countyscore
29
County Score
Lawn Care 61.6Weather & Climate 56.4Health 55.3

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, Michigan

Calhoun County sits in lower percentiles

With a composite score of 28.9, Calhoun County is well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates significant challenges across most of the livability dimensions measured.

Struggling against state averages

Calhoun's score of 28.9 is far behind the Michigan state average of 47.1. High tax rates and low safety rankings make it one of the more challenging counties in the state to rank highly.

Health outcomes remain a strength

The health score of 55.3 is the county's most positive attribute, showing resilience in local medical care and wellness. It also maintains a moderate income score of 40.5 with a median household income of $60,385.

Safety and tax burdens are high

A critical safety score of 5.6 and a tax score of 12.9 are the primary drags on the county's profile. Residents face a high effective tax rate of 1.498% alongside significant public safety concerns.

Value for those seeking health access

Calhoun County offers affordable housing with a median value of $151,500, making it accessible for first-time buyers. However, prospective residents must weigh these savings against high taxes and safety challenges.

2040608010012.737.45.655.328.143.525.537.856.4Tax12.7Cost37.4Safety5.6Health55.3Schools28.1Income43.5Risk25.5Water37.8Weather56.429/100
This county
National avg
6 below average

Calhoun County DNA

Foverall

How Calhoun County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Calhoun County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (5.6/100), though Health (55.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12.7-39.3
Cost
37.4-10.600000000000001
Safety
5.6-49.4
Health
55.3
Schools
28.1-25.9
Income
43.5
Risk
25.5-21.5
Water
37.8-20.200000000000003
Weather
56.4
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Think property taxes are too high in Calhoun County?

Many homeowners in Calhoun County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$162,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$968/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$162,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,177/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Calhoun County with Pulaski County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Kalamazoo County
Michigan
30.9
Eaton County
Michigan
39.5
Barry County
Michigan
46.4
Branch County
Michigan
36.9
Jackson County
Michigan
33.2
Hillsdale County
Michigan
44.4
St. Joseph County
Michigan
38
Steuben County
Indiana
51.5

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Calhoun County

via TaxByCounty

Calhoun County taxes well above national norm

Calhoun County's effective tax rate of 1.498% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.09%, placing it in roughly the 70th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $2,269 sits below the national median of $2,690 due to the county's median home value of $151,500 being substantially lower than the national average of $281,900.

Second-highest rate in Michigan

Calhoun County ranks second in Michigan for tax burden with an effective rate of 1.498%, nearly 30% above the state average of 1.166%. Only Bay County (1.632%) exceeds it, making Calhoun one of the state's most heavily taxed counties.

Far exceeds surrounding counties

Calhoun County's 1.498% rate substantially outpaces nearby Branch (1.229%) and Cass (0.961%) counties in the Southwest. Among the eight-county sample, only Bay County surpasses it in effective tax rate.

What your home tax bill looks like

On Calhoun County's median home value of $151,500, the 1.498% rate translates to approximately $2,269 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,434, while those without mortgages pay $1,962.

Consider appealing your assessment

High-tax counties like Calhoun see significant overassessments, and homeowners should seriously consider filing an appeal. The process costs nothing and typically runs March through June in Michigan—potentially saving hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Calhoun County

via IncomeByCounty

Calhoun County lags national income levels

Calhoun County's median household income of $60,385 falls $14,370 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, a 19% gap. This represents one of the steeper deficits compared to national benchmarks.

Well below Michigan county median

At $60,385, Calhoun County trails Michigan's county median of $64,304 by almost 6%. This places Calhoun in Michigan's lower income tier among the state's 83 counties.

Calhoun is the region's lowest earner

Calhoun County's $60,385 falls below all measured neighbors, with nearest peer Branch County at $61,958. This positions Calhoun as the lowest-earning county in Southwest Michigan's peer group.

Housing costs strain budgets significantly

Calhoun County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% is the highest among all measured counties, consuming nearly one-fifth of household income. Combined with below-average earnings, this creates serious affordability pressure on residents.

Focus on financial foundations first

Calhoun County households earning $60,385 should prioritize emergency savings and debt reduction before investing, given tight housing pressures. Free financial counseling services and community resources can help build long-term stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Calhoun County

via CrimeByCounty

Calhoun County Faces Safety Challenges

Calhoun County reports a total crime rate of 3,393.7 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 94.6.

Crime Levels Above the Michigan Average

The county's crime rate is more than double the Michigan average of 1,371.8 per 100,000. Its safety score of 94.6 trails behind the state's healthy average of 97.8.

High Incident Rates Compared to Neighbors

Calhoun County sees much more crime than neighboring Branch County, which reports roughly half as many incidents per 100,000. It is currently the busiest area in the southern Michigan region.

