Skip to main content
Community Profile

A collection of giant metal flower sculptures that line 9 Mile Road in Oak Park, Michigan.

Oak Park is a well‑established community with a clear plan for the future. The city is known for its diversity, strong neighborhoods and central location — only 10 minutes from access to four major freeways. This connectivity makes Oak Park an attractive place for businesses that serve the wider region and for residents seeking convenience, stability and local pride.

The city’s Economic Development team supports new and existing businesses from concept through construction. Staff can provide market research, site selection assistance and guidance through the site‑plan and development process.

Voters approved Class C liquor licenses in 2015, creating new opportunities for restaurants and other hospitality‑focused businesses. That same year, Oak Park became a One‑Stop Ready community through Oakland County and earned Top Performing eCities recognition from the University of Michigan‑Dearborn.

In 2018, Oak Park became the 23rd Redevelopment Ready Certified Community in Michigan, streamlining development procedures and unlocking access to new incentives and tools for economic growth.

Area Trends

As part of the Detroit metropolitan region, Oak Park benefits from trends across Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties. Growth in Oakland County has supported major transportation investments, including the completion of I‑696 and the widening of I‑75 north of Square Lake Road. These improvements have strengthened the city’s access to jobs, customers and business partners.

The east–west connection created by I‑696 links communities from the Grosse Pointes to Farmington Hills, improving mobility that did not exist a generation ago. Shorter, more reliable travel times bring the region closer socially and economically.

Increases in home prices throughout northern and western suburbs have made Oak Park an appealing option for first‑time buyers and young families seeking affordability, stability and strong neighborhoods.

An Oak Park Department of Public Safety officer kneels next to a boy dressed as a policeman for Halloween.

Demographics

  • County: Oakland County

  • Land area: 5.16 square miles

  • Residential population: 29,560

  • Population density: 5,743 residents per square mile

  • Total households: 11,719

  • Number of businesses: 1,031

  • Homeownership rate: 57.9 percent

  • High‑school graduate or higher: 93.1 percent

School districts serving Oak Park

  • Berkley Public School District

  • Ferndale Public School District

  • Oak Park Public School District

Public amenities

Oak Park offers a wide range of amenities, including:

  • State of the art Event Hub and Band Shell

  • Community Center

  • Public Library

  • Neighborhood parks

  • Sledding hill

  • Basketball, baseball and tennis facilities

  • Park shelters and picnic areas

Annual events

The city hosts events throughout the year, including:
Winterfest

  • Daddy‑Daughter Dance

  • Family Fun Fest

  • Independence Day Parade and Fun Fest

  • Summer Concert Series

  • Summer Blast

  • Cruise and Groove

  • Tower Tailgate

  • Oaktoberfest 

  • Halloween Boo Bash

  • Low‑Cost Animal Immunization Clinic

  • Public Safety Open House