countyscore
44.4
County Score
Lawn Care 64.1Health 63.6Soil Quality 61.8

County Report Card

About Hillsdale County, Michigan

Moderately below national levels

Hillsdale County scores a 45.3, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. While competitive in some areas, it remains in the lower half of counties nationally.

Close to state norms

At 45.3, Hillsdale sits just under the Michigan average of 47.1. It offers a profile typical of Michigan's southern border counties, balancing low taxes with moderate scores elsewhere.

Favorable tax and health

The county features a strong health score of 63.6 and a tax score of 40.9, supported by a low effective tax rate of 0.964%. Housing remains accessible with a cost score of 55.0.

Safety and water concerns

The safety score of 31.6 and water score of 31.5 are the primary areas needing attention. These factors pull down an otherwise steady score profile.

A choice for low-tax seekers

Hillsdale is a solid option for those looking to minimize their tax bill while living in a reasonably affordable home. It best serves people who are comfortable with a more rural, less service-heavy environment.

2040608010036.952.631.663.637.746.35031.554Tax36.9Cost52.6Safety31.6Health63.6Schools37.7Income46.3Risk50Water31.5Weather5444.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Hillsdale County DNA

Foverall

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

Hillsdale County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (31.5/100), though Health (63.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
36.9-15.100000000000001
Cost
52.6
Safety
31.6-23.4
Health
63.6+13.600000000000001
Schools
37.7-16.299999999999997
Income
46.3
Risk
50
Water
31.5-26.5
Weather
54
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Think property taxes are too high in Hillsdale County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$176,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$832/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$176,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,242/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.0

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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Nearby counties

Williams County
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60.3
Steuben County
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51.5
Branch County
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36.9
Fulton County
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49.7
Lenawee County
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Jackson County
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DeKalb County
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Calhoun County
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Deep Dives

Hillsdale County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hillsdale County

via TaxByCounty

Hillsdale offers exceptional tax value

At 0.964%, Hillsdale County has the lowest effective tax rate in this entire group and sits in the 30th percentile nationally, well below the median of 1.098%. Its median home value of $170,500 means homeowners enjoy both low rates and reasonable property values.

Michigan's most tax-efficient county

Hillsdale's 0.964% effective rate ranks among Michigan's lowest, trailing only Grand Traverse (0.979%) in this group and running 17% below the state average of 1.166%. The median property tax of $1,644 is the second-lowest profiled here.

Southern Michigan's best value

Hillsdale's 0.964% rate makes it one of Michigan's most affordable jurisdictions for property taxes, outperforming Genesee (1.398%) and Gratiot (1.271%). Only Grand Traverse offers comparable relief, and Hillsdale does so with more modest property values.

What a typical home costs

On a median home valued at $170,500, Hillsdale homeowners pay approximately $1,644 per year in property taxes. Mortgaged properties run about $1,696 annually; mortgage-free homes cost roughly $1,562.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even in low-tax counties, some properties are assessed above fair market value—particularly if you haven't sold recently. File an appeal with Hillsdale County's assessor and provide comparable sales data to potentially lower your bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hillsdale County

via IncomeByCounty

Hillsdale income falls short of national median

Hillsdale County's median household income of $60,869 lags the national median of $74,755 by roughly $13,900—an 18.6% gap. The county ranks in the lower-middle range nationally for household earnings.

Hillsdale slightly below Michigan's state average

At $60,869, Hillsdale's median household income sits just beneath Michigan's state average of $64,304, a difference of about $3,400. The per capita income of $31,996 also lags the state average of $35,451.

Hillsdale near parity with regional peers

Hillsdale's $60,869 median household income ranks close to Genesee ($60,673) and Gratiot ($61,128), but trails Grand Traverse ($79,486). Among comparable Michigan counties, Hillsdale occupies a stable middle tier.

Affordable housing strengthens financial position

Hillsdale's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs well below the 30% affordability threshold, supporting financial health. With a median home value of $170,500, homeownership remains accessible for families earning the county median.

Harness Hillsdale's stable income for savings

Hillsdale households at the median $60,869 benefit from favorable housing costs at 15.8%, freeing up more than 84% of income for other priorities. Investing in retirement accounts and building emergency reserves accelerates wealth growth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hillsdale County

via CrimeByCounty

Hillsdale County Safety Overview

Hillsdale County has a total crime rate of 1,612.8 per 100,000, which remains below the national average of 2,385.5. The county holds a safety score of 97.5. While safer than the national norm, it faces more challenges than some of its rural Michigan peers.

