CountyScore

Ionia County

Michigan · MI

#45 in Michigan
68.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Ionia County, Michigan

Strong Performer Above National Average

Ionia County achieves a composite score of 69.0, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0 and landing in the 72nd percentile nationally. This strong showing reflects a well-balanced livability profile that resonates across multiple dimensions.

Right at Michigan's Average

Ionia scores 69.0, matching Michigan's state average of 68.7 exactly, placing it squarely in the middle tier of the state's county rankings. This parity suggests Ionia represents a typical Michigan experience—neither an outlier advantage nor disadvantage.

Tax Advantage and Affordability

Ionia shines with a Tax Score of 69.4 and a Cost Score of 78.1, delivering the lowest effective tax rate (1.17%) among these counties and housing affordability with median rent at just $840/month. The median household income of $73,436 also represents solid earning potential for the region.

Income Potential Remains Moderate

The Income Score of 31.3, while respectable, still lags higher-performing counties in the broader context. Data gaps in safety, health, and education limit a comprehensive assessment of Ionia's quality-of-life fundamentals.

Sweet Spot for Value Seekers

Ionia County appeals to families and professionals seeking exceptional tax efficiency and low housing costs without sacrificing moderate earning power. It's the Goldilocks choice for those wanting a balanced Michigan experience with tangible financial advantages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69.4Cost78.1SafetyComing SoonHealth76.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.3Risk44.2WaterComing Soon
🏛69.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡44.2
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 Ionia County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

La Plata County
Colorado
68.7
Median income: $85,296
Butts County
Georgia
68.7
Median income: $59,221
Adams County
Indiana
68.7
Median income: $63,128
Emmet County
Iowa
68.7
Median income: $65,181
Wichita County
Kansas
68.7
Median income: $71,282

Deep Dives

Ionia County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ionia County

via TaxByCounty

Ionia's taxes slightly exceed national norms

Ionia County's effective tax rate of 1.17% sits just above the national median of 1.10%, placing it around the 55th percentile nationwide. The median property tax of $2,211 runs 18% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Ionia's lower home values.

Ionia matches Michigan's average tax rate

At 1.167%, Ionia's effective rate is virtually identical to Michigan's statewide average of 1.166%. The county's median tax of $2,211 sits just 5% above Michigan's average of $2,102.

Ionia taxes moderately across central Michigan

Ionia's 1.17% rate falls between lower-taxed Iosco County (1.06%) and higher-taxed Ingham County (1.86%). The county maintains a balanced position among its peers, neither especially aggressive nor particularly lenient on property taxation.

A $189,400 home costs $2,211 annually

With a median home value of $189,400 and Ionia's 1.17% effective rate, the typical homeowner pays $2,211 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages face an additional $77 due to mortgage-related fees, totaling $2,288.

Ionia homeowners have appeal options

Even in moderately-taxed counties like Ionia, overassessment occurs regularly, offering homeowners opportunities to challenge their valuations. A professional assessment appeal could reduce your annual tax burden if your home is reassessed above its fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ionia County

via CostByCounty

Ionia delivers strong affordability advantage

Ionia County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio beats both the Michigan state average of 16.3% and sits well below the national baseline, making it one of Michigan's most affordable rental markets. At $840 per month, Ionia's median rent is 4% below the state average, while its median household income of $73,436 nearly matches the national median of $74,755.

Ionia ranks among Michigan's most affordable

With a 13.7% rent-to-income ratio, Ionia County outperforms 80% of Michigan counties on housing affordability. This competitive position reflects a balanced housing market where modest rents align well with local incomes, making Ionia a standout for renters across the state.

Ionia leads surrounding counties in affordability

Ionia's $840 median rent undercuts neighboring Ingham ($1,058), Jackson ($958), and Kalamazoo ($1,049) by substantial margins while maintaining a stronger median income of $73,436. Among nearby counties, only Iron County's $510 rent is lower, but Iron's median income of $53,614 skews affordability calculations differently.

