countyscore
50.5
County Score
Health 78.2Income & Jobs 74.4Safety 74.4

County Report Card

About Ionia County, Michigan

Outperforming the National Median

With a composite score of 50.7, Ionia County slightly exceeds the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a competitive choice for those seeking a balanced quality of life.

Leading the Michigan Average

Ionia County outperforms the state average composite score of 47.1. Its steady performance across multiple categories makes it a reliable performer within the state.

Strong Health and Solid Safety

The county excels in health and safety, boasting scores of 78.2 and 74.4 respectively. Higher-than-average incomes also boost the profile, with a median household income of $73,436.

School Performance Needs Attention

Educational metrics present the primary challenge, as evidenced by a low school score of 19.1. While other factors remain high, the county's school systems lag behind national standards.

Perfect for Secure Mid-Career Families

Ionia County is an excellent fit for established families who prioritize safety and financial health. The combination of strong incomes and high safety scores offers significant peace of mind.

2040608010027.241.174.478.219.174.444.252.255Tax27.2Cost41.1Safety74.4Health78.2Schools19.1Income74.4Risk44.2Water52.2Weather5550.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Ionia County DNA

Foverall

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

Ionia County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (78.2/100) but notably weak in Schools (19.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
27.2-24.8
Cost
41.1
Safety
74.4+19.400000000000006
Health
78.2+28.200000000000003
Schools
19.1-34.9
Income
74.4+23.400000000000006
Risk
44.2
Water
52.2
Weather
55
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Think property taxes are too high in Ionia County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$198,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$884/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$198,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,611/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Ionia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

Safety in Ionia County

via CrimeByCounty

Ionia County Among the Nation's Safest

Ionia County earns an exceptional safety score of 99.0, placing it well ahead of national averages. The total crime rate of 606.0 per 100,000 residents is nearly four times lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5. Six reporting agencies work together to maintain this impressive level of public security.

Setting the Standard for Michigan Safety

Ionia County’s 99.0 safety score easily beats the Michigan average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 606.0 is less than half the state average of 1,371.8. This performance makes it one of the most secure counties for families and businesses in the region.

Leading Its Neighbors in Crime Prevention

Ionia County is significantly safer than neighboring Isabella County, which has a crime rate of 1,732.4. It also outperforms Ingham County’s rate of 1,001.0 by a wide margin. These comparisons highlight Ionia’s status as a regional haven for public safety.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

Violent crime in Ionia is low at 145.5 per 100,000, well below the Michigan average of 314.8. Property crime stands at 460.5, which is exceptionally low compared to the national average of 2,015.7. Residents experience a high degree of security in both their homes and public spaces.

Maintain the Lead With Smart Security

Even in safe areas, proactive home monitoring helps prevent rare property incidents. Installing a video doorbell provides a visible deterrent and keeps the community informed. Your vigilance contributes to keeping Ionia County’s crime rates among the lowest in Michigan.

Weather & Climate in Ionia County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced Continental Climate

Ionia County averages 47.1°F annually, a figure that sits below the national median but is common for the Midwest. The area experiences wide seasonal swings from snowy winters to humid summers.

Slightly Warmer than the Norm

The county's 47.1°F annual average is higher than Michigan's state average of 45.7°F. Precipitation is also slightly above the state norm, with 35.9 inches falling annually.

Transitioning to Higher Snowfall

Ionia sees 54.2 inches of annual snowfall, which is higher than central Michigan counties to the east. This increase reflects its position as you move toward the state's western lake-effect snow belts.

Warm Summers, Standard Winters

July averages 70.6°F with about 7 days per year reaching 90°F or hotter. January is typical for the region, averaging 22.3°F with consistent winter precipitation.

Prepare for Varied Precipitation

With 54.2 inches of snow and 35.9 inches of total precipitation, residents need strong winter equipment and moisture-managed roofing. Cooling systems should be ready for the 7 days of extreme summer heat.

Soil Quality in Ionia County

via SoilByCounty

Ionia's Well-Balanced Alfisol Profile

Ionia County is characterized by Alfisols with a pH of 6.19, significantly closer to the national ideal of 6.5 than the state average. This natural chemical balance reduces the need for heavy lime applications compared to more acidic Michigan regions.

Easy-Working Loamy Sands

Dominant loamy sand textures consist of 60.7% sand and 23.6% silt, offering excellent workability for farmers. The 13.4% clay content provides enough structure to hold nutrients without compromising the soil's natural drainage capabilities.

Productive Soils with Moderate Water Retention

At 4.08%, organic matter is double the national average, though lower than Michigan's muck-heavy regions. The available water capacity of 0.159 in/in is below the state average of 0.202, suggesting that supplemental irrigation may be beneficial during peak summer.

Efficient Well-Drained Landscapes

The county is primarily well-drained and falls into hydrologic group C, indicating moderate infiltration rates. This makes the land excellent for diverse farming, though the moderate runoff risk requires mindful erosion management on slopes.

Prime Growing Conditions in Zone 6a

Ionia’s well-drained loamy sands are perfect for root crops like carrots and potatoes, which thrive in looser soil. Residents in zone 6a should feel confident planting fruit trees and hardy vegetables in these productive, manageable soils.

Lawn Care in Ionia County

via LawnByCounty

Comfortable Growing in Central Michigan

Ionia County holds a 62.7 lawn difficulty score, outperforming both the national median and the 60.1 Michigan state average. Situated in hardiness zone 6a, this area offers a hospitable environment for traditional northern lawns.

Ample Rainfall Supporting Native Turf

Annual precipitation of 35.9 inches exceeds the state average, providing plenty of natural irrigation for thirsty grass. Low heat stress, with only 7 days reaching 90°F or higher, ensures that mowing schedules remain consistent through July and August.

Well-Drained Loamy Sand Success

The soil pH of 6.19 sits perfectly within the ideal range for lawn health, minimizing the need for chemical corrections. Well-drained loamy sand, containing 60.7% sand, ensures that roots won't rot during the heavy spring rains.

Persistent Drought Challenges

Despite good soil, lawns endured 38 weeks of drought over the past year, requiring careful irrigation management. While the county is currently clear of dry conditions, residents should maintain a 3-inch mowing height to shade the soil and preserve moisture.

Early May Marks Your Start

The final spring frost usually clears by May 3, opening the window for seeding Perennial Ryegrass or Fine Fescue. Aim to finish major projects by October 12 to ensure new roots establish before the first fall frost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ionia County's county score?
Ionia County, Michigan has a composite county score of 50.5 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 Ionia County rank among counties in Michigan?
Ionia County ranks #35 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 Ionia County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Ionia County is $2,237, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Ionia County a tax score of 27.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ionia County?
The median household income in Ionia County, Michigan is $75,611 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ionia County earns an income score of 74.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ionia County, Michigan a good place to live?
Ionia County scores 50.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Ionia 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 Ionia County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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