Michigan was represented by two cities in WalletHub’s 2025 Best & Worst Cities for People with Disabilities study — Grand Rapids and Detroit — with results revealing sharp contrasts in accessibility, quality of life, and economic support.
The national study compared 182 U.S. cities across three categories — economy, quality of life, and health care — using 33 metrics such as housing affordability, employment rates, accessibility, and medical resources. Each city was scored on a 100-point scale, with higher scores reflecting stronger conditions for residents with disabilities.
Grand Rapids: Top 30 nationally
Grand Rapids ranked 26th overall with a total score of 54.70. The city performed particularly well in quality of life (23rd) and health care (50th), though its economy ranking was lower (105th). Its placement in the top 30 underscores its relative strength as a supportive mid-sized city for residents with disabilities.
Detroit: Facing economic barriers
Detroit ranked 123rd overall with a total score of 48.04. While the city performed better in quality of life (55th) and health care (90th), its economy ranking (170th) pulled its score down. Detroit also placed 179th nationwide for the percentage of residents with disabilities living in poverty, highlighting persistent economic barriers to accessibility and inclusion.
Taken together, Michigan’s results highlight a divide. Grand Rapids demonstrates how mid-sized cities can create stronger support systems for people with disabilities, while Detroit’s challenges point to the urgent need for economic investment and improved accessibility. These findings suggest opportunities for statewide policy and community efforts to help close the gap between Michigan’s largest urban center and its mid-sized communities…