Isabella County scores 66.1 on the composite index, notably above the national median of 50.0 and placing in the 68th percentile nationally. While this represents solid ground, the county underperforms compared to several neighboring Michigan counties.
2 / 5
Slightly Below Michigan Average
Isabella's score of 66.1 falls just below Michigan's state average of 68.7, positioning it in the middle-lower tier of state counties. This suggests Isabella offers a fairly typical Michigan experience with modest competitive advantages.
3 / 5
Balanced Taxes and Housing Costs
Isabella combines a Tax Score of 65.1 and Cost Score of 78.7, with an effective tax rate of 1.32% and median rent at $863/month. These figures deliver reasonable affordability and tax relief across the county's housing market.
4 / 5
Income Growth Falls Short
The Income Score of 18.5 and median household income of $53,759 reveal limited earning potential relative to state benchmarks. Gaps in data on safety, health, and education prevent a fuller understanding of the county's livability profile.
5 / 5
Modest-Income Families Seeking Balance
Isabella County appeals to families and individuals comfortable with moderate incomes who value reasonable housing costs and straightforward tax structures. It's a practical choice for those seeking stability without premium amenities or exceptional earning opportunities.
Isabella County scores 66.1 on the composite index, notably above the national median of 50.0 and placing in the 68th percentile nationally. While this represents solid ground, the county underperforms compared to several neighboring Michigan counties.
Slightly Below Michigan Average
Isabella's score of 66.1 falls just below Michigan's state average of 68.7, positioning it in the middle-lower tier of state counties. This suggests Isabella offers a fairly typical Michigan experience with modest competitive advantages.
Balanced Taxes and Housing Costs
Isabella combines a Tax Score of 65.1 and Cost Score of 78.7, with an effective tax rate of 1.32% and median rent at $863/month. These figures deliver reasonable affordability and tax relief across the county's housing market.
Income Growth Falls Short
The Income Score of 18.5 and median household income of $53,759 reveal limited earning potential relative to state benchmarks. Gaps in data on safety, health, and education prevent a fuller understanding of the county's livability profile.
Modest-Income Families Seeking Balance
Isabella County appeals to families and individuals comfortable with moderate incomes who value reasonable housing costs and straightforward tax structures. It's a practical choice for those seeking stability without premium amenities or exceptional earning opportunities.
Score breakdown
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🏛65.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Isabella County's effective tax rate of 1.32% exceeds the national median of 1.10%, placing it around the 60th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,180 is 19% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Isabella's below-average home values.
Isabella moderately above Michigan average
At 1.32%, Isabella's effective rate runs 13% above Michigan's statewide average of 1.17%. The county's median tax of $2,180 exceeds the state average of $2,102 by just 4%, indicating relatively balanced statewide positioning.
Isabella middle-ground among central peers
Isabella's 1.32% rate sits squarely between lower-taxed Ionia County (1.17%) and higher-taxed Ingham County (1.86%). The county represents a moderate tax position within its central Michigan region.
A $165,100 home costs $2,180 annually
With a median home value of $165,100 and Isabella's 1.32% effective rate, the typical homeowner pays $2,180 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,246, adding $66 in mortgage-related assessment fees.
Isabella homeowners can appeal assessments
Properties in Isabella County are regularly overassessed relative to comparable sales, creating appeal opportunities for homeowners. Requesting a professional assessment review could identify overvaluation and reduce your annual property tax obligation.
Isabella County's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Michigan's highest-burden counties, placing it 3 percentage points above the state average of 16.3%. With a median household income of $53,759—28% below the national median—renters here allocate disproportionate resources to the $863 monthly rent that sits below state average but strains local resources.
Isabella County bears elevated housing burden
At 19.3%, Isabella County's rent-to-income ratio ranks in Michigan's upper tier of cost-burdened counties, placing it among the least affordable despite modest rents. The gap between local incomes and housing costs signals a structural affordability challenge that extends across both rental and owner-occupied markets.