Significant Violent and Property Crime Counts

Violent crime is high at 773.8 per 100,000, more than double the national average. Property crime also exceeds national levels, with 2,619.9 incidents reported per 100,000.

Comprehensive Security is Essential Here

Residents should invest in integrated security systems including alarms, cameras, and reinforced entries. Staying alert and connected with neighbors is critical for improving community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Calhoun County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Annual Temps in Central Michigan

Calhoun County records an average annual temperature of 49.3°F, trailing the national median by roughly 5 degrees. It offers a balanced climate that avoids the extreme cold found further north.

Consistently Warmer Than the State Average

At 49.3°F, Calhoun is nearly 4 degrees warmer than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. Its precipitation level of 34.9 inches sits almost exactly on par with the statewide norm.

Moderate Snow Compared to the Coast

The county receives 40.4 inches of snow annually, which is relatively light for the region. This is roughly 34 inches less snow than neighbors closer to the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Double Digit Extreme Heat Days

Summer is warm with a July average of 72.5°F and 10 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter temperatures average 26.9°F, providing a distinct but not punishing cold season.

Balance Cooling and Winter Gear

Because the county sees 10 days of 90°F heat, central air is a standard necessity for comfort. Residents can rely on standard snow removal tools rather than the heavy equipment needed in the snow belts.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Calhoun County

via SoilByCounty

Higher Acidity in a Sand-Silt Matrix

Calhoun County’s soil is more acidic than most, with an average pH of 5.13 compared to the national median of 6.5. Its soil score of 45.3 is below the state average of 60.5, suggesting some challenges for specific agricultural uses. Managing this acidity is often the first step for local growers.

Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The composition is a near-even split of 49.7% sand and 22.4% silt, providing a stable foundation for root growth. With 9.4% clay, the soil offers moderate nutrient retention despite its lighter feel. This mix allows for good drainage while maintaining enough body to hold its shape.

Strong Organic Content Above National Norms

An organic matter level of 8.83% far exceeds the national average of 2.0%, providing a natural nutrient boost. However, the available water capacity is 0.154 in/in, which is lower than the Michigan average of 0.202. Gardeners should plan for consistent irrigation during the dry mid-summer months.

Managed Hydrology for Healthy Roots

Detailed drainage classes are unavailable, but the soil's sand content suggests naturally efficient water movement. This drainage profile helps oxygen reach plant roots, which is essential in the local climate. Proper organic amendments can help improve the water-holding capacity of these fields.

Gardening Success in Hardiness Zone 6a

Zone 6a allows for a wide variety of perennials and annuals, from potatoes to flowering shrubs. The acidic nature of the soil makes it a natural home for acid-loving plants like blueberries or azaleas. With a little lime and compost, your Calhoun County garden will flourish.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Calhoun County

via LawnByCounty

Calhoun County's Moderate Lawn Challenge

With a lawn difficulty score of 61.6, Calhoun County is very close to the Michigan state average of 60.1. The USDA Hardiness Zone 6a climate makes it easier to maintain a lawn here than the national median of 50.0. Expect a standard set of challenges typical for the southern Michigan region.

High Growth Potential and Summer Heat

The county records 10 extreme heat days annually, which is slightly higher than the state average of 7 days. You receive 34.9 inches of annual precipitation and 2,899 growing degree days, fueling rapid grass growth. Be prepared for a vigorous mowing schedule during the peak of the spring and early summer.

Acidic Soil Needs Extra Care

Calhoun County has a quite acidic soil pH of 5.13, falling well below the 6.0-7.0 ideal for most grasses. The soil is 49.7% sand and 9.4% clay, which can lead to fast leaching of essential minerals. Frequent lime applications will be your best tool for improving lawn color and density.

Navigating Moderate Drought Conditions

Over the past year, the county faced 18 weeks of drought, and 45.6% of the area remains abnormally dry today. Because your soil is nearly half sand, it does not hold water well during these dry periods. Incorporating organic matter into your soil can help increase its water-holding capacity.

Seeding for Success in Zone 6a

Heat-tolerant blends of Tall Fescue are recommended to withstand the 10 days of temperatures above 90°F. Your growing season begins after April 30th and typically ends with the first frost on October 19th. Late August or early September is the optimal time to seed, avoiding the spring weeds and summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calhoun County's county score?
Calhoun County, Michigan has a composite county score of 29 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 Calhoun County rank among counties in Michigan?
Calhoun County ranks #82 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 Calhoun County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Calhoun County is $2,368, with an effective tax rate of 1.45%. This earns Calhoun County a tax score of 12.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calhoun County?
The median household income in Calhoun County, Michigan is $63,177 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calhoun County earns an income score of 43.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calhoun County, Michigan a good place to live?
Calhoun County scores 29/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Calhoun 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 Calhoun County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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