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Best counties to live in Michigan
What makes a particular county the best? Oftentimes, it's a good mix of opportunities for fun outdoor activities and cultural attractions. Throw in some historical sites, good schools, job opportunities, and affordable housing, and the county will most likely have happy residents.
Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to live in Michigan using rankings from Niche. Niche ranks counties by a variety of factors including: public schools, educational attainment, cost of living, and housing.
Many counties on the list are experiencing growth due to their job opportunities, education, or home values. Others are adored for their historic or well-designed value, or devotion to cultural opportunities. Keep reading to see if your county made the list.
#25. Allegan County
- Population: 116,143
- Median home value: $165,400 (83% own)
- Median rent: $814 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $62,965
- Top public schools: Dix Street Elementary School (A), Saugatuck Middle School (A), Douglas Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Holland Christian High School (A), South Side Christian School (unavailable), Moline Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Holland (A), Laketown Township (A), Saugatuck Township (A)
- Median home value: $165,400 (83% own)
- Median rent: $814 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $62,965
- Top public schools: Dix Street Elementary School (A), Saugatuck Middle School (A), Douglas Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Holland Christian High School (A), South Side Christian School (unavailable), Moline Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Holland (A), Laketown Township (A), Saugatuck Township (A)
#24. Wayne County
- Population: 1,757,299
- Median home value: $113,000 (62% own)
- Median rent: $875 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $47,301
- Top public schools: Northville High School (A+), Grosse Pointe South High School (A+), Amerman Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: University Liggett School (A+), University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy (A+), Plymouth Christian Academy (A)
- Top places to live: Grosse Pointe Park (A+), Northville (A+), Grosse Pointe Farms (A+)
- Median home value: $113,000 (62% own)
- Median rent: $875 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $47,301
- Top public schools: Northville High School (A+), Grosse Pointe South High School (A+), Amerman Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: University Liggett School (A+), University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy (A+), Plymouth Christian Academy (A)
- Top places to live: Grosse Pointe Park (A+), Northville (A+), Grosse Pointe Farms (A+)
#23. Isabella County
- Population: 70,688
- Median home value: $134,900 (62% own)
- Median rent: $736 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $45,116
- Top public schools: Mt. Pleasant Senior High School (B+), Winn Elementary School (B+), Shepherd High School (B)
- Top private schools: Sacred Heart Academy (A), Saginaw Chippewa Academy (unavailable), St. Joseph the Worker School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Mount Pleasant (B+), Lincoln Township (B), Chippewa Township (B)
- Median home value: $134,900 (62% own)
- Median rent: $736 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $45,116
- Top public schools: Mt. Pleasant Senior High School (B+), Winn Elementary School (B+), Shepherd High School (B)
- Top private schools: Sacred Heart Academy (A), Saginaw Chippewa Academy (unavailable), St. Joseph the Worker School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Mount Pleasant (B+), Lincoln Township (B), Chippewa Township (B)
#22. Muskegon County
- Population: 173,297
- Median home value: $117,900 (75% own)
- Median rent: $760 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $50,854
- Top public schools: North Muskegon High School (A), North Muskegon Middle School (A), North Muskegon Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Western Michigan Christian High School (A), Muskegon Catholic Central School (B+), Calvary Christian Schools (B+)
- Top places to live: North Muskegon (A), Roosevelt Park (A), Norton Shores (A)
- Median home value: $117,900 (75% own)
- Median rent: $760 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $50,854
- Top public schools: North Muskegon High School (A), North Muskegon Middle School (A), North Muskegon Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Western Michigan Christian High School (A), Muskegon Catholic Central School (B+), Calvary Christian Schools (B+)
- Top places to live: North Muskegon (A), Roosevelt Park (A), Norton Shores (A)
#21. Saginaw County
- Population: 191,821
- Median home value: $101,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $780 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $48,000
- Top public schools: Hemmeter Elementary School (A), E.F. Rittmueller Middle School (A), Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Michigan Lutheran Seminary (A), Nouvel Catholic Central High School (A), Valley Lutheran High School (B)
- Top places to live: Frankenmuth (A), Saginaw Charter Township (A), Frankenmuth Township (B+)
- Median home value: $101,300 (71% own)
- Median rent: $780 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $48,000
- Top public schools: Hemmeter Elementary School (A), E.F. Rittmueller Middle School (A), Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy (A)
- Top private schools: Michigan Lutheran Seminary (A), Nouvel Catholic Central High School (A), Valley Lutheran High School (B)
- Top places to live: Frankenmuth (A), Saginaw Charter Township (A), Frankenmuth Township (B+)
#20. Eaton County
- Population: 109,456
- Median home value: $155,000 (72% own)
- Median rent: $858 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $64,348
