Royal Oak, Michigan | |
|---|---|
.jpg)     Pictured top to bottom, left to right: Downtown Royal Oak, theNational Shrine of the Little Flower, Royal Oak Post Office, theRoyal Oak Amtrak station, and theDetroit Zoo water tower | |
 Official Logo | |
| Nicknames: The City of Trees, Roak | |
 Location withinOakland County | |
  Royal Oak Location within the state of Michigan | |
| Coordinates:42°29′20″N83°08′34″W / 42.48889°N 83.14278°W /42.48889; -83.14278 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Oakland |
| Incorporated | 1891 (village) 1921 (city) |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–manager |
| • Mayor | Mike Fournier (D)[1] |
| • Manager | Paul Brake |
| Area | |
• City | 11.80 sq mi (30.55 km2) |
| • Land | 11.79 sq mi (30.54 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 663 ft (202 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• City | 58,211 |
| • Density | 4,936.4/sq mi (1,905.96/km2) |
| • Metro | 4,296,250 (Metro Detroit) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | |
| Area codes | 248 and 947 |
| FIPS code | 26-70040 |
| GNIS feature ID | 636352[3] |
| Website | www |
Royal Oak is a city inOakland County in theU.S. state ofMichigan. An inner-ring suburb ofDetroit, Royal Oak is located roughly 10 miles (16.1 km) north ofdowntown Detroit. As of the2020 census, the city had a population of 58,211.[4]
Royal Oak is located along theWoodward Corridor, and is served byInterstate 75 andInterstate 696. The city has one of the largestdowntowns in Detroit's suburbs, and is also home to much of theDetroit Zoo, with portions extending into neighboringHuntington Woods. Royal Oak describes itself as the "city of trees".[5]
Royal Oak was named in 1819, during one of the surveying expeditions led by Territorial GovernorLewis Cass. A large oak tree at this small settlement reminded Cass of the story of theRoyal Oak, whereKing Charles II of England, Scotland and Ireland hid to escape capture by theRoundheads after theBattle of Worcester, so he chose that name for the settlement.
Royal Oak was not incorporated as a village until 1891. It was reincorporated a city in 1921.
Royal Oak developed as a suburb of Detroit in the early 20th century, following Detroit's booming growth as a result of industrialization and its auto industry.
The Royal Oak Farmers Market opened as a truck market, at the corner of 4th and Troy streets, on October 14, 1925, as a cooperative venture between the then-new City of Royal Oak andOakland County, Michigan. There were still numerous farmers in the county. The present structure, at the corner of 11 Mile Road and Troy Street, is adjacent to the 44th District Court. It was erected in the spring of 1927 and dedicated July 1 of that year.[6]
In the 1920s, FatherCharles Coughlin, a Canadian Catholic priest who relocated to Detroit, became the founding pastor of theShrine of the Little Flower, now a prominent landmark in the city. Through his ministry, he raised funds to build the presentlimestone church complex and tower. Initially he broadcast religious speeches from this site.
During the 1930s, his broadcasts became more political. He initially supported PresidentFranklin D. Roosevelt, then opposed him and promoted the causes of the fascist leaders of Germany and Italy. The Roosevelt administration closed down his radio operation after the outbreak of World War II, with support from the Catholic hierarchy. Coughlin had developed national political influence and had an increasingly anti-semitic message, at a time when Jewish people were being severely persecuted in Germany.[7]
In 1991, Thomas McIlvane, a postal worker, killed five people in Royal Oak's post office, after being fired from the Postal Service for "insubordination."[8] This incident helped to popularize the term "going postal."
