countyscore
37.9
County Score
Health 74.5Lawn Care 70.1Soil Quality 65.5

County Report Card

About Ingham County, Michigan

Falling Behind National Averages

Ingham County carries a composite score of 37.9, which lands significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score puts the county in the bottom half of the country for overall livability metrics.

Trailing the Michigan Average

The county's score of 37.9 lags behind the Michigan state average of 47.1. Despite hosting the state capital, Ingham struggles to keep pace with higher-performing regional neighbors.

A Hub for Healthcare and Income

Healthcare stands out as a major strength with a robust health score of 74.5. Residents also benefit from a solid income score of 51.6, supported by a median household income of $64,354.

High Taxes and Natural Risks

A high effective tax rate of 1.860% results in a very low tax score of 4.5. Additionally, the county faces vulnerabilities in school performance and natural risk, scoring 24.9 and 12.8 respectively.

Suited for Medical Professionals

This county is best for professionals who value top-tier medical access and stable government employment over low taxes. Families should carefully evaluate specific school districts before relocating.

Score breakdown

Tax4.5Cost21.9Safety56.5Health74.5Schools24.9Income51.6Risk12.8Water61.7Weather56.7
🏛4.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼51.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧61.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.1
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

Clinton County
Michigan
33.8
Shiawassee County
Michigan
42.7
Livingston County
Michigan
54.6
Eaton County
Michigan
39.7
Jackson County
Michigan
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Ionia County
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Genesee County
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Washtenaw County
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Deep Dives

Ingham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ingham County

via TaxByCounty

Ingham's tax rate tops national average

At 1.86%, Ingham County's effective property tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 1.10%, placing it in the top 25% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $3,488 is 30% higher than the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value $94,400 below the national average.

Highest taxes among Michigan counties

Ingham ranks as the most heavily taxed county in Michigan, with an effective rate of 1.86% versus the state average of 1.17%. Its median tax bill of $3,488 exceeds Michigan's county average of $2,102 by 66%.

Ingham stands out among central Michigan peers

Ingham's 1.86% rate dramatically outpaces nearby Ionia County at 1.17% and Isabella County at 1.32%. While Kalamazoo County (1.49%) runs higher than the state average, Ingham still taxes homeowners significantly more across the region.

A $187,500 home costs $3,488 annually

With a median home value of $187,500 and the county's 1.86% effective rate, the typical Ingham homeowner pays $3,488 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $3,567 due to additional assessment fees.

Many Ingham homeowners could appeal taxes

Research shows that many property assessments in high-tax counties like Ingham exceed true market value, making formal tax appeals a viable option for homeowners. Consulting with a property tax professional could help you identify overassessment and reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ingham County

via CostByCounty

Ingham's rent burden exceeds national norms

At 19.7%, Ingham County's rent-to-income ratio runs nearly 4 percentage points above the national average, meaning renters here dedicate a larger share of earnings to housing. The median rent of $1,058 per month sits 21% higher than Michigan's state average of $873, even though Ingham's median household income of $64,354 trails the national median of $74,755 by 14%.

Ingham ranks among Michigan's least affordable

Ingham County's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio places it in the upper tier of housing cost burden across Michigan's 83 counties, where the state average sits at 16.3%. This gap suggests Ingham residents face tighter affordability constraints than most of their state peers.

Costlier than nearby Ionia and Jackson

Ingham's $1,058 median rent significantly outpaces neighboring Ionia County ($840) and Jackson County ($958), making it the highest-rent county in this immediate region. While Ingham's median home value of $187,500 falls below Kalamazoo's $227,500 but above most peers, its elevated rent burden reflects tight rental supply relative to demand.

Rent consumes more of Ingham incomes

With $1,058 in median monthly rent against a $64,354 annual income, Ingham renters spend roughly $12,696 yearly on housing—or 19.7% of gross income. Owner-occupants pay $1,161 monthly, and with a median home value of $187,500, Ingham offers modest homeownership opportunities but remains a high-burden county for both renters and buyers.

Considering Ingham? Compare the full picture

If affordability is your priority, nearby Ionia County delivers comparable job markets with significantly lower rents ($840 vs. $1,058) and a rent-to-income ratio of just 13.7%. However, Ingham's urban amenities and median income of $64,354 may justify the premium for those who value community resources and access to services.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ingham County

via IncomeByCounty

Ingham trails U.S. income benchmark

Ingham County's median household income of $64,354 sits about $10,400 below the national median of $74,755. This gap places Ingham among the lower-earning counties nationally, though it's slightly above Michigan's state average of $64,304.

Right at Michigan's middle

Ingham ranks near the state median, earning virtually identically to Michigan's $64,304 average household income. The county's performance reflects broader economic patterns across Michigan, with neither significant advantage nor disadvantage.