- Top public schools: Willow Ridge Elementary School (A), Delta Center Elementary School (B+), Leon W. Hayes Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: New Covenant Christian School (B), St. Gerard Elementary School (unavailable), Our Savior Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Waverly (A), Grand Ledge (A), Dimondale (B+)
- Median home value: $155,000 (72% own)
- Median rent: $858 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $64,348
- Top public schools: Willow Ridge Elementary School (A), Delta Center Elementary School (B+), Leon W. Hayes Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: New Covenant Christian School (B), St. Gerard Elementary School (unavailable), Our Savior Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Waverly (A), Grand Ledge (A), Dimondale (B+)
#19. Benzie County
- Population: 17,615
- Median home value: $185,500 (90% own)
- Median rent: $702 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $57,974
- Top public schools: Frankfort Elementary School (A), Frankfort High School (B), Benzie Central Senior High School (B)
- Top private schools:
- Top places to live: Crystal Lake Township (A), Almira Township (A), Frankfort (B+)
- Median home value: $185,500 (90% own)
- Median rent: $702 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $57,974
- Top public schools: Frankfort Elementary School (A), Frankfort High School (B), Benzie Central Senior High School (B)
- Top private schools:
- Top places to live: Crystal Lake Township (A), Almira Township (A), Frankfort (B+)
#18. Macomb County
- Population: 870,325
- Median home value: $166,800 (73% own)
- Median rent: $962 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $62,855
- Top public schools: International Academy of Macomb (A+), Messmore Elementary School (A), Noor International Academy (A)
- Top private schools: De La Salle Collegiate (A), Austin Catholic High School (A), Regina High School (A)
- Top places to live: Shelby Charter Township (A), Sterling Heights (A), Fraser (A)
- Median home value: $166,800 (73% own)
- Median rent: $962 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $62,855
- Top public schools: International Academy of Macomb (A+), Messmore Elementary School (A), Noor International Academy (A)
- Top private schools: De La Salle Collegiate (A), Austin Catholic High School (A), Regina High School (A)
- Top places to live: Shelby Charter Township (A), Sterling Heights (A), Fraser (A)
#17. Clinton County
- Population: 78,389
- Median home value: $172,800 (80% own)
- Median rent: $839 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $70,390
- Top public schools: Scott Elementary School (A), DeWitt High School (A), DeWitt Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Mary Elementary School (unavailable), St. Joseph Catholic School (unavailable), Most Holy Trinity School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: DeWitt (A), DeWitt Charter Township (A), Eagle Township (A)
- Median home value: $172,800 (80% own)
- Median rent: $839 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $70,390
- Top public schools: Scott Elementary School (A), DeWitt High School (A), DeWitt Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Mary Elementary School (unavailable), St. Joseph Catholic School (unavailable), Most Holy Trinity School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: DeWitt (A), DeWitt Charter Township (A), Eagle Township (A)
#16. Livingston County
- Population: 189,754
- Median home value: $247,100 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,053 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $84,221
- Top public schools: Hawkins Elementary School (A), Spencer Road Elementary School (A), Creekside Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Patrick School (unavailable), Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran School (unavailable), Cornerstone Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Brighton Township (A), Green Oak Township (A), Hamburg Township (A)
- Median home value: $247,100 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,053 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $84,221
- Top public schools: Hawkins Elementary School (A), Spencer Road Elementary School (A), Creekside Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Patrick School (unavailable), Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran School (unavailable), Cornerstone Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Brighton Township (A), Green Oak Township (A), Hamburg Township (A)
#15. Charlevoix County
- Population: 26,188
- Median home value: $166,300 (81% own)
- Median rent: $694 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $55,760
- Top public schools: Beaver Island Community School (A), Boyne City Elementary School (B+), Boyne City High School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Mary School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Charlevoix Township (A), Boyne City (A), Marion Township (B+)
- Median home value: $166,300 (81% own)
- Median rent: $694 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $55,760
- Top public schools: Beaver Island Community School (A), Boyne City Elementary School (B+), Boyne City High School (B+)
- Top private schools: St. Mary School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Charlevoix Township (A), Boyne City (A), Marion Township (B+)
#14. Dickinson County
- Population: 25,439
- Median home value: $101,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $665 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $51,645
- Top public schools: Kingsford High School (A), Woodland Elementary School (B+), Kingsford Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Holy Spirit Central School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Iron Mountain (A), Norway (A), Kingsford (A)
- Median home value: $101,800 (77% own)
- Median rent: $665 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $51,645
- Top public schools: Kingsford High School (A), Woodland Elementary School (B+), Kingsford Middle School (B+)
- Top private schools: Holy Spirit Central School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Iron Mountain (A), Norway (A), Kingsford (A)
