Game 4: Saturday, September 21, 2024 | Michigan vs. USC | Michigan Stadium | 3:30 PM
This weekend, the Michigan Wolverines will face the University of Southern California Trojans, a new Big Ten member, at the Big House. As USC makes its debut in the conference, this game will mark the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new rivalry between two powerhouse programs. But beyond the football field, it’s an opportunity to compare two iconic college towns: Ann Arbor and Los Angeles.
Ann Arbor vs. Los Angeles, CA
Ann Arbor and Los Angeles are drastically different in terms of size, culture, and economic makeup. Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, has a population of approximately 119,000, making it a vibrant college town with a tight-knit community feel. Los Angeles, with a population of over 3.8 million, is one of the largest cities in the U.S., and USC is situated at the heart of this sprawling urban landscape in Los Angeles County.
Economic Indicators: Income, Cost of Living, and Employment
The economic landscapes of these two cities are vastly different:
- Median Household Income: The median household income in Ann Arbor is slightly higher than that of Los Angeles, with Ann Arbor at $78,546 compared to Los Angeles’s $76,244. Despite the higher living costs, Los Angeles has a diverse economy with opportunities in entertainment, technology, and more.
- Cost of Living: Unsurprisingly, the cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher, with an index of 162.7 compared to Ann Arbor’s more moderate 99.5. The high cost of housing in Los Angeles is a major contributor to this disparity.
- Unemployment Rate: As of July 2024, the unemployment rate in Los Angeles County stands at 6.5%, much higher than Ann Arbor’s 4.8%. This difference highlights the challenges of a large, diverse job market in a city like Los Angeles compared to the more stable, tech-driven economy of Ann Arbor.
Education and Research: Comparing Academic Strengths
Both the University of Michigan and USC are known for academic excellence, but there are some key differences in their focus and rankings:
- Educational Attainment: Ann Arbor is home to a highly educated population, with 77.5% of residents aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. In comparison, Los Angeles County has 36.7% of its population with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- University Enrollment and Graduates: Michigan has an enrollment of 51,225 students in Fall 2022, while USC enrolls 52,694. In terms of graduates, Michigan awarded degrees to 16,132 students in the 2022-2023 academic year, while USC had 19,343 graduates.
- Research and Development (R&D) Expenditures: Michigan leads in research funding, spending $1.77 billion on R&D in 2022 (ranked #4 nationally), compared to USC’s $1.54 billion (ranked #6). Both universities are at the forefront of innovation, but Michigan’s significant investment in research highlights its role as a global leader in academic and technological advancement.
Looking Ahead
As USC steps into the Big Ten, this game marks the beginning of a new chapter in college football. But beyond the field, it also highlights the contrasts between the two cities these universities represent. Ann Arbor, with its tech-driven economy, world-class research, and tight-knit community, continues to be a hub of innovation and culture. Los Angeles, as a global city, offers USC students a vast array of opportunities in business, entertainment, and technology, but with the challenges that come from living in one of the nation’s largest and most expensive cities.
This weekend’s game isn’t just a clash of football programs—it’s a meeting of two very different worlds. Whether you’re cheering for the Wolverines or the Trojans, you’re celebrating two institutions that are shaping the future in their own unique ways.
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
