CountyScore

Genesee County

Michigan · MI

#77 in Michigan
62.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Genesee County, Michigan

Genesee scores well above national median

With a composite score of 64.7 out of 100, Genesee County ranks in the 65th percentile nationally—well above the U.S. median of 50.0. This places the county among the more livable regions across the country, despite Michigan's competitive landscape.

Slightly below Michigan's average ranking

Genesee's 64.7 score falls just shy of Michigan's state average of 68.7, placing it near the middle of the state's county rankings. The county remains solidly above 50, indicating good overall livability compared to most U.S. counties.

Housing affordability drives livability

Genesee excels in housing costs, scoring 76.4—meaning rents average $936/month and homes sell for $172,900, making it substantially more affordable than many regions. Tax burden is moderate at 63.0, with an effective rate of 1.398% offering reasonable tax exposure for residents.

Income levels lag behind state averages

The county's income score of 23.0 reflects a median household income of $60,673—meaningful but lower than state aspirations. Safety, health, schools, and other dimensions lack current data, leaving some aspects of livability still to be assessed.

Best for budget-conscious families seeking stability

Genesee County suits families prioritizing affordable housing and modest taxes over high incomes, offering solid overall livability at a lower cost. It's ideal for those seeking stability without premium pricing, though prospective residents should research schools and safety independently.

Score breakdown

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

Tax63Cost76.4SafetyComing SoonHealth73.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome23Risk7.8WaterComing Soon
🏛63
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡7.8
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 Genesee County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Butte County
California
62.1
Median income: $68,574
Yuba County
California
62.1
Median income: $73,313
Paulding County
Georgia
62.1
Median income: $94,557
Linn County
Oregon
62.1
Median income: $73,396
Hopkins County
Texas
62.1
Median income: $64,725

Deep Dives

Genesee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Genesee County

via TaxByCounty

Genesee's taxes run higher than most

At 1.398%, Genesee County's effective tax rate sits well above the national median of 1.098%, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. That means homeowners here pay a steeper tax bill than three-quarters of American counties. The median property tax of $2,417 closely tracks the national median of $2,690, despite a home value gap that works in Michigan's favor.

Above average for Michigan

Genesee ranks in the upper third of Michigan's 83 counties for effective tax rates, at 1.398% versus the state average of 1.166%. Its median property tax of $2,417 exceeds Michigan's median of $2,102, reflecting both higher rates and modestly higher property values.

Higher than nearby counties

Genesee's 1.398% rate outpaces neighboring Gladwin County (1.183%) and regional peer Gratiot County (1.271%). Only Gogebic County to the west runs higher at 1.492%, making Genesee among the pricier jurisdictions in its region.

What a typical home costs

On a median home valued at $172,900, expect to pay roughly $2,417 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with a mortgage pay about $2,683 per year, while those owning outright pay approximately $1,988.

You might be overassessed

Many Michigan homeowners are overassessed relative to current market values, and Genesee County residents can file an appeal with the county assessor. A reassessment could lower your tax bill—it's worth reviewing your property's assessed value against comparable homes in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Genesee County

via CostByCounty

Rent costs climb above national norms

Genesee County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% exceeds the national average, meaning renters here spend a larger share of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. With a median household income of $60,673—nearly $14,000 below the national median of $74,755—housing affordability presents a real squeeze for working families.

Among Michigan's least affordable rentals

Genesee ranks above Michigan's state average rent-to-income ratio of 16.3%, making it one of the state's less affordable rental markets. At $936 per month, the median rent here also outpaces the state average of $873, widening the gap for renters on modest incomes.

Pricier than Gratiot, cheaper than Grand Traverse

Genesee's $936 median rent sits between neighboring Gratiot County ($808) and the more affluent Grand Traverse County ($1,215). Income levels tell a similar story: Genesee households earn slightly less than Gratiot ($61,128) but substantially less than Grand Traverse ($79,486).

Housing eats 18.5% of household income

Renters in Genesee spend $936 monthly while homeowners face $992 in mortgage and ownership costs, with both hitting harder against the county's $60,673 median income. Together, these figures reveal a county where more than one-sixth of household earnings go straight to housing—above the 30% affordability threshold that defines cost-burdened households.