#13. Emmet County
- Population: 33,104
- Median home value: $186,900 (73% own)
- Median rent: $818 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $55,829
- Top public schools: Shay Elementary School (A), Petoskey Middle School (A), Harbor Springs High School (A)
- Top private schools: Harbor Light Christian School (B), St. Francis Xavier School (unavailable), St. Michael Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Resort Township (A), Petoskey (A), Bay View (A)
- Median home value: $186,900 (73% own)
- Median rent: $818 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $55,829
- Top public schools: Shay Elementary School (A), Petoskey Middle School (A), Harbor Springs High School (A)
- Top private schools: Harbor Light Christian School (B), St. Francis Xavier School (unavailable), St. Michael Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Resort Township (A), Petoskey (A), Bay View (A)
#12. Berrien County
- Population: 154,133
- Median home value: $150,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $743 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $50,795
- Top public schools: Brown School (A+), Upton Middle School (A), St. Joseph High School (A)
- Top private schools: Andrews Academy (A), Grace Christian School (A), Michigan Lutheran High School (B+)
- Top places to live: St. Joseph (A+), Royalton Township (A), Berrien Springs (A)
- Median home value: $150,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $743 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $50,795
- Top public schools: Brown School (A+), Upton Middle School (A), St. Joseph High School (A)
- Top private schools: Andrews Academy (A), Grace Christian School (A), Michigan Lutheran High School (B+)
- Top places to live: St. Joseph (A+), Royalton Township (A), Berrien Springs (A)
#11. Marquette County
- Population: 66,686
- Median home value: $153,400 (71% own)
- Median rent: $738 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $53,970
- Top public schools: Graveraet Elementary School (A), Sandy Knoll School (A), Marquette Senior High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Father Marquette Catholic Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Marquette (A), Trowbridge Park (A), Harvey (A)
- Median home value: $153,400 (71% own)
- Median rent: $738 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $53,970
- Top public schools: Graveraet Elementary School (A), Sandy Knoll School (A), Marquette Senior High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Father Marquette Catholic Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Marquette (A), Trowbridge Park (A), Harvey (A)
#10. Houghton County
- Population: 36,070
- Median home value: $108,700 (67% own)
- Median rent: $640 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $43,183
- Top public schools: Houghton Elementary School (A), Houghton Central High School (A), Houghton Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Copper Country Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Portage Charter Township (A), Houghton (A), Hancock (A)
- Median home value: $108,700 (67% own)
- Median rent: $640 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $43,183
- Top public schools: Houghton Elementary School (A), Houghton Central High School (A), Houghton Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Copper Country Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Portage Charter Township (A), Houghton (A), Hancock (A)
#9. Grand Traverse County
- Population: 92,181
- Median home value: $212,500 (76% own)
- Median rent: $951 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $63,575
- Top public schools: Courtade Elementary School (A), Central High School (A), Kingsley Area Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Interlochen Arts Academy (A+), St. Francis High School (A), Traverse City Christian School (B)
- Top places to live: Peninsula Township (A), Acme Township (A), Traverse City (A)
- Median home value: $212,500 (76% own)
- Median rent: $951 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $63,575
- Top public schools: Courtade Elementary School (A), Central High School (A), Kingsley Area Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Interlochen Arts Academy (A+), St. Francis High School (A), Traverse City Christian School (B)
- Top places to live: Peninsula Township (A), Acme Township (A), Traverse City (A)
#8. Midland County
- Population: 83,355
- Median home value: $141,700 (77% own)
- Median rent: $777 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $62,625
- Top public schools: H.H. Dow High School (A), Jefferson Middle School (A), Woodcrest Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Calvary Baptist Academy (B+), St. Brigid Catholic School (unavailable), St. John's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Larkin Charter Township (A+), Midland (A+), Homer Township (B+)
- Median home value: $141,700 (77% own)
- Median rent: $777 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $62,625
- Top public schools: H.H. Dow High School (A), Jefferson Middle School (A), Woodcrest Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Calvary Baptist Academy (B+), St. Brigid Catholic School (unavailable), St. John's Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Larkin Charter Township (A+), Midland (A+), Homer Township (B+)
#7. Leelanau County
- Population: 21,652
- Median home value: $268,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $959 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $65,249
- Top public schools: Leland Public School (A), Maple City-Glen Lake Junior/Senior High School (B), Suttons Bay Senior High School (B)
- Top private schools: The Leelanau School (A), St. Mary School - Lake Leelanau (B), The Pathfinder School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Bingham Township (B+), Greilickville (B), Leland Township (A)
- Median home value: $268,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $959 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $65,249
