CountyScore

Eaton County

Michigan · MI

#66 in Michigan
65
County Score

County Report Card

About Eaton County, Michigan

Notably above national median

Eaton County's composite score of 63.8 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 28%, demonstrating above-average livability on a national scale. The score reflects moderate strengths across income and reasonable tax positioning.

Below Michigan's state average

At 63.8, Eaton County falls below Michigan's state average of 68.7, ranking in the lower-middle tier of Michigan counties. The gap reflects higher overall costs and tax burdens relative to state peers.

Moderate income and tax profile

Eaton County offers an income score of 34.3 with median household income of $78,025, supporting middle-class stability and career growth. The tax score of 62.5 with a 1.415% effective rate is manageable though not exceptional.

Higher housing costs constrain affordability

The cost score of 72.2 reflects elevated housing expenses, with median home values at $206,700 and rent at $1,042 per month, reducing overall affordability. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environment remain incomplete.

Best for established middle-class families

Eaton County suits established professional families seeking suburban stability and moderate career growth without requiring top-tier incomes. The county rewards dual-income households comfortable with moderate housing costs in a mixed-density setting.

Score breakdown

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

Tax62.5Cost72.2SafetyComing SoonHealth79SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.3Risk32.4WaterComing Soon
🏛62.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡32.4
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 Eaton County with another county →

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Massac County
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Deep Dives

Eaton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Eaton County

via TaxByCounty

Eaton County taxes top national average

Eaton County's effective tax rate of 1.415% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.73% when normalized, positioning it as a higher-tax county nationally. The median property tax of $2,924 also surpasses the nation's $2,690 median, reflecting both strong rates and substantial home values.

Well above Michigan's average

Eaton County's 1.415% effective rate ranks notably above Michigan's state average of 1.166%, making it one of the state's highest-tax counties. The median tax of $2,924 substantially exceeds the state median of $2,102.

Among region's highest tax rates

Eaton County's 1.415% ranks second-highest regionally after Dickinson County (1.471%), well above Crawford County (1.093%) and Emmet County (0.905%). Only Clinton County comes close with its 1.251% rate.

Eaton homeowners pay $2,924 yearly

On the county median home value of $206,700, owners pay approximately $2,924 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that amount rises to $2,966; without one, it drops to $2,842.

Appeal assessments in higher-tax counties

Eaton County's elevated tax rate amplifies the impact of any overassessment, making appeals particularly valuable. If your property's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales, filing an appeal could deliver substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Eaton County

via CostByCounty

Eaton Combines Strong Incomes with Balanced Costs

Eaton County residents enjoy a median household income of $78,025—above the national average of $74,755—while maintaining a reasonable 16.0% rent-to-income ratio despite higher absolute housing costs. Monthly rents of $1,042 reflect a more developed market with stronger earning potential to support them.

Above-Average Incomes, Average Affordability

Eaton County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Michigan's state average of 16.3%, benefiting from incomes that exceed the state median and rents only slightly higher than Michigan's $873 baseline. This positions Eaton as a moderately affordable option for families with above-average earning power.

Lower Peninsula's Balanced Alternative

Eaton County's $1,042 rent and $78,025 income place it as a middle option between Clinton County's premium market ($1,039 rent, $85,928 income) and Delta County's bargain basement ($698 rent, $54,829 income). For Lower Peninsula relocators, Eaton offers strong incomes without Clinton's elevated housing costs.

Homeownership Premium Reflects Market Value

Eaton County homeowners pay $1,139 monthly compared to renters' $1,042—a $97 premium reflecting the county's $206,700 median home values and more affluent market positioning. Despite higher absolute costs, the 16.0% rent-to-income ratio proves residents' strong incomes manage both pathways comfortably.

