countyscore
33.7
County Score
Health 96Income & Jobs 89.1Soil Quality 66.6

County Report Card

About Clinton County, Michigan

Struggling Against National Standards

Clinton County earns a composite score of 33.8, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. While specific dimensions are elite, a few very low scores drag down the total average.

Below the Michigan Benchmark

Despite having high-earning residents, the county's score of 33.8 sits well below the Michigan average of 47.1. It ranks lower than neighboring counties due to critical gaps in safety and school metrics.

Exceptional Health and High Incomes

The county boasts a near-perfect health score of 96.0 and a robust income score of 89.2. Households earn a median of $85,928, placing them among the most financially stable in the state.

Critical Safety and Cost Concerns

A safety score of 0.8 is the county's most significant challenge, indicating high reported incidents relative to the population. Higher median home values of $243,700 also contribute to a low cost score of 21.6.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

Clinton County is tailored for established professionals who value top-tier health services and high personal income. Prospective residents must weigh these financial perks against the very low safety and school ratings.

2040608010022.321.60.89617.189.15321.655.7Tax22.3Cost21.6Safety0.8Health96Schools17.1Income89.1Risk53Water21.6Weather55.733.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Clinton County DNA

Foverall

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

Clinton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (96/100) but notably weak in Safety (0.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
22.3-29.7
Cost
21.6-26.4
Safety
0.8-54.2
Health
96+46
Schools
17.1-36.9
Income
89.1+38.099999999999994
Risk
53
Water
21.6-36.4
Weather
55.7
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Compare mortgage rates in Clinton County

Whether buying or refinancing in Clinton County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$259,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,092/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$259,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $88,210/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

3.8

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
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Counties with similar scores

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Median income: $67,451
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Muskegon County
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Cherokee County
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Macon County
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Pierce County
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Denver County
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Hudson County
New Jersey
Median income: $91,795
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Nearby counties

Ingham County
Michigan
37.9
Shiawassee County
Michigan
43
Ionia County
Michigan
50.5
Eaton County
Michigan
39.5
Gratiot County
Michigan
43.3
Livingston County
Michigan
54.6
Barry County
Michigan
46.4
Genesee County
Michigan
31

Deep Dives

Clinton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clinton County

via TaxByCounty

Clinton County taxes higher than nation

Clinton County's effective rate of 1.251% exceeds the national median of 1.73% when accounting for relative home values, though its median tax of $3,048 remains below the nation's $2,690 baseline due to higher property valuations. The county's wealthier homes push tax bills upward.

Above Michigan's average tax rate

Clinton County ranks above Michigan's state average effective rate of 1.166%, making it a higher-tax county statewide. The median property tax of $3,048 significantly exceeds the state median of $2,102, reflecting both above-average rates and higher home values.

Highest taxes in the region

Clinton County's 1.251% effective rate tops most regional peers, higher than Eaton County (1.415% nominally, but on lower values) when adjusted for comparable homes. It substantially exceeds Crawford County (1.093%) and Emmet County (0.905%).

Clinton homeowners pay $3,048 median

On the county median home value of $243,700, owners pay approximately $3,048 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that amount rises to $3,275; without one, it drops to $2,768.

Review your assessment; appealing pays off

Clinton County residents, especially those with higher-value homes, should scrutinize their assessments for overvaluation. Appealing an inflated assessment could yield significant annual tax savings for property owners in this higher-tax county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clinton County

via IncomeByCounty

Clinton County exceeds national income benchmark

Clinton County's median household income of $85,928 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $11,173, placing it among the stronger-earning counties nationwide. This performance reflects a diversified local economy anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and higher-education institutions.

Top earner in Michigan

Clinton County ranks among Michigan's highest-income counties at $85,928, substantially above the state median of $64,304. This $21,624 advantage signals robust job growth, competitive wages, and a more affluent resident base than most of Michigan.

Significantly outpaces regional competition

Clinton County's $85,928 median household income far exceeds all neighboring counties—Eaton ($78,025), Emmet ($73,724), and Chippewa ($60,631). Clinton's economic strength is exceptional within its region, driven by larger employers and a younger, more educated workforce.

Strong income supports premium housing

At 14.5%, Clinton's rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest reviewed, reflecting excellent affordability despite median home values of $243,700. High earners here can comfortably carry mortgages of $35,000+ annually while maintaining strong financial cushions.

Maximize wealth-building potential

Clinton County's $85,928 median income creates substantial opportunity for aggressive wealth building—consider maxing retirement accounts ($23,500 annually for 2024) and diversifying into stocks, real estate, or small business ventures. At this income level, tax-efficient strategies and professional financial planning can accelerate long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clinton County

via CrimeByCounty

Active Reporting Leads to Higher Crime Stats

Clinton County records a high total crime rate of 7,684.6 per 100,000 residents, which significantly exceeds the national average. This high volume of reported incidents results in a safety score of 87.9.

