Statistics

City Population: 46,000

Tri-County population: 454,000

Geographic area: 13.49 square miles

Home of Michigan State University is a college known for its exceptional academics, enthusiastic students and breathtaking, 5,000-acre campus. Since its founding in 1855, MSU has grown to include more than 200 programs of academic study in addition to more than 200 study abroad programs. The university serves more than 45,000 students (78% undergraduate students, 22% graduate students, 17.6% minorities, 5.1% international students) [www.msu.edu]

Nearby cities: 1 1/2 hours to Detroit, 1 hour to Ann Arbor, 1 1/2 hours to Grand Rapids, 4 hours to Chicago; 5 hours to Toronto; 2 hours to Lake Michigan; 3 ½ hours to Mackinaw Island; 1-3 hours to a variety of ski resorts

Climate: temperate climate with well-defined seasons. The Great Lakes cool the hot winds of summer and warm the cold winds of winter, giving Michigan a milder climate than some northern central states. The lakes also create more humidity and moisture throughout the year. Snowfall may be heavy in winter.

Transportation: a number of transportation options are acccessible, including an interstate system, airport, bus systems and train station. [transportation]

Neighborhoods: home to 25 distinct neighborhoods.

Cost-of-living: East Lansing's cost of living is 15.56% lower than the U.S. average.

Real estate prices: Real estate prices

Economic Development: a number of development projects are taking root around the city.

Census Data: statistical data from the 2000 census data