countyscore
40.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 84.1Health 80.3Weather & Climate 57.6

County Report Card

About Allegan County, Michigan

Falling Below National Benchmarks

Allegan County carries a composite score of 40.2, which sits nearly 10 points below the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates that the county faces significant headwinds across several livability metrics.

Trailing the Michigan Average

The county's score of 40.2 is notably lower than the Michigan state average of 47.1. It ranks behind many of its peers, particularly in terms of affordability and safety.

High Incomes and Health

Economic opportunity is a primary driver here, with an Income Score of 84.1 and a median household income of $80,255. The county also supports wellness with a strong Health Score of 80.3.

Affordability and Safety Concerns

A low Cost Score of 24.1 highlights a tight housing market, where the median home value is $247,000. Safety is also a concern, as evidenced by a Safety Score of only 27.2.

Suited for Established Professionals

Allegan County is best for high-earning professionals who can navigate the higher costs of living and housing. While safety scores are low, the strong health infrastructure and high median incomes provide significant upside.

Score breakdown

Tax29Cost24.1Safety27.2Health80.3Schools33.2Income84.1Risk31.5Water47Weather57.6
🏛29
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡31.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Van Buren County
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38.3
Ottawa County
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52.1
Kalamazoo County
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Barry County
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Kent County
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Muskegon County
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Ionia County
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Calhoun County
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Deep Dives

Allegan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Allegan County

via TaxByCounty

Allegan taxes slightly above national median

Allegan County's 1.133% effective tax rate sits just above the national median of 1.1%, placing it near the 55th percentile nationally. At $2,799 in annual median taxes, the county's burden is roughly $100 above the national median of $2,690.

Close to Michigan's statewide average

Allegan's 1.133% rate closely tracks Michigan's 1.166% average, placing the county right in the middle of the state's 83 counties. The median tax of $2,799 edges slightly above the state median of $2,102.

Comparable to nearby Barry County

Allegan and Barry County, both in southwest Michigan, share nearly identical tax rates—1.133% and 1.110% respectively—making them among the region's most similar jurisdictions. Both counties sit at or slightly above the state average.

What your $247,000 home costs

The typical Allegan County homeowner with a $247,000 property pays roughly $2,799 annually in taxes. Over 30 years, that mortgage-era bill adds up to approximately $83,970.

Growing suburbs mean reassessment opportunities

As Allegan County develops, some older assessments may lag behind rising property values, but others may overestimate market worth. Homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent arm's-length sales of similar homes; an appeal is free and often successful.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Allegan County

via CostByCounty

Allegan balances higher incomes with costs

Allegan County renters spend 15.9% of income on housing, well below the 30% affordability threshold and slightly below Michigan's 16.3% average. With a median household income of $80,255—above both Michigan and the nation—Allegan ranks as one of the few counties in this cohort that exceeds national income levels.

Highest incomes drive strong affordability ranking

Allegan County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Michigan's 16.3% average, anchored by the region's median household income of $80,255, the highest in this eight-county sample. Both rental and owner costs exceed state medians, yet stronger local incomes absorb these premiums with ease.

Premium pricing supported by premium incomes

Allegan's $1,065 monthly rent and $247,000 median home value run 20–30% above neighboring Alpena and Antrim counties, yet Allegan households earn $8,000–9,000 more annually. This income advantage transforms potentially costly housing into genuinely affordable living.

Housing claims moderate but steady share

Renters pay $1,065 monthly while homeowners spend $1,082, with homes valued at $247,000 and median household income at $80,255. Together, housing consumes roughly 16% of income whether renting or owning, a sustainable proportion for most households.

Southwest Michigan's prosperity county

Allegan County offers the rare combination of strong local income and manageable housing costs—a sign of economic stability and job market health. Families relocating for work or seeking suburban comfort will find their higher incomes go a long way here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Allegan County

via IncomeByCounty

Allegan surpasses national income average

Allegan County's median household income of $80,255 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $5,500—placing it solidly above the national benchmark. This 7% advantage reflects the county's proximity to growing job markets and diversified regional economy.

Among Michigan's top-earning counties

At $80,255, Allegan ranks well above Michigan's county average of $64,304, sitting in the top quarter of the state's 83 counties. The county's per capita income of $37,565 also exceeds the state average of $35,451, indicating broadly shared prosperity.

Clear income leader in region

Allegan's $80,255 median income significantly outpaces Barry County ($77,873), Antrim County ($71,421), and other surrounding counties. This strength reflects its position within Michigan's southwest economic corridor, with ties to manufacturing and services.

