Community Facts and Figures

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is not only the largest public university in Michigan, we are also among the state’s biggest employers. The University takes great pride in the positive social and economic impact we have on our home community. Each year we undertake a thorough data collection effort in order to effectively measure and communicate the University’s contribution to our local economy.

$296M

In FY 2025 the University of Michigan purchased over $296M in goods and services from Washtenaw County businesses.

The University of Michigan purchases an enormous range of products and services that include food and catering, property maintenance, graphics and printing, transcription, laboratory equipment, computers, and countless others.

$226.7M

A 2025 study by Destination Ann Arbor determined that UM football is responsible for over $226.7M in economic activity within the community.

On average, each home game contributed approximately $28 million in direct visitor spending to the local economy.

$1.2M

Each year, University of Michigan employees support the local United Way with over $1M in charitable giving.

According to the United Way nearly 40% of families in southeastern Michigan struggle to meet their basic needs. Every October through December University of Michigan employees contribute to local health and human services agencies through the United Way.

9.2%

The University of Michigan Takes up 9.2% of land within the city of Ann Arbor. In comparison, 11.6% of the city is occupied by parks.

Because the University does not pay property taxes, a common criticism is that University growth is bad for the Ann Arbor city tax base. However, the University maintains its own police department, covers campus-adjacent city street maintenance costs, and provides health services to area youth through the Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools.

$20.5M

Each month, Ann Arbor students spend over $20M ($410 per student) eating at off-campus restaurants.

According to a report from the Education Data Initiative, the average student spends $410 per month eating off-campus. Students in Michigan also spend, on average, $221 ($11M total) per month on groceries.