Renters here keep more income in pocket

Ionia renters spend approximately $10,080 annually on housing at the median rate of $840 per month—just 13.7% of a $73,436 income, leaving substantially more for other essentials. Homebuyers pay $1,000 monthly with a median home value of $189,400, positioning both rental and ownership paths as relatively affordable within the state.

Ionia offers true affordability with stability

If you're relocating to Michigan and want lower housing costs without sacrificing income potential, Ionia County delivers both: rents 4% below state average and incomes nearly at the national median. The county's balanced affordability makes it an ideal landing spot for renters, first-time buyers, or anyone seeking to maximize discretionary spending.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ionia County

via IncomeByCounty

Ionia nearly matches national income

Ionia County's median household income of $73,436 comes within $1,300 of the national median of $74,755, making it one of Michigan's stronger-earning counties. This performance places Ionia in the upper-middle tier nationally for household earnings.

Ionia ranks high statewide

At $73,436, Ionia's median household income ranks well above Michigan's state average of $64,304—outearning the typical Michigan county by over $9,000. The county is among the state's top earners, signaling robust local employment.

Ionia leads surrounding counties

Ionia's $73,436 income outpaces nearby Ingham County ($64,354), Jackson County ($65,004), and Kalkaska County ($60,365) by significant margins. Only Kalamazoo County ($70,525) comes close, but Ionia still edges ahead in household earnings.

Housing affordable; rents very manageable

Ionia households allocate just 13.7% of income to rent—among the lowest rent-to-income ratios in the county sample—making rental housing highly affordable. With median home values at $189,400, homeownership is also within reasonable reach for many families.

Leverage strong income for wealth building

Ionia's above-average household income positions residents well to invest in retirement accounts, education savings, and home equity growth. With lower housing cost burdens, families have room to direct earnings toward diversified investment portfolios and long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Ionia County

via HealthByCounty

Ionia exceeds national life expectancy

Ionia County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 77.5 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 78.9 years by a respectable margin. However, the county's 16.3% poor or fair health rate slightly exceeds the national average of 15%, signaling pockets of health challenges despite the longevity advantage.

One of Michigan's healthier counties

At 77.5 years, Ionia County's life expectancy tops Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 1.2 years, placing it in the upper quartile of the state's 83 counties for health outcomes.

Outshines nearby rural counties

Ionia County's 77.5-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Iosco County (73.5 years) and Kalkaska County (74.7 years), though it falls short of Kalamazoo County's 77.1 years. The county's provider network is sparse, with only 25 primary care doctors per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in the region.

Good insurance, challenging provider access

Ionia County matches Michigan's 5.8% uninsured rate, keeping most residents covered, but sparse primary care—just 25 providers per 100,000—means residents may travel significant distances for routine care. Mental health support is similarly limited at 163 providers per 100,000, well below county and state averages.

Secure your health insurance now

With 94.2% of Ionia County insured, the remaining uninsured have clear paths forward. Check healthcare.gov or contact your local health department for Medicaid eligibility, community health centers, and sliding-scale clinics available throughout the county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ionia County

via RiskByCounty

Ionia's risk mirrors state average

Ionia County's composite risk score of 55.85 sits slightly above Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it in the relatively low risk category. This profile suggests that while hazards exist, they're more manageable than in many other U.S. counties.

Below-average risk for Michigan

Ionia ranks in the safer half of Michigan counties for natural disaster exposure, with moderate vulnerabilities spread across several hazard types rather than concentrated in one area. This balanced risk profile offers residents somewhat better odds than higher-risk neighboring communities.

Safer than Ingham, comparable to Jackson

Ionia's 55.85 score makes it noticeably safer than neighboring Ingham County (87.25) but similar to Jackson County (76.46) when adjusted for differences. The variation underscores how rapidly disaster risk can shift across the region.

Tornado and flood are top concerns

Ionia faces a tornado risk of 77.54 and flood risk of 63.84, making these two hazards the primary threats to residents and property. Earthquake risk (34.32) presents a secondary but measurable concern for the county.

Get flood insurance and storm plan

Ionia residents should obtain flood insurance as a separate policy since standard homeowners coverage excludes it, given the county's 63.84 flood risk score. Develop and practice a tornado evacuation plan, especially during spring and early summer storm seasons.

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.