Detroit Is Unfairly Ranked Among the Worst U.S. Cities for Drivers

I’m not going to say that driving in Motor City is always a cruise, but I would say it’s far from one of the worst cities I’ve ever driven in. But, Detroit was recently ranked as one of the worst cities to drive in the US- placing 96th out of 100 cities in a recent study.

And, I’m having a hard time believing that Detroit is that low on the list…

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According to Wallethub, The ranking considered factors such as traffic, road conditions, and the cost of owning a car. While Detroit certainly has its driving challenges—like high insurance rates and aging infrastructure—the ranking seems harsh when compared to other cities on the list. For example, Chicago ranked slightly higher at 95th, yet it is widely known for having some of the worst traffic in the country.

Chicago’s congested roadways and complicated driving routes make it far more stressful to navigate than Detroit. Commutes in Chicago can stretch for hours, and the city’s outdated highways and constant construction contribute to some of the most severe traffic jams in America.

By contrast, Detroit, while not perfect, has a simpler road layout and generally less congestion, making driving more manageable, even if its road conditions and insurance costs are factors that pulled its ranking down. Even when you are traveling downtown for a concert or sports event, Detroit is relatively less stressful than Chicago, which is constantly bumper-to-bumper any time you're there.

While the study’s data highlights legitimate issues in Detroit, it doesn’t fully capture the day-to-day driving experience for locals. In comparison to Chicago, Detroit offers a less overwhelming driving environment. So while the rankings might place Detroit among the worst, it doesn’t feel entirely fair- especially when compared to the far greater challenges of driving in cities like Chicago.