Game 6: Saturday, October 5, 2024 | Michigan vs. Washington | Husky Stadium | 7:30 PM
The Michigan Wolverines will head to Seattle this weekend for their first away game of the season, taking on the Washington Huskies. This game marks an important test for Michigan as they enter a formidable environment at Husky Stadium under the lights. While the game promises to be exciting on the field, it’s also an opportunity to compare two great college towns: Ann Arbor and Seattle.
Ann Arbor, MI vs. Seattle, WA
Ann Arbor and Seattle differ significantly in terms of size, economy, and cost of living. Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, has a population of approximately 119,000, making it a vibrant, mid-sized college town. In contrast, Seattle is a bustling metropolis with a population of 755,078 in King County, providing a major urban backdrop for the University of Washington.
Economic Indicators: Income, Cost of Living, and Employment
The economic landscapes of Ann Arbor and Seattle reveal some striking differences:
- Median Household Income: Seattle’s median household income is significantly higher at $116,068, compared to Ann Arbor’s $78,546. This is largely due to the presence of major corporations like Amazon and Microsoft in Seattle, driving higher salaries across the region.
- Cost of Living: Seattle’s cost of living index is considerably higher, at 134.9, compared to Ann Arbor’s 99.5. The high cost of housing and living expenses in Seattle reflects the rapid growth and demand for housing in the area.
- Unemployment Rate: Both cities have similar unemployment rates, with Seattle at 4.9% and Ann Arbor at 4.8% as of July 2024. Both areas benefit from diverse economies that support stable employment levels.
Education and Research: Comparing Academic Strengths
Both the University of Michigan and the University of Washington are prestigious research institutions with strong academic programs:
- Educational Attainment: Ann Arbor stands out with 77.5% of its residents aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Seattle follows closely, with 66.7% of its population having a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- University Enrollment and Graduates: The University of Washington is slightly larger, enrolling 57,633 students in Fall 2022 compared to Michigan’s 51,225. In terms of graduates, Washington awarded 14,676 degrees in 2022-2023, while Michigan produced 16,132 graduates.
- Research and Development (R&D) Expenditures: Both universities are major research institutions. Michigan spent $1.77 billion on R&D in 2022, ranking #4 nationally, while Washington spent $1.56 billion, ranking #5. Both universities contribute significantly to research and innovation in their respective regions.
Looking Ahead
As Michigan faces Washington in their first away game of the season, it’s more than just a battle on the football field. This game also reflects the differences between the vibrant college town of Ann Arbor and the bustling urban hub of Seattle. Ann Arbor’s close-knit community and strong tech-driven economy offer a contrasting experience to Seattle’s fast-paced, corporate-driven environment.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re interested in discovering more about what makes Ann Arbor a thriving community, our business development team at SPARK is here to help. We can connect you with detailed data, resources, and insights about the region to support your business decisions or relocation plans. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in tapping into the opportunities that Ann Arbor has to offer.
In case you missed it, here are links to the regional comparisons we’ve posted so far this season:
Game 1: Ann Arbor vs. Fresno, CA
Game 2: Ann Arbor vs. Austin, TX
Game 3: Ann Arbor vs. Jonesboro, AR
Game 4: Ann Arbor vs. Los Angeles, CA
Game 5: Ann Arbor vs. Minneapolis, MN