A Statistical Outlier in the State

The county's safety score of 87.9 is notably lower than the Michigan state average of 97.8. This is driven by high reporting across 11 different local law enforcement agencies.

Significant Differences from Neighboring Eaton

Clinton County's reported crime rate is more than five times higher than neighbor Eaton County's rate of 1,415.6. This sharp contrast suggests a high level of police activity and incident documentation.

Broad Volume of Both Property and Violent Crime

The county reports 2,128.7 violent crimes and 5,555.9 property crimes per 100,000 people. These numbers imply that property-related offenses are the primary driver of the overall crime statistics.

Elevating Home and Property Security

Given the high property crime stats, residents should prioritize home security systems and neighborhood watch programs. Vigilance and shared reporting can help reduce the frequency of local incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clinton County

via WeatherByCounty

A temperate pocket in America's heartland

Clinton County maintains an average annual temperature of 48.9°F, placing it several degrees below the national median of approximately 54°F. This continental climate brings a full range of seasonal extremes typical of the Great Lakes region.

Outpacing the Michigan state average

The county's 48.9°F average is significantly warmer than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It stands as one of the milder southern-tier counties in the state's Lower Peninsula.

Warmer and drier than northern peers

Clinton is notably warmer than Crawford County to the north, which averages only 43.3°F. While it sees 50.2 inches of snow, it remains significantly drier than the snow belts found further north.

Hot July days and snowy winters

July brings an average of 72.3°F and roughly 10 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are rigorous, featuring a January average of 24.0°F and 50.2 inches of total snowfall.

Prepare for humidity and ice

Residents need robust HVAC systems to handle both the 10 annual extreme heat days and the 26.6°F winter average. Proper insulation and winter tires are essential for navigating the 50-inch snow season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clinton County

via SoilByCounty

Young Entisols with Moderate Acidity

Clinton County features Entisols with a pH of 5.93, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.30. While it is closer to the national median of 6.5, these soils still lean toward the acidic side.

Sandy Loam Built for Versatility

The composition is 55.7% sand and 23.9% silt, creating a loamy texture that is easy to till. A 12.1% clay component provides enough structure to prevent the soil from feeling too loose or unstable.

Lower Organic Matter Requires Amendments

Organic matter is lower here at 8.14%, trailing the Michigan average of 19.76%. With an available water capacity of 0.176 in/in, plants may need supplemental watering during dry spells to thrive.

Navigating Very Poorly Drained Soils

The soil is very poorly drained and sits in hydrologic group C/D, indicating a high risk for surface runoff. Gardeners often use raised beds here to avoid the natural tendency for water to pool.

Generous Growing in Zone 6a

The Zone 6a rating offers a longer growing season for diverse vegetables and fruit trees. By adding compost to boost organic matter, you can turn this loamy soil into a highly productive garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clinton County

via LawnByCounty

Clinton County's Balanced Growing Environment

Clinton County earns a lawn difficulty score of 60.2, almost perfectly matching the state average. Located in hardiness zone 6a, this area offers a standard Michigan lawn experience that is more manageable than the national average.

Warm Summers and Long Growing Potential

With 2820 growing degree days and 10 extreme heat days, Clinton County is warmer than many neighbors. The 33.7 inches of annual rainfall supports this heat, but you must monitor for wilt when temperatures exceed 90°F.

Managing Soil Moisture in Loam

The soil pH of 5.93 is very close to the ideal range for grass, requiring only minor amendments. However, the loam soil is classified as very poorly drained, so you must avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Recovering from Recent Dryness

The county spent 36 weeks in drought over the last year, though current conditions show 0% of the area is abnormally dry. Focus on building organic matter in your soil to help the lawn withstand future dry periods.

Optimal Timing for Zone 6a

Turf-type Tall Fescue is an excellent choice for this zone's summer heat. Start your seeding projects after May 1, and ensure the lawn is established before the first fall frost on October 24.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clinton County's county score?
Clinton County, Michigan has a composite county score of 33.7 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 Clinton County rank among counties in Michigan?
Clinton County ranks #75 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 Clinton County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Clinton County is $3,185, with an effective tax rate of 1.23%. This earns Clinton County a tax score of 22.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clinton County?
The median household income in Clinton County, Michigan is $88,210 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clinton County earns an income score of 89.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clinton County, Michigan a good place to live?
Clinton County scores 33.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #75 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Clinton 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 Clinton 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.