Mixed fortunes in mid-Michigan

Ingham's $64,354 income sits between Jackson County ($65,004) to the south and Kalkaska County ($60,365) to the north. Nearby Kalamazoo County ($70,525) outpaces Ingham by over $6,000, reflecting stronger professional and manufacturing sectors there.

Rent affordable; homes stretch budgets

Ingham households spend 19.7% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability threshold, but median home values of $187,500 require substantial down payments and monthly mortgages. The county offers rental flexibility but signals tight homeownership economics for median-income families.

Build savings to bridge income gap

With incomes $10,000 below the national average, Ingham households benefit from disciplined saving and investment strategies to build long-term wealth. Consider automating retirement contributions and exploring low-cost index funds to compound earnings over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ingham County

via CrimeByCounty

Ingham County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Ingham County maintains a strong safety score of 98.4, signaling a secure environment compared to many U.S. regions. The total crime rate of 1,001.0 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This data reflects a consistent trend of safety across the county's 10 reporting agencies.

A Top Performer in Michigan Safety

With a safety score of 98.4, Ingham County exceeds the Michigan state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,001.0 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the state average of 1,371.8. Local law enforcement efforts keep the county positioned as a safer choice within the state.

Competitive Safety Among Regional Neighbors

Ingham County is substantially safer than Jackson County, which reports a crime rate of 2,330.1. While it trails Ionia County’s low rate of 606.0, Ingham remains a regional leader in crime prevention. Residents benefit from a more secure environment than those in nearby Kalamazoo County.

Violent Crime Rates Remain Remarkably Low

The violent crime rate in Ingham is 131.0 per 100,000, which is far below the state average of 314.8. Property crime accounts for 870.0 incidents per 100,000 people, representing the majority of local offenses. These figures suggest that while property concerns exist, personal safety remains high.

Enhance Security to Deter Property Offenses

Since property crime represents the bulk of local reports, home security systems provide essential peace of mind. Simple measures like smart cameras and motion lights effectively discourage opportunistic theft. Staying informed about local trends helps residents maintain Ingham’s high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ingham County

via HealthByCounty

Ingham's life expectancy lags national average

Ingham County residents live to an average of 75.4 years, about 3 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 14.9% poor or fair health rate sits close to the national average of 15%, suggesting baseline health challenges consistent with the broader U.S. population.

Below average within Michigan

At 75.4 years, Ingham County's life expectancy falls 0.9 years short of Michigan's state average of 76.3 years. This places the county in the lower half of Michigan's 83 counties for health outcomes.

Stronger than some regional peers

Ingham County outperforms neighboring Iosco County (73.5 years) and Ionia County's 16.3% poor/fair health rate—though it trails Kalamazoo County's impressive 77.1 years. The county's mental health provider density of 519 per 100,000 residents exceeds most regional counterparts.

Good insurance access, strong provider base

Only 5.8% of Ingham County residents lack health insurance, below Michigan's 6.4% average, and the county boasts 116 primary care providers per 100,000—a strong ratio that supports routine medical care. However, reaching those providers requires navigating a diverse county that includes both urban and rural areas.

Check your coverage today

While 94.2% of Ingham County is insured, those without coverage have options. Visit healthcare.gov to explore plans, apply for Medicaid, or find free clinics in your area—ensuring you're never one medical emergency away from financial hardship.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ingham County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Infrastructure for 38,000 Students

Ingham County manages a large education network with 94 public schools serving 38,282 students across 20 districts. The landscape includes 50 elementary, 15 middle, and 23 high schools, creating a comprehensive pipeline for local learners.

Graduation Rates and Resource Allocation

The county's 79.2% graduation rate currently trails the Michigan average of 82.5% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure is $7,071, which is below the state average of $7,394, the county maintains a school score of 48.0.

Lansing and Holt Lead the Way

Lansing Public School District is the county's largest, overseeing 28 schools and 9,896 students. Holt Public Schools follows with 4,906 students, while eight charter schools provide alternative options for roughly 8.5% of the total school population.

Urban Centers and Large High Schools

The county features a diverse locale mix with 39 schools in city settings and 27 in suburbs. Michigan Connections Academy and Holt Senior High both serve over 1,600 students, contributing to an average school size of 416 students.

Finding Your Home Near Top Schools

Prospective homeowners can choose between the bustling school environments of Lansing or the top-rated high schools in Okemos and East Lansing. As you research the area, consider how specific district performance and school size fit your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ingham County

via RiskByCounty

Ingham faces above-average disaster risk

Ingham County's composite risk score of 87.25 places it well above Michigan's state average of 49.56, signaling elevated exposure to multiple natural hazards. This relatively moderate risk rating means residents should take precautions more seriously than the typical Michigan community.

Among Michigan's highest-risk counties

Ingham ranks near the top of Michigan counties for overall disaster risk, driven primarily by severe tornado and flood exposure. Only a handful of Michigan counties face comparable composite risk scores.

