countyscore
50.7
County Score
Health 78.2Income & Jobs 74.8Safety 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.

Score breakdown

Tax27Cost42.1Safety74.4Health78.2Schools19.1Income74.8Risk44.2Water52.2Weather55
🏛27
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠42.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡74.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓19.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧52.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.7
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

Eaton County
Michigan
39.7
Barry County
Michigan
46.2
Clinton County
Michigan
33.8
Kent County
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Montcalm County
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Gratiot County
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Deep Dives

Ionia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Ionia County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in a Small-Town Setting

Ionia County operates 30 public schools across 9 districts, catering to a total enrollment of 10,295 students. The system is grounded in 15 elementary schools and 11 high schools, providing consistent coverage for local communities.

Competitive Performance on a Lean Budget

Ionia's 80.7% graduation rate approaches the state average of 82.5%, despite a per-pupil expenditure of just $6,560. This spending level is significantly lower than the national average of $13,000, yet the county maintains a respectable 47.7 composite school score.

Focusing on Local Public Districts

The Ionia Public Schools district is the largest provider with 2,812 students across 8 schools. Portland and Belding districts also play major roles, and notably, the county operates without any charter school facilities.

Rural Roots and Mid-Sized Schools

Education here is defined by 16 town schools and 14 rural campuses, creating an intimate average school size of 355 students. While the Link Learning Virtual Program enrolls 2,129 students, traditional campuses like Ionia High School serve roughly 805 students.

Searching for a Community-Focused Education

For families seeking a town or rural atmosphere, Ionia County offers a stable public school system without the presence of charters. Explore homes in Ionia or Portland to find a community where schools serve as central gathering points.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ionia County's county score?
Ionia County, Michigan has a composite county score of 50.7 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 $2,211, with an effective tax rate of 1.17%. This earns Ionia County a tax score of 27/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ionia County?
The median household income in Ionia County, Michigan is $73,436 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ionia County earns an income score of 74.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ionia County, Michigan a good place to live?
Ionia County scores 50.7/100 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.

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.