CountyScore

Clinton County

Michigan · MI

#42 in Michigan
69
County Score

County Report Card

About Clinton County, Michigan

Stronger than average nationally

Clinton County scores 65.8, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 32%, demonstrating above-average livability on a national scale. The score reflects a balanced profile with notable income advantages offsetting higher housing costs.

Below Michigan's state average

Clinton County's 65.8 lags the Michigan average of 68.7, placing it in the lower-middle range statewide. The gap is driven primarily by higher housing costs relative to other Michigan counties.

Highest incomes in the group

Clinton County stands apart with an income score of 39.5 and median household income of $85,928, the strongest earnings profile among these eight counties. The tax score of 67.1 with a 1.251% effective rate provides moderate relief.

Higher housing costs pressure affordability

The cost score of 71.3 reflects elevated housing prices, with median home values at $243,700 and rent at $1,039 per month—significantly higher than peer counties. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environment remain incomplete.

For earners seeking suburban stability

Clinton County appeals to dual-income families and professionals with higher earnings seeking better schools and community amenities near urban centers. The county rewards career growth but demands stronger financial capacity than its regional peers.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax67.1Cost71.3SafetyComing SoonHealth83.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.5Risk53WaterComing Soon
🏛67.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤83.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡53
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Clinton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Murray County
Georgia
69
Median income: $67,880
Treutlen County
Georgia
69
Median income: $43,750
Johnson County
Illinois
69
Median income: $65,203
Boone County
Indiana
69
Median income: $104,865
Grant County
Kansas
69
Median income: $72,484

Deep Dives

Clinton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Clinton County

via CostByCounty

Clinton County's Incomes Support Higher Housing Costs

Clinton County boasts the highest median household income among Michigan's profiled counties at $85,928—above the national average of $74,755—allowing residents to absorb higher housing costs while maintaining a healthy 14.5% rent-to-income ratio. Monthly rents of $1,039 reflect a more affluent market with stronger earning capacity.

Michigan's Most Affordable County for High Earners

Clinton County ranks as the most affordable in Michigan by rent-to-income ratio at 14.5%, well below the state average of 16.3%, thanks to incomes that outpace both state and national medians. This county delivers the most balanced housing affordability profile across Michigan's profiled counties.

Highest Incomes, Highest Housing Costs

Clinton County's $1,039 monthly rent and $1,202 monthly owner costs are the highest among Michigan's profiled counties, yet residents can afford them due to median income of $85,928—the region's strongest. Eaton County comes closest with $78,025 in median income and slightly lower rents of $1,042, making Clinton a premium but manageable market.

Ownership Costs More, But Income Supports It

Clinton County homeowners pay $1,202 monthly compared to renters' $1,039, a $163 monthly premium that reflects higher-value properties (median $243,700) in this affluent county. Despite these elevated costs, the 14.5% rent-to-income ratio proves residents' strong incomes keep housing burdens manageable.

Clinton Suits High-Income Relocators

Clinton County delivers Michigan's best overall housing affordability for higher-income households, with premium properties at home values of $243,700 remaining affordable relative to incomes. If your household income aligns with or exceeds $85,928, Clinton offers the strongest housing market fundamentals in the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Clinton County

via HealthByCounty

Clinton County leads on life expectancy

Clinton County residents live to 79.9 years on average—3.5 years beyond the U.S. average of 76.4 years—and only 11.9% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 17.5%. These numbers position Clinton as one of Michigan's healthiest communities.

One of Michigan's healthiest counties

At 79.9 years, Clinton's life expectancy is 3.6 years above Michigan's state average of 76.3 years. At 4.4% uninsured, Clinton ranks among the state's best for insurance coverage, with only about 1 in 23 residents lacking health insurance.

Clear health advantage over regional peers

Clinton's 79.9-year life expectancy outpaces all nearby counties: Eaton (77.1), Emmet (78.7), and Crawford (76.6). With a 4.4% uninsured rate, Clinton leads its region in coverage—significantly better than Clare's 8.3% or Chippewa's 7.5%.

Solid coverage, modest provider access

Clinton's strength lies in insurance coverage, but with only 30 primary care providers per 100K, residents may face some waits for appointments. The 4.4% uninsured rate means most Clinton residents have financial protection for routine and emergency care.

Clinton's coverage gap is closing

If you're among Clinton's 4.4% uninsured residents, you're in a county where most people have health insurance—making it easier to find community resources and support. Check Michigan's marketplace or local health department to close that gap.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clinton County

via RiskByCounty

Clinton's risk slightly below state norm

Clinton County registers a composite risk score of 47.04 with a 'Relatively Low' rating—just below Michigan's 49.56 average. While this suggests moderate hazard exposure nationally, Clinton residents face manageable but notable disaster risks.

Below-average risk across Michigan

Clinton's 47.04 score sits slightly below the state average of 49.56, positioning it in Michigan's safer half. The county's balanced hazard profile reflects its location in south-central Michigan's relatively stable region.

Safer than Eaton, comparable to Clare

Clinton's 47.04 risk score ranks lower than neighboring Eaton County (67.62) but aligns closely with Clare County (47.46). This clustering reflects the similar disaster exposure patterns across central Michigan counties.

Tornado risk far exceeds state average

Clinton faces exceptional tornado risk at 76.94—among the highest in Michigan—driven by its position in the state's storm alley during spring and early summer. Hurricane risk of 34.33 adds a secondary concern during Atlantic storm season, particularly in late August through October.

Invest in comprehensive storm coverage

Clinton homeowners must prioritize tornado and high-wind coverage in their insurance policies, as this county experiences some of Michigan's most active severe weather. Consider a safe room or reinforced shelter in your home and maintain up-to-date homeowner's insurance with low deductibles.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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