Housing affordable despite higher values

Allegan's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% keeps housing costs well below the 30% affordability threshold, even though median home values reach $247,000. The county's strong median income allows residents to carry mortgages comfortably.

Above-average income enables serious investing

With income above both state and national averages, Allegan households have surplus cash to accelerate retirement savings and investment. Take advantage of this position by maxing out 401(k) contributions, diversifying investments, and planning for generational wealth transfer.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Allegan County

via CrimeByCounty

Allegan County Maintains Competitive Safety

Allegan County reports a total crime rate of 1,766.4 per 100K, which is better than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.2 out of 100. While higher than some rural neighbors, it remains a secure community by national standards.

Navigating State Safety Trends

The county’s total crime rate of 1,766.4 is slightly above the Michigan state average of 1,371.8. Its safety score of 97.2 is just below the state average of 97.8, reflecting its status as a more populated area. Despite this, violent crime remains lower than state-wide averages at 280.4 per 100K.

Comparing Rates with Barry County

Allegan’s crime rate of 1,766.4 is higher than neighboring Barry County, which sits at 1,132.9. This difference is largely driven by property crime incidents in Allegan’s growing suburban areas. It still maintains a lower total crime profile than many larger industrial counties in Southern Michigan.

Property Crime Accounts for Most Incidents

Property crime in Allegan is recorded at 1,486.0 per 100K, while violent crime is relatively low at 280.4. In practical terms, residents are far more likely to experience theft than personal violence. The violent crime rate remains nearly 100 points below the national average.

Vigilance for Growing Communities

As Allegan County grows, home security becomes a more vital consideration for residents. Installing a security system can help mitigate the risk of property crimes, which are the most frequent issues locally. Taking proactive measures helps keep individual households as safe as possible.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Allegan County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy strong and stable

Allegan residents live to 77.5 years, approaching the U.S. average of 80.1 years and demonstrating good longevity trends. With only 15.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county maintains better-than-average population wellness.

Above Michigan's average health

Allegan's 77.5-year life expectancy exceeds Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 1.2 years. The county ranks solidly in the upper half of Michigan's health outcomes.

Comparable to nearby counties

Allegan's 77.5-year life expectancy places it between Barry County (77.9 years) and Alpena County (77.0 years). Its 5.7% uninsured rate is better than the state average of 6.4%.

Mental health strength, primary care gap

Allegan has only 21 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below the national standard of 75 per 100,000. However, 108 mental health providers per 100,000 and a 5.7% uninsured rate indicate reasonable behavioral health support and overall coverage strength.

Expand primary care access

With limited primary care providers, ensuring you have active health insurance and a regular care team is essential in Allegan. Check healthcare.gov to confirm your coverage or explore plans that include established primary care networks.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Allegan County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust and Growing School Network

Allegan County maintains an extensive education infrastructure with 55 public schools serving 17,940 students across 13 districts. This large-scale network includes 27 elementary schools and 16 high schools.

Strong Graduation Success with Lean Spending

The county’s graduation rate of 85.4% sits comfortably above the state average of 82.5%. Educators achieve these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,077, which is lower than both the Michigan and national averages.

Major Districts and Charter Presence

Hamilton Community Schools and Wayland Union Schools are the largest providers, each serving over 2,800 students. The county also offers school choice through three charter schools, which represent 5.5% of the total school inventory.

A Balanced Mix of Town and Country

Students are nearly equally split between town and rural school settings, with 28 schools in towns and 27 in rural areas. Wayland High School is the largest facility with 828 students, reflecting the county's significant suburban-rural growth.

Find Your Place in Allegan’s Schools

With a wide variety of school sizes and locations, Allegan County offers a perfect fit for every type of family. Research homes in the Hamilton or Wayland districts to settle near some of the county's largest and most active school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Allegan County

via RiskByCounty

Allegan exceeds national risk average

Allegan County scores 68.51 on the composite risk scale, exceeding the national average and carrying a Relatively Low rating. The county faces above-average exposure, particularly in flood and tornado hazards.

Significantly riskier than Michigan average

Allegan's composite risk score of 68.51 substantially exceeds Michigan's state average of 49.56, ranking the county among the state's higher-risk jurisdictions. Tornado and flood hazards drive much of this elevated exposure.

Highest risk in its immediate region

Allegan scores 68.51, substantially exceeding Barry County at 45.99 and well above Alpena at 28.34. The county's southwestern location and geography create heightened disaster vulnerability.

