Game 8: Saturday, October 26, 2024 | Michigan vs. Michigan State| Michigan Stadium | 7:30 PM
The Michigan Wolverines will host their in-state rivals, the Michigan State Spartans, in a prime-time matchup at the Big House this weekend. This historic rivalry, dating back to 1898, is one of the most intense in college football. While Michigan holds the edge in the all-time series, Michigan State has delivered dramatic upsets in recent years, particularly in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, keeping the rivalry fierce and unpredictable.
The Paul Bunyan Trophy, awarded to the winner since 1953, symbolizes statewide bragging rights and adds even more significance to this already heated contest. As the Wolverines and Spartans prepare to clash on the field, let’s also explore how their respective college towns, Ann Arbor and East Lansing, compare off the field.
Ann Arbor, MI vs. East Lansing, MI
Ann Arbor and East Lansing, home to the University of Michigan and Michigan State University respectively, are two of Michigan’s most well-known college towns. Though both are deeply connected to their universities, they offer distinct atmospheres and experiences. Ann Arbor, with a population of approximately 119,000, is significantly larger than East Lansing, which has a population of about 48,528. Ann Arbor’s proximity to Detroit and its role as a hub for technology and research give it a more urban feel, while East Lansing maintains a smaller, close-knit college town atmosphere.
Economic Indicators: Income, Cost of Living, and Employment
The economic landscapes of these two cities reflect the differences in their size and economic drivers:
- Median Household Income: Ann Arbor’s median household income stands at $78,546, compared to East Lansing’s $44,094. The higher income in Ann Arbor is indicative of the tech-driven economy and higher-paying jobs tied to the University of Michigan and its surrounding industries.
- Cost of Living: East Lansing is more affordable, with a cost of living index of 90.4 compared to Ann Arbor’s 99.5. Housing in East Lansing is more affordable, which makes it an attractive option for students and residents alike.
- Unemployment Rate: As of August 2024, East Lansing has a slightly higher unemployment rate at 4.7% compared to Ann Arbor’s 4.2%. Ann Arbor’s economy benefits from a more diversified job market, driven by technology, research, and education.
Education and Research: Comparing Academic Strengths
Both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University are prestigious institutions, though their academic offerings and research strengths differ:
- Educational Attainment: Ann Arbor boasts a highly educated population, with 77.5% of residents aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. In comparison, 67.8% of East Lansing’s population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- University Enrollment and Graduates: Michigan enrolled 51,225 students in Fall 2022, slightly more than Michigan State’s 50,023. In terms of graduates, Michigan awarded 16,132 degrees during the 2022-2023 academic year, while Michigan State awarded 12,780.
- Research and Development (R&D) Expenditures: The University of Michigan leads in research spending, with $1.77 billion spent on R&D in 2022, ranking #4 nationally. Michigan State, while still impressive, spent $759.2 million, ranking #40. Both universities contribute significantly to research, but Michigan’s larger investment underscores its leadership in innovation and technological advancement.
Looking Ahead
As Michigan and Michigan State prepare for their 117th meeting on the football field, both teams are well aware of the stakes. Michigan looks to bounce back from recent losses and finish the season strong, while Michigan State is hoping to build on its recent offensive success. With state pride and the Paul Bunyan Trophy on the line, this game is shaping up to be another classic in the rivalry’s storied history.
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
Game 6: Ann Arbor vs. Seattle, WA
Game 7: Ann Arbor vs. Urbana-Champaign, IL
