Developers Corner

Canton Trade Area

There are many reasons for developers to locate projects to Canton. A responsive local government, location, demographics, and market analysis showing Canton's sizable and affluent trade area continue to draw residential and business developers alike.

Demographics

One of the largest communities in southeast Michigan and the metropolitan Detroit area, Canton's current population tops out at about 95,000 and is expected to reach 107,000 by 2030. Canton is one of the region's few large communities that still has room to grow. Because of the affluent trade area and the growing population, trade area total expenditure potential is very high.

  • Population 95,000 
  • Households 36,000
  • Median Household Income $85,840
  • White 84%
  • Black 5%
  • Hispanic 2%
  • Indian / Asian 9%
  • Other 1%

Market Overview

The Canton Downtown Development Authority (DDA) District is home to over 300 retail establishments along its busy M-153 Ford Road corridor which intersects with I-275.

Major retailers, such as IKEA, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Art Van Furniture, Kohl's, JoAnn's, Wal-Mart, ABC Warehouse, Meijer, Game Stop, and Target, are complemented by a host of independent businesses that range from sporting goods and frame shops to computer sales and services.

The Canton community's diversity provides a welcome place for a variety of ethnic restaurants, as well as many well known national chain restaurants. A complete listing of current businesses can be found in the DDA Business Search.

The trade area total expenditure potential continues to be very high for retail, services, and entertainment. It has been noted that the DDA District is deficient in moderate to upscale retailers, whether local, regional, or national. Its strategic location presents a viable place for lifestyle type development that would accommodate moderate / better price points.

The Canton economic development and planning professionals look at proposed development as an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with all parties to achieve success for everyone concerned. For more on a business location in Canton call 734/394-5229.

Responsive Local Government

A Partnership Approach to Development

Whether commercial, residential or industrial, the Canton administration and staff look at proposed development as an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with all parties to achieve success for everyone concerned.

  • Downtown Development Authority actively works to support the economic viability of the central business area as it implements a Comprehensive Master Plan (PDF) for the District.
  • Economic Development Efforts are coordinated through the Supervisor's office where site location and other information is available to assist prospective new businesses.
  • Municipal Services Department houses Planning Services, Building and Inspection Services, and the Public Works Division, providing efficient service to business owners who wish to locate in the community.
  • Professional Planning Staff meets with developers prior to their submitting site plans to communicate the community's goals and objectives. While the municipality has high expectations, the codes and objectives are very clear and every effort is made to assist developers through the process in a timely manner.
  • Public Safety Department operates both police and fire services and is responsible for Canton's designation as 1 of the safest cities in America.
  • Quality of Life in Canton is exceptional. Attracting an ever-increasing number new residents, the community provides outstanding education, recreation, and cultural opportunities.

Excellent Regional Accessibility

Canton is situated in southeast Michigan, approximately halfway between Ann Arbor and downtown Detroit. The community's convenient location make it easily accessible from both I-275 and I-94, and incorporates the major thoroughfares of Ford Road and Michigan Avenue. In addition, it is just minutes away from Detroit Metropolitan Airport as well as several smaller airports.

Canton's primary retail and commercial area, the Downtown Development Authority District (DDA) is located along a 3-mile length of Ford Road, where some 48,000 vehicles travel each day. The DDA District is strategically located to serve the entire Canton Community and the wider regional market as the population throughout the trade area continues to grow.