Tornadoes and floods dominate hazards

Allegan faces tornado risk of 76.27 and flood risk of 79.36—both among the highest in Michigan. Earthquake risk at 48.16 also exceeds state averages, adding a third significant concern.

Comprehensive coverage strongly advised

Allegan residents should prioritize flood insurance, as the county's flood risk of 79.36 far exceeds the state average. A robust homeowners policy with adequate wind and tornado coverage is essential given the 76.27 tornado risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Allegan County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Pocket in the Midwest

Allegan County averages 48.3°F annually, which is warmer than the Michigan state average but still below the national median. Its location along Lake Michigan helps moderate the extreme cold found further inland.

Warmer Than the State Median

At 48.3°F, Allegan is nearly three degrees warmer than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. This makes it one of the more temperate counties in the state, offering a slightly longer growing season for local farmers.

The Warm Side of the State

Allegan's 48.3°F average outpaces northern neighbors like Alpena (44.0°F) and Alcona (42.8°F). It shares a similar climate profile with Barry County to the east, though the lake proximity often softens Allegan's winter lows.

Warm Summers and Moderate Winters

July temperatures average 70.7°F, and residents experience roughly 7 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually. While annual snowfall data is not available for this period, winter temperatures average a relatively mild 26.8°F.

Balance Your Seasonal Home Systems

With 7 days of extreme heat and 34.8 inches of precipitation, both central air and reliable sump pumps are wise investments. Residents should prepare for humid summers, as the average temperature reaches 69.2°F during the peak season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Allegan County

via SoilByCounty

Standard Michigan Acidity and Texture

Allegan County soils have an average pH of 5.38, which is slightly less acidic than the state average but still below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is not specified, these soils represent the classic Michigan baseline. Gardeners should expect to monitor pH levels for traditional vegetable production.

Balanced Sands with Low Clay

With 60% sand and 17.3% silt, Allegan's soil is light and easy to till in the spring. The clay content sits at 8.9%, providing just enough structure to prevent the soil from being purely granular. This mix ensures that the soil warms up quickly as the growing season begins.

Stable Fertility but Thirsty Soil

The organic matter content is 10.74%, which is lower than the Michigan state average of 19.76% but still five times the national average. The available water capacity is 0.167 in/in, suggesting that supplemental watering may be necessary during dry summer spells. It is a productive soil that rewards consistent mulching.

Managing Moderate Soil Drainage

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for Allegan, but the 60% sand content indicates a likely well-drained profile. Water is expected to move through the upper layers quickly, which is ideal for avoiding root rot in wet years. Proper soil management will focus on maintaining that flow while building fertility.

Zone 6a Gardening Opportunities

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, Allegan County enjoys a slightly longer growing season than its northern neighbors. This soil and climate combo is fantastic for tree fruits like peaches and apples, which prefer well-aerated sandy ground. Start your orchard or vegetable plot today to take advantage of these warm-up soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Allegan County

via LawnByCounty

Allegan offers favorable growing conditions

Allegan County scores a 57.1 for lawn difficulty, outperforming the national average even if it falls slightly behind the state's 60.1 mark. Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, it supports a wider variety of grass species than the colder northern counties.

Warm summers drive longer growing periods

The county records 2,629 growing degree days, indicating a robust season for turf development. While 34.8 inches of precipitation is ideal, the 7 extreme heat days match the state average and require diligent summer irrigation.

Sandy foundations dominate Allegan landscapes

A high sand content of 60.0% ensures that lawns rarely suffer from standing water but may dry out quickly. The soil pH of 5.38 is acidic, so regular soil testing and lime treatments are recommended to bring levels closer to the 6.0 ideal.

Extended drought periods require caution

Lawns faced a challenging 29 weeks in drought over the past year, though conditions have currently cleared across the area. When dry spells return, deep and infrequent watering is essential to encourage deep root growth in the sandy soil.

Maximize the season in Zone 6a

The frost-free window from May 4th to October 21st provides ample time for establishing Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass. Late summer seeding is particularly effective here, as the warm soil helps seeds germinate before the autumn rains.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Allegan County's county score?
Allegan County, Michigan has a composite county score of 40.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Allegan County rank among counties in Michigan?
Allegan County ranks #62 among all counties in Michigan on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Allegan County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Allegan County is $2,799, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Allegan County a tax score of 29/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Allegan County?
The median household income in Allegan County, Michigan is $80,255 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Allegan County earns an income score of 84.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Allegan County, Michigan a good place to live?
Allegan County scores 40.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Allegan County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Allegan County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.