Why Businesses Locate in Macomb County
Macomb County is the third-most-populous county in Michigan, after Wayne and Oakland. Its commercial real estate market reflects two consistent characteristics: a large established industrial and manufacturing base anchored by the auto industry, and dense suburban residential rings that support strong consumer-facing retail along the major mile-road corridors.
For business operators, that combination means relatively predictable foot traffic, lower commercial rent than neighboring Oakland County, and a workforce of over 400,000 people across all sectors. Most leasing demand falls into one of three categories: industrial and flex space tied to the manufacturing supply chain, retail and personal-service space along the 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and Hall Road (M-59) commercial corridors, and office space concentrated around Mount Clemens and the Hall Road area.
Major Employment Anchors
The county's economy is built on a small number of very large employers, supplemented by a wide base of small and medium-sized businesses. The largest concentrations include:
- Stellantis operates major plants and tech centers in Sterling Heights and Warren, including the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and the Stellantis Technical Center.
- General Motors runs its Warren Tech Center, one of GM's largest engineering campuses, plus operations in Warren and the surrounding area.
- Ford Motor Company operates the Sterling Plant on Mound Road in Sterling Heights.
- Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township is one of the largest active military installations in Michigan, generating significant local civilian employment and contractor activity.
- Beaumont Health, McLaren, and Henry Ford operate hospitals and clinic networks across the county.
- Macomb Community College is one of the largest community colleges in Michigan, with campuses in Warren and Clinton Township.
The downstream effect for commercial landlords is a steady base of professional services, food, retail, and personal services that support these employer populations during the workday and on weekends.
Major Cities and Commercial Corridors
Macomb County's commercial activity clusters along its mile-road grid and major north-south arterials. The most active retail and service corridors:
- Hall Road / M-59 in Sterling Heights, Macomb Township, and Clinton Township: the dominant retail corridor in the county, anchored by Lakeside Circle and dozens of strip centers.
- Van Dyke Avenue through Warren and Sterling Heights: heavy mix of auto-related, retail, and personal services.
- Gratiot Avenue through Roseville, Eastpointe, and Mount Clemens: traditional north-south retail corridor.
- Garfield Road and Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights and Macomb Township.
- 13 Mile, 14 Mile, 15 Mile, and 16 Mile Roads: east-west corridors with neighborhood retail and service businesses.
The largest cities by population are Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Macomb Township, Roseville, and Chesterfield Township. Each has its own distinct mix of residential density and commercial concentration.
Transportation and Access
The county is served by I-94 along its eastern edge, I-696 along its southern boundary, M-59 (Hall Road) as the primary east-west arterial, and M-53 (Van Dyke) as the primary north-south arterial. Commercial properties along these routes consistently command higher rent due to drive-by visibility and accessibility from across the metro area.
What Tenants Should Know About Leasing in Macomb County
Compared to neighboring Oakland County, Macomb County typically offers commercial rent at a lower per-square-foot rate while maintaining solid demographic support for retail and service businesses. Tenants who lease in Macomb often do so for one of three reasons: a workforce that lives in the surrounding neighborhoods, supply-chain or service relationships with the major manufacturers, or a price point that supports a smaller-business model better than premium Oakland County addresses.
Common lease structures in the county are modified gross or NNN, with CAM (common area maintenance) typically running between three and six dollars per square foot annually depending on the property age and amenity level.
Available Inventory With MT Commercial
Our active leasing inventory in Macomb County is at the 13 and Ryan property in Warren, with four 1,600 square foot units currently available at fourteen dollars per square foot. The location sits on Ryan Road just north of 13 Mile, in a corridor that already supports nail salons, barbershops, smoke shops, dental offices, restaurants, and florists.
Looking for a specific space type? Browse our pages on commercial space for lease, retail space for lease, storefront for rent, and small business space for rent.
