Livonia is a city located in the southeastern region of the U.S. state of Michigan. With a population of 94,471 as of the 2020 census, it is Michigan’s ninth largest municipality. Livonia is a part of Metropolitan Detroit and is located approximately 20 miles west of downtown Detroit.
History
Livonia was first settled in 1835 and incorporated as a village in 1950. It developed as a suburb, attracting middle-class families who wanted to leave the city of Detroit in the 1950s and 1960s. Livonia adopted the motto “A City with a Vision” to reflect the community’s focus on planning, growth management, and land use development.
Demographics
According to the 2020 census, Livonia had a population of 94,471 people, making it the second largest suburb in Metropolitan Detroit. The racial makeup of the city was 79.3% White, 13.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 3.9% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race made up 3.0% of the population.
In terms of age, 22.9% of residents were under the age of 18 and 17.5% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.8 years. The gender makeup was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.
There were 42,089 households and 25,823 families living in Livonia. The average household size was 2.25 people and the average family size was 2.92 people.
Livonia had a population density of 2,867 people per square mile. The median household income was $71,194 and the per capita income was $33,324. About 5.0% of families and 7.2% of individuals were below the poverty line.
Economy and Major Employers
Livonia has a diverse economy with major industries including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and technology. Some of the largest employers in Livonia include St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Ford Motor Company, Trinity Health, and Schoolcraft College.
Other major companies headquartered in Livonia include Valassis, Roush Industries, and Masco Corporation. Many global companies have large regional offices located in the city as well.
In 2016, Livonia had a gross domestic product (GDP) of $5.4 billion, which ranked it fourth highest amongst Michigan cities. The city’s diversified economy provides stability and continued growth.
Education
Livonia Public Schools is the main public school district serving the city. There are currently 36 schools in the district, consisting of 25 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools. Livonia is home to several private schools as well, including Ladywood High School, a Catholic all-girls school.
For higher education, Schoolcraft College is based in Livonia. Madonna University, Davenport University, and Eastern Michigan University all operate satellite campuses in the city. Several universities including the University of Michigan in nearby Ann Arbor are within close driving distance.
Government
Livonia utilizes the council-manager form of government. The city council consists of the mayor and seven council members who are responsible for policymaking and legislative duties. The city council appoints a city manager who oversees day-to-day municipal operations.
The current mayor of Livonia is Maureen Miller Brosnan. The city leans conservative politically, consistently supporting Republican candidates at the state and national level.
Parks and Recreation
Livonia maintains over 650 acres of park land and open space for recreation and conservation purposes. Major parks include Greenmead Historical Park, Rotary Park, Clements Circle Park, and Botsford Park.
The Livonia Recreation Center and Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Complex provide indoor recreation facilities. Livonia also operates two public swimming pools, an outdoor ice arena, and 15 playgrounds.
Culture and Landmarks
As a suburb of Detroit, Livonia provides easy access to the culture, sports, and entertainment of the metropolitan region. Within Livonia, Greenmead Historical Park showcases the city’s history through restored historical buildings and archives.
Other notable landmarks and attractions include the Hines Park Bridge, the Trinity House Theatre, the Livonia Public Library, and the Livonia Family YMCA.
The city hosts several local events each year like the Livonia Spree carnival and parade along with the largest holiday lighting display in the region, Wayne County Lightfest.
Sports
Livonia has a rich sports tradition, especially for amateur and youth athletics. All of the public high schools compete in the Kensington Lakes Athletic Association (KLAA). Notable Livonia athletes include baseball player Bob Welch, figure skater Mark Mitchell, and NHL player Mike Knuble.
The Detroit Tigers AAA-affiliate Toledo Mud Hens play nearby and the Detroit Pistons of the NBA along with the Detroit Lions of the NFL play home games less than 30 minutes away.
To keep up with current events and happenings in Livonia, check out the City of Livonia Facebook page. The page shares news, events, job openings, city notices, and more.