computer-related jobs compared to other locations in the US.

Wixom also hosts multiple production and manufacturing companies, all major employers in Michigan:

• Trijicon
• Discraft
• NGK
• Majic Window
• Foster Specialty Floors
• MAC Valves, Inc.

Income 

In 2019, Wixom’s median household income was approximately $53,260. Wixom’s median household income was well below the national average ($68,700).

On the other hand, the average income of a Wixom resident is about $31,700 annually. This is above the US average of $28,550 a year.

Wixom’s average household income in 2021 was estimated at $80,600. 

Additionally, Wixom’s poverty rate is estimated at 8.73%. This is below the national average of 11.4%

Education

In terms of education, Wixom has one of the most impressive educational attainment rates. 

About 95% of the population has graduated high school or higher. As well, 43.5% will have gotten a bachelor’s degree or higher. 

This is almost double the national average of over 25 year-olds that have finished four years of college (22%).

Transportation and Commute

Compared to the national average of 26.4 minutes, the average one-way commute in Wixom is relatively shorter at 25.9 minutes.

The majority of people who commute to work drive in their car alone (86.5%). This is followed by 7.2% of residents who carpool to work.

The remaining citizens either work from home, walk or cycle to work.

Unfortunately, the city of Wixom has yet to set up public transportation.

On the other hand, Wixom does offer People’s Express Senior Transportation services for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Recreation

Wixom is known for its healthy community-centered parks and recreational activities.

Thanks to the city’s on-street layout, restaurants, retail shops, and trails are easily accessible.

Exciting events in Wixom are regularly announced via the Wixom.gov website. Here you’ll find various activities held at the Community Center, ​​City Wide, Gilbert Willis Park, Sibley Square Park, Gunnar Mettala, and more.

Wixom, MI FAQ 

What is Wixom, Michigan known for?

Wixom is located in Oakland County, Michigan. It’s known for its historical roots in the automotive and railroad industry.

Wixom was also the location of the Wixom Assembly Plant from 1957 to 2007.

Today it is home to several manufacturing and production companies.

Does Wixom, MI have a downtown?

Thanks to the $200 million windfall from investors, downtown Wixom now boasts a thriving downtown. 

Wixom has evolved into a vibrant community-centered village that is host to eclectic local businesses, parks, and charming recreational opportunities.

Is Wixom, Michigan a good place to live?

Wixom attracts families, seniors, and young professionals who are looking to live in a bustling city with a touch of suburban charm.

Aside from its rich history, Wixom, Michigan provides many great opportunities, including real estate prospects, employment, income, education, and recreation.

If you’re thinking of buying your first home in Wixom, find a local, trusted real estate agent like me –– Robert Harrell. Feel free to contact me at 248-363-8300 for inquiries about Wixom houses for sale or the Wixom home buying process.

Sources:

https://cityofwixom.com/

https://www.wixomgov.org/departments/city-manager/wixom-seniors/senior-transportation

https://cityofwixom.com/DocumentView.aspx?DID=798

http://www.wixomhistoricalsociety.org/wixom-history/

https://www.areavibes.com/wixom-mi/employment/

​​https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/wixom-mi-population