Eaton Suits Growing Families and Professionals

Eaton County delivers solid housing affordability for households with incomes near or above $78,025, with balanced rent and ownership options around $1,040-$1,140 monthly. If you're relocating to Michigan's Lower Peninsula with above-average household income, Eaton offers accessibility without the premium pricing of neighboring Clinton County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Eaton County

via IncomeByCounty

Eaton County exceeds national income average

Eaton County's median household income of $78,025 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $3,270, placing it among the stronger-earning counties nationwide. This solid performance reflects a diversified regional economy with manufacturing, agriculture, and public sector employment.

Above Michigan's county median

At $78,025, Eaton County outpaces Michigan's state median of $64,304 by $13,721, ranking among the state's higher-income counties. This $13,721 advantage signals robust economic activity and strong purchasing power relative to most of Michigan.

Top earner in a strong cohort

Eaton's $78,025 median trails only Clinton County ($85,928) and Emmet County ($73,724), positioning it as one of the region's most economically robust counties. This strength reflects Eaton's position as a manufacturing and agricultural hub with diversified employment.

Housing costs reasonable for earners

At 16.0%, Eaton's rent-to-income ratio is moderate, with median home values of $206,700 remaining accessible for local earners. This balance allows households to build equity while maintaining financial flexibility for other investments and goals.

Invest aggressively for long-term growth

Eaton County's $78,025 median income supports robust wealth-building strategies—consider maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 annually for 2024), opening a taxable brokerage account, or exploring real estate investment. At this income level, professional financial planning can unlock substantial compounding over a career.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Eaton County

via HealthByCounty

Eaton residents live healthier, longer lives

At 77.1 years, Eaton County exceeds the U.S. life expectancy average by nearly a year, and only 13.7% report poor or fair health—significantly below the national average of 17.5%. Eaton's residents enjoy better health outcomes than typical Americans.

Among Michigan's healthier communities

Eaton's 77.1-year life expectancy is 0.8 years above Michigan's state average of 76.3 years, while its 4.8% uninsured rate ranks among the state's best—well below the 6.4% state average. Eaton excels on both longevity and insurance coverage.

Strong health profile in south-central Michigan

Eaton's 77.1-year life expectancy and 4.8% uninsured rate outperform most regional peers, including Clinton (79.9 life expectancy but comparable coverage). Eaton combines strong coverage with solid 13.7% poor/fair health reporting.

Good coverage with adequate provider access

Eaton's 4.8% uninsured rate means most residents have health insurance protection, though with 33 primary care providers per 100K, access requires some planning ahead. The 217 mental health providers per 100K offer reasonable behavioral health availability.

Eaton's coverage is nearly complete

With 4.8% uninsured, Eaton leads in health insurance coverage—but if you're uninsured, your county's strong health infrastructure makes coverage even more worthwhile. Visit Michigan's marketplace or local health office to get covered today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Eaton County

via RiskByCounty

Eaton faces Michigan's highest risk

Eaton County's composite risk score of 67.62 with a 'Relatively Low' rating significantly exceeds Michigan's 49.56 state average and ranks among the nation's moderate-risk counties. This elevated profile reflects multiple concurrent hazard exposures that demand serious preparedness.

Riskiest county in all of Michigan

At 67.62, Eaton ranks highest among all Michigan counties, substantially above the state average of 49.56. The county's elevated composite score reflects particularly severe tornado and flood risks that dominate its disaster profile.

Far exceeds surrounding county risk levels

Eaton's 67.62 score dramatically outpaces neighboring Clinton County (47.04), Clare County (47.46), and all other surrounding counties. This makes Eaton a clear regional risk outlier in south-central Michigan.

Tornadoes and floods dominate hazards

Eaton faces tornado risk of 86.48—the highest in Michigan—making severe spring and summer thunderstorms a critical seasonal threat to life and property. Flood risk of 72.01 ranks second-highest statewide, driven by the county's position in a low-lying agricultural region prone to spring snowmelt and heavy rainfall.

Invest heavily in storm and flood protection

Eaton residents must prioritize tornado and high-wind coverage in their homeowner's policies and strongly consider constructing or retrofitting a safe room for severe weather events. Flood insurance through the NFIP is essential for this county's elevated risk profile, especially for properties in flood-prone zones.

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.