The downtown originally had a typical mixture of small-scale retail and trade to serve the city of Royal Oak. With the development of the highway system in the postwar period, it lost business to suburban malls. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, however, Royal Oak's downtown has developed as an entertainment and nightlife destination. A number of large condominiums and lofts have been built in the area, increasing the density of the downtown population. In 2022, the Royal Oak City Commission approved the demolition of the historicMain Art Theater, once a symbol of moviegoers in the area.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.79 square miles (30.54 km2), of which 11.78 square miles (30.51 km2) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km2) (0.08%) is water.[9]
Royal Oak developed around a river, the Red Run. Vinsetta Boulevard was built skirting a source branch of the Red Run for its median. In the 1930s, Vinsetta's entire median, along with the river and all but the tops of the bridges for the crossing streets[10] were filled in as part of aWPA project during the Great Depression. During 1967–8, the rest of the river in Oakland County was buried within a six-foot drain pipe.[11]
Extensive tree-planting has taken place since the 1930s, leading to the town being nicknamed "The City of Trees",[5] although recent increased developments have caused controversy about the maintenance of the city'surban forest.[12]
![[icon]](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=http%3a%2f%2fen.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aWiki_letter_w_cropped.svg) | This sectionneeds expansion with: income data for the 2010 and 2020 censuses. You can help byadding to it.(February 2025) |
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 217 | — | |
| 1900 | 468 | — | |
| 1910 | 1,071 | 128.8% | |
| 1920 | 6,007 | 460.9% | |
| 1930 | 22,904 | 281.3% | |
| 1940 | 25,087 | 9.5% | |
| 1950 | 46,898 | 86.9% | |
| 1960 | 80,612 | 71.9% | |
| 1970 | 86,238 | 7.0% | |
| 1980 | 70,893 | −17.8% | |
| 1990 | 65,410 | −7.7% | |
| 2000 | 60,062 | −8.2% | |
| 2010 | 57,236 | −4.7% | |
| 2020 | 58,211 | 1.7% | |
| Sources:[13][14] | |||
As of thecensus[4] of 2020, there were 58,211 people and 28,971 households in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 82.39%White, 6.27%African American, 0.1%Native American, 3.98%Asian American, and 1.9% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 4.5% of the population.
5.4% of residents were under the age of 5, 15.2% of residents were under the age of 18, and 14.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.0% male and 49.0% female.
The median household income is reported at $95,182, with an employment rate of 72.5%. 62.6% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher.
As of thecensus[15] of 2010, there were 57,236 people, 28,063 households, and 13,394 families living in the city. Thepopulation density was 4,854.6 inhabitants per square mile (1,874.4/km2). There were 30,207 housing units at an average density of 2,562.1 per square mile (989.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.7%White, 4.3%African American, 0.3%Native American, 2.4%Asian American, 0.4% fromother races, and 1.9% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 2.3% of the population.
There were 28,063 households, of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.7% weremarried couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 52.3% were non-families. 41.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.03 and the average family size was 2.82.
The median age in the city was 37.8 years. 16.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 35.9% were from 25 to 44; 26.8% were from 45 to 64; and 13.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.
As of thecensus[15] of 2000, there were 60,062 people, 28,880 households, and 14,440 families living in the city. The population density was 5,083.0 inhabitants per square mile (1,962.6/km2). There were 29,942 housing units at an average density of 2,534.0 per square mile (978.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.80%White, 1.54%African American, 0.26%Native American, 1.56%Asian, 0.05%Pacific Islander, 0.38% fromother races, and 1.40% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 1.30% of the population.
There were 28,880 households, out of which 20.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.9% weremarried couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 50.0% were non-families. 40.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.06 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 17.8% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 38.8% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $52,252, and the median income for a family was $68,109. Males had a median income of $50,562 versus $36,392 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $30,990. About 2.0% of families and 4.3% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 3.4% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.
Royal Oak has a below-average crime rate, similar to that of nearby middle-class communities, such asBerkley andMadison Heights.Larceny-theft was the most common crime, making up 66.7% of all crimes in the city. Five known murders have been committed since 2000, one in 2004, one in 2005, one in 2010, and two in 2011.[16]
Royal Oak developed initially as a suburb after Detroit boomed as a major industrial city. Residents of Detroit began to move to the suburbs for newer housing, and to separate themselves from the rising tensions and riots in Detroit, in a process referred to aswhite flight. It had a compact, traditional street-side shopping district, which runs along Main Street and Washington Avenue downtown. During the 2000s, this area was redeveloped with numerous new businesses, and is now considered a trendy, upscale, urban-chic district, featuring restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. A number of mixed-use high-rise developments have been constructed — mostly condo "lofts" with retail and office space on the lower levels.
Points of interest include theDetroit Zoo, a major regional tourist attraction, theCorewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, theRoyal Oak Music Theatre, the Baldwin Theatre,Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, a location ofEmagine Entertainment, and shops, cafes, and restaurants.
TheNational Arbor Day Foundation has awarded Royal Oak the distinction of "Tree City USA" every year since 1976 as a result of the city's commitment totree planting and preservation.[17]
The Gilda Radner Hereditary Cancer Program is a foundation set up by Detroit-area nativeGilda Radner, who is known for her work as a comedian ofSaturday Night Live. In 1998 the Program created a free cancer support community for people with cancer, their families, and friends.Gilda's Club Metro Detroit operates a three-story non-residential house in Royal Oak. It has served more than 3,000 members for social and emotional support through a variety of activities.[18]
Downtown Royal Oak features a wide assortment of nightlife venues, including the Royal Oak Music Theatre and the Baldwin Theatre.Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, a comedy club, was an early venue for performers such asTim Allen andDave Coulier. Allen's connections to Royal Oak would later in his career be alluded to in thesitcomHome Improvement as the protagonist's (played by Allen) place of residence.[19]
Royal Oak encompasses a major span of theWoodward Dream Cruise. The city sponsors ancillary events around the Cruise. It is the site of theDetroit Zoo, one of the region's leading tourist attractions.