Hillsdale vs. Michigan Averages

The county's safety score of 97.5 is slightly below the Michigan average of 97.8. Its crime rate of 1,612.8 also exceeds the state average of 1,371.8. Seven local reporting agencies are active in addressing these safety trends.

Local Safety Comparisons

Hillsdale County reports higher crime rates than nearby Gratiot or Gladwin. However, it is significantly safer than Genesee County, which reports over 2,052 crimes per 100,000. Hillsdale represents a middle ground in terms of Michigan's southern regional safety.

Breaking Down Crime Types

Violent crime in Hillsdale is 372.0 per 100,000, which is nearly identical to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is 1,240.8, which is lower than the national 2,015.7 average. This data suggests that while violent incidents are on par with the U.S. average, theft is less common.

Securing Your Household

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should consider upgrading home security systems. Using smart cameras and ensuring all entry points are well-lit can deter local crime. Staying engaged with Hillsdale's seven reporting agencies helps foster a safer community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hillsdale County

via WeatherByCounty

Southern Michigan's Mildest Tier

Hillsdale County’s annual average temperature of 47.9°F is warmer than many northern peers but still trails the national median. It experiences a humid continental climate typical of the southern Great Lakes border region.

Among Michigan's Warmer Counties

Hillsdale is significantly warmer than the state average of 45.7°F, reflecting its position on the southern state line. It also receives more annual precipitation at 39.5 inches compared to the Michigan average of 34.5 inches.

Damp and Moderate Conditions

With 39.5 inches of precipitation, Hillsdale is wetter than many of its central Michigan neighbors. Its 44.1 inches of annual snowfall is typical for the southern tier, where lake-effect impact is reduced.

Extended Summer and Gentle Winters

July averages a warm 71.2°F with 9 days of extreme heat exceeding 90°F. Winters are relatively mild by Michigan standards, with January temperatures averaging 22.8°F.

Focus on Moisture and Heat

Given the 39.5 inches of precipitation, ensuring proper basement drainage and gutter maintenance is vital for residents. Efficient cooling systems are recommended to handle the warm 71°F summers and 9 extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hillsdale County

via SoilByCounty

Favorable Acidity for Local Farming

Hillsdale County shows an average soil pH of 5.66, falling between the state average and the national median. This level of acidity is generally favorable for most Michigan field crops and garden perennials.

Higher Clay for Nutrient Retention

With 14.8% clay and 54.4% sand, this soil has the highest clay percentage among neighboring counties. This helps the soil hold onto vital nutrients and provides a firmer structure for plant roots.

Robust Organic Matter and Water Storage

Organic matter is strong at 11.26%, far exceeding the national average of 2.0%. An available water capacity of 0.169 in/in provides a steady reservoir of moisture for crops during the growing season.

A Versatile and Workable Soil

Limited local drainage data exists, but the moderate silt and clay levels indicate a versatile landscape. The composition points to a soil that balances moisture retention with the necessary aeration for root health.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 6a

With a soil score of 61.8, Hillsdale is a productive region for squash and sunflowers. The long zone 6a growing season allows gardeners to maximize their harvest throughout the summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hillsdale County

via LawnByCounty

Southern Michigan's Growing Edge

Hillsdale County earns a lawn difficulty score of 64.1, indicating that conditions are more favorable here than in much of the state. As a Zone 6a region, it offers a robust growing season for homeowners who prioritize their landscaping.

Plentiful Rain and Extended Growth

The county receives a robust 39.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is 5 inches above the Michigan average. This moisture supports 2,649 growing degree days, the highest in this group, leading to rapid turf development and frequent mowing.

Addressing Mild Soil Acidity

The soil pH of 5.66 is slightly below the ideal range of 6.0-7.0, so a light application of lime may improve nutrient uptake. With 14.8% clay and 54.4% sand, the soil has a good balance of moisture retention and drainage.

Managing Current Dryness

The entire county is currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions, a trend that follows 29 weeks of drought over the past year. Despite high annual rainfall, these dry spells require supplemental watering to keep lawns from thinning out.

The May Planting Window

Seeding should begin after the last frost on May 3rd to take advantage of the wet spring months. Bluegrass and Ryegrass blends perform exceptionally well in this zone, provided they are established before the mid-October frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hillsdale County's county score?
Hillsdale County, Michigan has a composite county score of 44.4 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 Hillsdale County rank among counties in Michigan?
Hillsdale County ranks #50 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 Hillsdale County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Hillsdale County is $1,738, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Hillsdale County a tax score of 36.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hillsdale County?
The median household income in Hillsdale County, Michigan is $64,242 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hillsdale County earns an income score of 46.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hillsdale County, Michigan a good place to live?
Hillsdale County scores 44.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale 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.