- Top public schools: Leland Public School (A), Maple City-Glen Lake Junior/Senior High School (B), Suttons Bay Senior High School (B)
- Top private schools: The Leelanau School (A), St. Mary School - Lake Leelanau (B), The Pathfinder School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Bingham Township (B+), Greilickville (B), Leland Township (A)
#6. Ingham County
- Population: 290,587
- Median home value: $135,600 (58% own)
- Median rent: $877 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $52,872
- Top public schools: Okemos High School (A+), Okemos Public Montessori School at Central (A+), Chippewa Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lansing Christian School (A), Lansing Catholic High School (A), St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Okemos (A+), Haslett (A+), East Lansing (A+)
- Median home value: $135,600 (58% own)
- Median rent: $877 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $52,872
- Top public schools: Okemos High School (A+), Okemos Public Montessori School at Central (A+), Chippewa Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lansing Christian School (A), Lansing Catholic High School (A), St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Okemos (A+), Haslett (A+), East Lansing (A+)
#5. Kalamazoo County
- Population: 262,745
- Median home value: $159,300 (64% own)
- Median rent: $812 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $56,511
- Top public schools: Moorsbridge Elementary School (A), Portage Northern High School (A), Portage Central High School (A)
- Top private schools: Hackett Catholic Prep (A), Kalamazoo Christian High School (A), Heritage Christian Academy (B)
- Top places to live: Portage (A+), Texas Charter Township (A), Westwood (A)
- Median home value: $159,300 (64% own)
- Median rent: $812 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $56,511
- Top public schools: Moorsbridge Elementary School (A), Portage Northern High School (A), Portage Central High School (A)
- Top private schools: Hackett Catholic Prep (A), Kalamazoo Christian High School (A), Heritage Christian Academy (B)
- Top places to live: Portage (A+), Texas Charter Township (A), Westwood (A)
#4. Kent County
- Population: 648,121
- Median home value: $173,700 (70% own)
- Median rent: $899 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $63,053
- Top public schools: Northern High School (A+), Central High School (A+), East Grand Rapids High School (A)
- Top private schools: Grand Rapids Christian High School (A), West Michigan Lutheran High School (A), Catholic Central High School (A)
- Top places to live: East Grand Rapids (A+), Forest Hills (A+), Eastgate (A+)
- Median home value: $173,700 (70% own)
- Median rent: $899 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $63,053
- Top public schools: Northern High School (A+), Central High School (A+), East Grand Rapids High School (A)
- Top private schools: Grand Rapids Christian High School (A), West Michigan Lutheran High School (A), Catholic Central High School (A)
- Top places to live: East Grand Rapids (A+), Forest Hills (A+), Eastgate (A+)
#3. Ottawa County
- Population: 286,558
- Median home value: $191,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $898 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $69,314
- Top public schools: Eagle Crest Charter Academy (A+), Lakewood Elementary School (A), Jeffers Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Calvary Schools of Holland (B), Unity Christian High School (B), Zeeland Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Zeeland Charter Township (A), Hudsonville (A), Grand Haven Charter Township (A)
- Median home value: $191,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $898 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $69,314
- Top public schools: Eagle Crest Charter Academy (A+), Lakewood Elementary School (A), Jeffers Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Calvary Schools of Holland (B), Unity Christian High School (B), Zeeland Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Zeeland Charter Township (A), Hudsonville (A), Grand Haven Charter Township (A)
#2. Oakland County
- Population: 1,253,185
- Median home value: $242,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,080 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $79,698
- Top public schools: International Academy (A+), Troy High School (A+), Novi High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Cranbrook Schools (A+), Detroit Country Day School (A+), The Roeper School - Birmingham Campus (A+)
- Top places to live: Troy (A+), Bloomfield Charter Township (A+), Beverly Hills (A+)
- Median home value: $242,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,080 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $79,698
- Top public schools: International Academy (A+), Troy High School (A+), Novi High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Cranbrook Schools (A+), Detroit Country Day School (A+), The Roeper School - Birmingham Campus (A+)
- Top places to live: Troy (A+), Bloomfield Charter Township (A+), Beverly Hills (A+)
#1. Washtenaw County
- Population: 367,000
- Median home value: $263,600 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,114 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $72,586
- Top public schools: Washtenaw International High School (A+), Pioneer High School (A+), Huron High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Greenhills School (A+), Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor (A), Michigan Islamic Academy (A)
- Top places to live: Ann Arbor (A+), Lodi Township (A+), Pittsfield Charter Township (A+)
- Median home value: $263,600 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,114 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $72,586
- Top public schools: Washtenaw International High School (A+), Pioneer High School (A+), Huron High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Greenhills School (A+), Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor (A), Michigan Islamic Academy (A)
- Top places to live: Ann Arbor (A+), Lodi Township (A+), Pittsfield Charter Township (A+)