Riskier than most surrounding counties

Ingham's 87.25 composite score significantly exceeds neighboring Ionia County (55.85) and Jackson County (76.46), making it one of the region's most hazard-exposed communities. The gap highlights Ingham's unique vulnerability profile within south-central Michigan.

Tornadoes and floods lead threats

Ingham's tornado risk score of 96.15 is exceptionally high—among the state's most dangerous—while flooding risk of 88.49 poses persistent threats to homes and infrastructure. Together, these two hazards account for the majority of the county's overall risk exposure.

Prioritize flood and storm coverage

Given extreme tornado and flood risks, Ingham residents should carry robust homeowners insurance with dedicated flood coverage, which standard policies don't include. Consider a safe room or shelter plan for tornado season and ensure your property drains properly to mitigate flood damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ingham County

via WeatherByCounty

Central Michigan's Warmer Core

Ingham County averages 49.2°F annually, making it one of the warmer locations in the Great Lakes region compared to the national median. It experiences a classic four-season climate with distinct shifts in temperature and precipitation.

Exceeding the State Average

At 49.2°F, Ingham is significantly warmer than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. Its inland, southern location allows for higher summer peaks than most of the state.

Consistent Snow and Rain

The county receives 40.8 inches of snowfall and 34.6 inches of precipitation, matching state averages almost exactly. It lacks the heavy lake-effect snow seen in counties further west toward Lake Michigan.

Hot Summers and Brisk Winters

July is warm with an average of 72.1°F and 9 days of extreme heat over 90°F. January remains cold at 24.7°F, though it is milder than the northern parts of the state.

Invest in Year-Round HVAC

With 9 extreme heat days and a 72°F July average, reliable air conditioning is a necessity for residents. Standard winter preparations are required for the 40.8 inches of snow and sub-freezing January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ingham County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and Rich Soils in Ingham

Ingham County features an average pH of 5.56, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but slightly more alkaline than the Michigan average of 5.30. While taxonomic data for this region is limited, the soil score of 65.5 indicates a high-performing foundation for local agriculture.

A Sandy Foundation with Moderate Silt

The soil contains 51.9% sand and 23.3% silt, providing a balanced structure that supports easy root penetration. With only 10.8% clay, these fields are generally easier to work and less prone to heavy compaction than clay-heavy neighbors.

Strong Organic Matter Boosts Growth

The organic matter content sits at 13.08%, dwarfing the national average of 2.0% but trailing the state average of 19.76%. An available water capacity of 0.184 in/in ensures that crops have steady access to moisture, even during dry spells.

Navigating Ingham's Water Management

While specific drainage classes are not officially recorded for this area, the high sand content suggests naturally effective water movement. Farmers and builders should still perform site-specific tests to ensure stable drainage before starting new projects.

Lush Gardening in Hardiness Zone 6a

The 6a climate paired with high organic matter makes Ingham a prime location for leafy greens, peppers, and tomatoes. Home gardeners can capitalize on this fertile soil to grow vigorous vegetable patches or vibrant perennial beds.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ingham County

via LawnByCounty

A Top-Tier Michigan Lawn Environment

Ingham County earns a lawn difficulty score of 70.1, making it significantly easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 60.1. Local growers in USDA hardiness zone 6a benefit from reliable conditions that favor cool-season turfgrass.

Steady Precipitation and Moderate Heat

The county receives 34.6 inches of annual precipitation, closely matching the state average and providing a stable base for growth. With 2,868 growing degree days and only 9 extreme heat days, lawns stay active throughout the summer without excessive thermal stress.

Managing Acidic Soil with Sand and Clay

Soil pH sits at 5.56, which is below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range and requires lime applications to improve nutrient uptake. The composition is 51.9% sand and 10.8% clay, suggesting a need for organic matter to boost moisture retention in these lighter soils.

Navigating Short Drought Spells

Lawns faced 10 weeks of drought over the past year, though current conditions show 0.0% of the area is abnormally dry. Homeowners should focus on deep, infrequent watering during dry spells to encourage deep root systems that survive these periodic fluctuations.

Perfect Timing for Peak Growth

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue thrive here, with the last spring frost typically hitting on April 28. Plan to seed or sod in late August to take advantage of the growing season before the first frost arrives around October 17.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ingham County's county score?
Ingham County, Michigan has a composite county score of 37.9 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 Ingham County rank among counties in Michigan?
Ingham County ranks #69 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 Ingham County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Ingham County is $3,488, with an effective tax rate of 1.86%. This earns Ingham County a tax score of 4.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ingham County?
The median household income in Ingham County, Michigan is $64,354 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ingham County earns an income score of 51.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ingham County, Michigan a good place to live?
Ingham County scores 37.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #69 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Ingham 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 Ingham 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.