countyscore
45.3
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.

Score breakdown

Tax40.9Cost55Safety31.6Health63.6Schools37.7Income41.6Risk50Water31.5Weather54
🏛40.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠55
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡31.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧31.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨61.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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58.5
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Fulton County
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DeKalb County
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Deep Dives

Hillsdale County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Hillsdale County

via CostByCounty

Below-average affordability burden

Hillsdale County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% sits comfortably below the national average, meaning renters here retain more of their earnings than typical Americans. With a median household income of $60,869 and median rent of $801, the county achieves solid housing affordability despite incomes trailing the national median of $74,755.

Slightly better than Michigan average

Hillsdale ranks marginally below Michigan's state rent-to-income average of 16.3%, offering modest affordability gains over most of the state. At $801 per month, median rent undercuts the state average of $873 by $72, providing meaningful monthly relief.

Affordable middle tier in the region

Hillsdale's $801 rent positions it between Gratiot ($808) and Genesee ($936), offering competitive affordability for south-central Michigan. The median household income of $60,869 also clusters close to Gratiot ($61,128) and Genesee ($60,673), reflecting similar economic profiles.

15.8% of earnings toward rent

Renters spend $801 monthly while homeowners face $850 in costs, both reasonable portions of the $60,869 median household income. Hillsdale demonstrates that modest-income counties can achieve acceptable affordability through restrained housing costs.

Solid choice for Midwest affordability

Hillsdale County offers balanced housing costs and community stability for working families throughout south-central Michigan. Compared to pricier Grand Traverse, Hillsdale delivers meaningful savings; compared to cheaper Gladwin, it offers more robust job and income opportunities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Hillsdale County

via HealthByCounty

Hillsdale's health challenges mount

At 75.3 years, Hillsdale County's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 78.9 by 3.6 years. With 17.6% of residents reporting poor or fair health—second-highest among these eight counties—Hillsdale faces significant disease and chronic condition burdens.

Below state average in health metrics

Hillsdale's 75.3-year life expectancy falls below Michigan's 76.3-year state average, ranking in the lower third. The county's 6.6% uninsured rate exceeds Michigan's 6.4% average, adding cost barriers to healthcare access.

Struggles alongside similar counties

Hillsdale's 75.3-year life expectancy trails Gratiot (75.5), Houghton (77.6), and nearly all neighboring counties. Its critical shortage of just 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represents among the state's worst access to foundational medical care.

Provider shortage limits preventive care

Hillsdale's 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—second-lowest among the eight—creates severe access barriers and long wait times. Combined with a 6.6% uninsured rate and 176 mental health providers per 100,000, many residents struggle accessing basic care before conditions worsen.

Expand coverage in Hillsdale

Hillsdale's above-average uninsured rate means neighbors delay or skip care due to cost. Visit healthcare.gov or call your county health department to explore Michigan Medicaid, subsidized marketplace plans, or community health center options for affordable care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hillsdale County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Decentralized Network of 11 Districts

Hillsdale County manages 23 public schools serving a total of 5,340 students. This uniquely decentralized system features 11 different school districts, emphasizing local control and community identity.

High Graduation Rates and Solid Scores

Hillsdale County achieves an 87.2% graduation rate, outperforming both the state and national averages. The $7,038 per-pupil spending supports a strong 52.1 school score, indicating high efficiency and academic success.

Jonesville and Hillsdale Community Leaders

Jonesville Community Schools and Hillsdale Community Schools are the largest districts, serving 1,273 and 1,268 students respectively. Two charter schools operate in the county, accounting for 8.7% of the total public school inventory.

Rural Roots and Intimate Classrooms

The average school size is just 243 students, split across 13 rural and 10 town locales. Williams Elementary in Jonesville is the largest school with 549 students, while many other facilities offer very small, personalized learning environments.

Excellent Outcomes in a Rural Setting

Hillsdale County's high graduation rates make it an attractive option for value-conscious home buyers. Look for properties in Jonesville or Hillsdale to settle near some of the county's most popular and successful schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hillsdale County

via RiskByCounty

Hillsdale's risk sits right at national baseline

Hillsdale County's composite risk score of 49.97 places it in the "Relatively Low" category, nearly identical to Michigan's state average of 49.56. The county's risk profile reflects balanced exposure across tornado, flood, and moderate earthquake hazards. This baseline positioning suggests Hillsdale residents face typical Midwest natural disaster risks.

Average risk for Michigan

Hillsdale ranks at the exact center of Michigan's risk distribution, with a 49.97 score matching the state average almost precisely. This mid-tier position places Hillsdale among the state's most typical counties for disaster exposure. Significantly riskier counties like Genesee contrast sharply with safer upper-peninsula locations.

Comparable risk to adjacent southern Michigan

Hillsdale's 49.97 score exceeds Gladwin County (40.27) but falls below Gratiot County (54.13) and Huron County (59.03). Within its immediate region in southern Michigan, Hillsdale represents moderate risk—neither particularly safe nor notably exposed. The variation reflects Hillsdale's position in a transition zone between lower-risk agricultural regions and higher-risk coastal areas.

Tornadoes and earthquakes are primary threats

Tornado risk of 78.53 is Hillsdale's most significant hazard, reflecting the county's location in Michigan's tornado-prone south-central region. Earthquake risk of 50.51 is unusually high for Michigan and likely reflects proximity to seismic activity zones along the eastern Great Lakes region. Flood risk of 56.46 is moderate and should not be overlooked.

Prepare for tornadoes and ground shaking

Hillsdale residents should prioritize tornado preparedness, including a designated safe room or basement shelter and knowledge of local warning systems. Earthquake insurance should be considered given the surprisingly high 50.51 seismic risk score; standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage. Flood insurance is advisable, particularly for properties in lower-lying areas or near streams.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 45.3 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 $1,644, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Hillsdale County a tax score of 40.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hillsdale County?
The median household income in Hillsdale County, Michigan is $60,869 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hillsdale County earns an income score of 41.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hillsdale County, Michigan a good place to live?
Hillsdale County scores 45.3/100 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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