If you’re driving north on Woodward Avenue, right as you cross the invisible but legendary line of 8 Mile Road, you’ve arrived. You’re in Ferndale. But for people moving to the area or even long-time locals who get turned around by the maze of Metro Detroit suburbs, one question pops up constantly: what county is Ferndale MI in?
The short answer? Oakland County.
But honestly, just knowing the name of the county doesn't tell you the whole story. Ferndale occupies a very specific, almost paradoxical space in Michigan. It is the southernmost tip of Oakland County, literally hugging the border of Wayne County and the city of Detroit. This placement makes it a "gateway" city. It’s got that gritty, urban energy of Detroit mixed with the manicured, suburban stability that Oakland County is famous for.
Why the Location of Ferndale, Michigan Matters
Geography is destiny, right? Ferndale’s position within Oakland County defines everything about it. Covering only about 3.9 square miles, it’s tiny. Yet, it carries a massive cultural footprint.
Being in Oakland County means Ferndale is part of one of the wealthiest counties in the United States. However, it doesn't always feel like the stereotypical Oakland County "old money" vibe you might find in Bloomfield Hills or Birmingham. It’s more of a "misfit" cousin. It’s the place where people go when they want the safety and services of the suburbs but still want to be able to walk to a record store or a vegan bakery.
The Neighbors
To understand where Ferndale sits, you have to look at what surrounds it:
📖 Related: Why San Luis Valley Colorado is the Weirdest, Most Beautiful Place You’ve Never Been
- South: 8 Mile Road (Detroit, Wayne County).
- North: Pleasant Ridge and Royal Oak.
- West: Oak Park.
- East: Hazel Park.
It’s basically the anchor of the "Woodward Corridor." If you live here, you're less than 15 minutes from downtown Detroit, but you're also paying Oakland County property taxes.
A Quick Trip Through Time
Ferndale wasn't always the "Fashionable Ferndale" people talk about today. It started out as a swampy area inhabited by Native Americans, then transformed into a farming community in the 1800s.
The real boom happened because of the car. When Henry Ford started the assembly lines in Highland Park, workers needed somewhere to live. Ferndale became that "bedroom community." It officially became a village in 1918 and then a city in 1927. Between 1920 and 1951, houses went up faster than the city could keep track of.
You can still see that history today. Most of the homes are bungalows or "Colonials" built during that post-war era. They have those tiny closets and detached garages that tell the story of a middle-class workforce finding their piece of the American Dream in Oakland County.
Living in Oakland County's "Coolest" City
If you’re looking at what county is Ferndale MI in because you’re thinking of moving here, there are some practical things to know.
👉 See also: Why Palacio da Anunciada is Lisbon's Most Underrated Luxury Escape
First, the government. Ferndale uses a council-manager system. Currently, Raylon Leaks-May serves as the Mayor, and they’ve got a professional city manager, Colleen O’Toole, handling the day-to-day operations. This is a common setup in Oakland County, designed to keep the "politics" separate from the "pothole fixing."
The Cultural Hub
Ferndale is widely recognized as the heart of the LGBTQ+ community in Metro Detroit. It’s home to Affirmations, one of the largest centers of its kind in the country. This isn't just a fun fact; it’s a core part of the city's identity. In 2006, the city was way ahead of the curve, passing anti-discrimination ordinances long before they were common elsewhere in Michigan.
Real Estate and Money
Let’s talk numbers. According to 2023 Census data, the median household income in Ferndale is around $91,732. That’s a massive jump from just a decade ago.
- Median Home Value: Roughly $233,600 (though if you look at Zillow today, finding something under $300k is getting tougher).
- Commute: Most people spend about 25 minutes getting to work.
- Education: Over 57% of residents have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
The schools are part of the Ferndale Public Schools district, which also serves parts of Pleasant Ridge and Royal Oak Township. It’s a diverse district, reflecting the "melting pot" nature of the area.
Common Misconceptions About Ferndale
One thing that confuses people is the 48220 zip code. Since it starts with "482," people often assume it’s a Detroit zip code. It’s not. It’s strictly Ferndale (and parts of Pleasant Ridge).
✨ Don't miss: Super 8 Fort Myers Florida: What to Honestly Expect Before You Book
Another myth is that Ferndale is "dangerous" because it's on 8 Mile. Honestly? While it’s an urban-adjacent area, the crime rates are notably lower than in the inner city. According to local police data, most issues are "crimes of opportunity"—think stolen bikes or packages being swiped from porches. It has a much more "small town" feel than the map suggests.
What to Do if You’re Visiting
If you're just passing through this corner of Oakland County, you can't miss the intersection of Nine Mile and Woodward. That’s the pulse of the city.
- The Rust Belt Market: An old department store turned into a massive artisan market. It’s where Ferndale Radio (WFCB-LP 100.7 FM) broadcasts from.
- Dining: You’ve got everything from the legendary One-Eyed Betty’s to casual spots like Imperial.
- Events: The Woodward Dream Cruise. It actually started right here in Ferndale in 1995 as a small fundraiser. Now, it brings in over a million people.
Actionable Steps for Newcomers
If you’re serious about moving to or doing business in this part of Michigan, here is how you get started:
- Check the Tax Rates: Oakland County taxes vary by city. Ferndale’s millage rate is higher than some neighbors because of its robust services (like their own dedicated fire and police departments).
- Visit the 43rd District Court: If you get a parking ticket, it’s handled right on Nine Mile Road. Don't ignore it; they're efficient.
- Join a Board: The city is always looking for people to join the Arts and Beautification Commission or the Environmental Sustainability Commission. It’s the best way to actually meet the people running the show.
- Get a City Parking Pass: If you spend any time downtown, download the ParkMobile app. The city doesn't have "free" street parking in the main hub, and the meter maids are famously vigilant.
Ferndale is a 3.9-square-mile proof that you don't need a lot of land to make a lot of noise. It’s a proud, progressive, and historically rich slice of Oakland County that continues to reinvent itself every decade.