Markets · Detroit–Warren–Dearborn, MI MSA

Detroit Industrial Market Report

Bluebird CRE Research · As of 2026 Q1 · Data: CoStar Group, www.costar.com

The automotive capital, with a deep advanced-manufacturing and supplier base supporting flex and light-industrial demand.

4.9%
Vacancy
$8.96/SF
Asking Rent
$7.99/SF
NNN Rent
-414K SF
Net Absorption (12 mo)
3.5M SF
Under Construction
10.8%
Market Cap Rate

Asking Rent / SF

2016–2026

Now $8.96 · +2.3% YoY

Vacancy Rate

2016–2026

Now 4.9%

Net Absorption (12 mo)

2016–2026

Now -414,096 SF

Annual figures through 2026 Q1. Source: CoStar Group, www.costar.com.

Market overview

As of 2026 Q1, Detroit industrial vacancy stands at 4.9% with asking rents near $8.96/SF. The market absorbed -414,096 SF over the trailing year, and investment sale pricing implies roughly a 10.8% cap rate. Those are the figures that frame how we underwrite here.

Bluebird's read

The automotive capital, with a deep advanced-manufacturing and supplier base supporting flex and light-industrial demand. Bluebird targets functional small-bay and IOS product here at a basis below replacement cost, with leasing and mark-to-market as the value-add levers.

Economy

Population
4.4M
Total employment
2.1M
Industrial employment
337,093
Median HH income
$79,081

Key submarkets

  • • I-275 Corridor
  • • Airport / Romulus
  • • Macomb County
  • • Livonia

Representative tenants

  • • Ford
  • • GM
  • • Stellantis
  • • Amazon

Explore other markets

Grand Rapids, MI
3.3% vacancy · $7.38/SF
Columbus, OH
6.5% vacancy · $8.41/SF
Indianapolis, IN
7.6% vacancy · $7.71/SF

Market data sourced from CoStar Group, www.costar.com (as of 2026 Q1); figures are point-in-time estimates and forecasts are not guarantees. Provided for informational purposes only and not an offer to sell securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

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