Royal Oak is home to the Royal Oak Leprechauns, acollegiate summer league baseball team that competes in theNorthwoods League.[20] The Leprechauns play their home games atMemorial Park.
Arts, Beats & Eats is aU.S. Labor Day Weekend festival held in Royal Oak.[21] Prior to 2010 it was held in downtownPontiac, Michigan streets in storefront businesses and at thePhoenix Plaza Amphitheatre. The festival is sponsored by local businesses, includingFord, the naming sponsor. Proceeds from Arts, Beats & Eats benefit local charities; an estimated 1.7 million was donated in the first seven years.
Ajuried arts exhibition, food court, concert stages with local and national acts and a charity preview gala highlight festival programming.
Previously Royal Oak had St. Dennis Catholic Church of the Detroit Archdiocese; in 2012 it began the process of merging into St. Vincent Ferrer Church inMadison Heights.[22] The real estate was later redeveloped as a location of grocery store chainKroger.[23]
Royal Oak is home to theNational Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica,[24] which was declared a national shrine in 1998 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Later in 2014, Pope Francis granted the National Shrine of the Little Flower the honorary title of ‘Minor Basilica’.
Royal Oak has aCouncil–manager government.[25] It is governed by acity commission consisting of amayor and six commission members. The city commission appoints acity manager, who manages the day-to-day operations of the city.
The city is served byRoyal Oak Schools. Private K-12 education is also offered by Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic Church while nearby St. Mary's offers K-8 instruction. A branch ofOakland Community College is located in the city and a new location ofBaker College is nearing the end of construction.
A portion of land in the city is zoned to Berkley Public Schools.
In recent years Royal Oak has begun to consolidate its public schools in response to a decline in enrollment levels compared to thebaby boom era. In 2006, the city's two public high schools,George A. Dondero High School andClarence M. Kimball High School, were combined into a newRoyal Oak High School. Beginning in 2007, the city's two middle schools were combined into one school, Royal Oak Middle School, in the former Dondero building. The number of elementary schools was reduced to six.[26] Some parents protested the planned closure and demolition of Longfellow and Whittier elementary schools. They were seeking to have them considered for historic district recognition by way of signed petition.[21] Despite their efforts, both schools and a number of other former elementary schools were demolished in the fall of 2007.
The Royal Oak school system gained brief notoriety for an incident following the Trump election. Some middle schoolers chanted "build that wall". A student video of the incident was widely shared onFacebook, attracting more than 4 million views within 24 hours.[27] A week later a noose was found in the 8th grade boys bathroom at the middle school. The student who had placed the noose in the bathroom was removed from the school shortly afterward.[28]
St. Dennis School of theRoman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit was formerly in Royal Oak. It closed in 2011.[22]
In addition toThe Detroit News andDetroit Free Press, regional newspapers serving all of southeast Michigan, the city is served by theDaily Tribune,The Oakland Press, theRoyal Oak Review, andThe Mirror. In 2008, the video production companyM-1 Studios launched in Royal Oak before expanding production space to Ferndale in 2013.[29][30]
I-75 runs north–south along the city's east side.
I-696 runs east–west along the city's south side.
M-1 (formerly designatedUS 10 and also known asWoodward Avenue) runs generally southeast–northwest along the city's west side.Royal Oak's police department has 79 sworn officers and 25 civilian personnel. The department employs community policing techniques.
Royal Oak has a full-time fire department that operates three stations strategically located around the city to minimize response time to incidents. The ROFD staffs three engines, a ladder truck, and two ALS ambulances daily and is a member of the OAKWAY mutual aid consortium.[32]
 | This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(November 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Places adjacent to Royal Oak, Michigan | |
|---|---|
| Topics | .jpg) | |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit | ||
| Municipalities over 80,000 | ||
| Municipalities 40,000 to 80,000 | ||
| Cultural enclaves | ||
| Satellite cities | ||
| Counties in MSA | ||
| Counties in CSA | ||
| Enclosed shopping malls |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Open-air centers | ||
| Street-side shopping districts |
| |
| Strip and power centers | ||
| Defunct | ||
| Cancelled | ||
See also:Tourism in metropolitan Detroit | ||
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Geographic | |
| Other | |