Consider Genesee for Midwest stability

If you're weighing relocation across the Midwest, Genesee offers modest housing costs relative to other industrial regions, though income levels require careful budgeting. Nearby Gladwin and Gratiot counties provide even lower rents if affordability is your top priority.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Genesee County

via IncomeByCounty

Genesee lags the national income benchmark

Genesee County's median household income of $60,673 falls about $14,000 short of the national median of $74,755—an 18.8% gap. This places the county in the lower-middle range nationally for household earnings.

Slightly below Michigan's average income

At $60,673, Genesee's median household income sits just below Michigan's state average of $64,304, ranking the county in the middle tier statewide. The per capita income of $34,587 mirrors the state average of $35,451.

Genesee outearns several regional peers

Genesee's $60,673 median household income exceeds Houghton County ($56,573), Huron County ($56,963), and Gladwin County ($55,576) but lags Grand Traverse County's $79,486. Among its closest neighbors in central Michigan, Genesee occupies a middle position.

Rent remains manageable in Genesee

The 18.5% rent-to-income ratio indicates housing costs consume less than one-fifth of typical household earnings, well within the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $172,900, homeownership remains within reach for many families earning the county median.

Build savings with steady Genesee wages

Genesee residents earning the median $60,673 have room to invest after covering housing costs at 18.5% of income. Starting an emergency fund or exploring retirement accounts now positions households to weather economic shifts and build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Genesee County

via HealthByCounty

Genesee lags on life expectancy

At 73.1 years, Genesee County residents live nearly 6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 16.2% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 12%, suggesting underlying health challenges that warrant attention.

Below Michigan's health average

Genesee ranks below Michigan's state life expectancy of 76.3 years, placing it in the lower third of Michigan counties. However, the county's 5.2% uninsured rate beats the state average of 6.4%, showing relatively good insurance coverage despite health outcome challenges.

Mixed health picture with neighbors

Genesee's 73.1-year life expectancy trails Gratiot County (75.5 years) and Saginaw County neighbors, though it matches Lapeer's outcomes. The county does have 83 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, comparable to better-performing adjacent counties.

Healthcare access: the bright spot

Genesee's 365 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among Michigan's highest—suggest solid mental healthcare infrastructure. With 83 primary care providers per 100,000 and just 5.2% uninsured, access barriers appear manageable, though underlying health disparities persist.

Keep coverage strong in Genesee

Though Genesee's uninsured rate is lower than state average, 5.2% of residents still lack coverage. Explore Michigan's healthcare marketplace at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to ensure you and your family stay protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Genesee County

via RiskByCounty

Genesee faces significantly above-average risk

With a composite risk score of 92.18, Genesee County ranks in the upper tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster risk. This score is nearly double Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it in the "Relatively Moderate" category nationwide. The county's exposure is driven by multiple overlapping hazards rather than a single dominant threat.

Highest-risk county in Michigan

Genesee County's 92.18 composite risk score makes it the riskiest county in Michigan by a significant margin. It ranks substantially above every other Michigan county, with the next-closest county trailing by over 30 points. This distinction reflects Genesee's particular vulnerability to tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes—hazards that rarely cluster at this intensity level.

Genesee stands alone in regional risk

Neighboring Gratiot County (54.13) and Lapeer County score roughly half of Genesee's risk level, underscoring how concentrated the hazard exposure is within Genesee's borders. Even Saginaw County and Tuscola County, also in central Michigan, report substantially lower composite scores. Genesee's unique position suggests localized geography and infrastructure factors amplify its vulnerability.

Tornadoes and floods dominate the threat

Genesee's tornado risk of 98.54 is among the highest in the nation, and flood risk of 92.59 compounds exposure across much of the county. Earthquake risk of 70.83 adds a third significant layer of hazard. Together, these three threats account for the vast majority of Genesee's composite risk and require distinct preparation strategies.

Multi-hazard insurance is critical here

Homeowners in Genesee should carry flood insurance separate from standard homeowners policies, which do not cover flood damage. Given the tornado risk, structural reinforcement (reinforced safe rooms, impact-resistant roofing) and earthquake insurance should also be considered for comprehensive protection. Review your coverage annually, especially after any local flooding or severe weather events.

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.