Isabella's rents high for its income level
Isabella's $863 median rent sits between Iosco ($659) and Ionia ($840), but paired with the county's lowest median income of $53,759, it generates the highest rent-to-income ratio in this peer group at 19.3%. This positioning makes Isabella one of Michigan's least affordable markets for lower-income households.
Housing squeezes Isabella household budgets
Isabella renters spend roughly $10,356 annually on housing at $863 monthly—19.3% of a constrained $53,759 income, leaving limited room for other necessities. Owner-occupants pay $931 monthly for homes valued at $165,100, and combined with the rent-to-income strain, Isabella represents a challenging affordability environment across tenure types.
Isabella: consider affordability before relocating
If you're moving to Isabella County without substantial income advantages, carefully assess whether the 19.3% housing burden aligns with your financial stability—it's among Michigan's tightest. The county's median income of $53,759 suggests you'll want to secure employment above local averages or bring significant savings to absorb the housing cost pressure.
Isabella County's median household income of $53,759 sits $20,996 below the national median of $74,755, representing a 28% gap. The county ranks in the lower-income range nationally.
Isabella below Michigan average
At $53,759, Isabella's median household income falls $10,545 short of Michigan's state average of $64,304. The county faces economic pressure typical of smaller, post-industrial Michigan communities.
Isabella among region's lower earners
Isabella's $53,759 income edges above Iosco ($47,777) and Iron ($53,614) but trails Ingham ($64,354), Kalkaska ($60,365), and Jackson ($65,004). The county occupies the lower-middle tier of surrounding regions.
Housing costs limit financial flexibility
Isabella households devote 19.3% of income to rent, among the highest in the sample, while median home values of $165,100 demand substantial financial commitment. Combined housing burden squeezes discretionary income for lower-earning households.
Strategic budgeting enables investing
Isabella residents earning below-state-average incomes should craft detailed budgets to free up 5–10% of earnings for retirement and investment accounts. Even modest monthly contributions compound significantly over time and build financial resilience.
Isabella County residents live an average of 74.9 years, 4 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 18.7% poor or fair health rate ranks 3.7 percentage points above the national average, reflecting significant health challenges.
Below Michigan average, improving
At 74.9 years, Isabella County trails Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 1.4 years, though the county sits toward the middle of Michigan's 83 counties. Despite geographic challenges, the county performs better than four of its comparison peers.
Similar rural health profile
Isabella County's 74.9-year life expectancy mirrors Jackson County (75.1 years) and falls just behind Ionia (77.5 years). The county's mental health provider density of 388 per 100,000 exceeds most regional peers, offering better mental health access than Iron or Kalkaska counties.
Near-average insurance, moderate provider access
Isabella County's 6.6% uninsured rate sits just above Michigan's 6.4% average, leaving most residents covered. Primary care access at 49 providers per 100,000 is limited, but strong mental health support suggests the county has prioritized behavioral health infrastructure.
Ensure you're insured before crisis hits
Isabella County's 93.4% insurance rate is good, but the remaining uninsured residents should act now. Visit healthcare.gov, contact Central Michigan health centers, or call Medicaid directly to secure coverage and take advantage of local mental health services.
Isabella County's composite risk score of 66.06 exceeds Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it in the relatively low risk category but with noticeably higher exposure than average. This mid-range profile means residents need solid preparedness but face fewer extreme threats than higher-risk counties.
Mid-range risk for Michigan
Isabella ranks in Michigan's middle tier for natural disaster exposure, avoiding the highest-risk category but exceeding many peer counties. The county's tornado (80.25) and flood (71.47) risks drive most of its overall score.
Comparable to similar-sized counties
Isabella's 66.06 score places it between Ionia County (55.85) and Jackson County (76.46), reflecting moderate regional risk levels in mid-Michigan. The county experiences similar tornado and flood threats to surrounding communities.
Tornadoes and floods dominate hazard profile
Isabella's tornado risk of 80.25 and flood risk of 71.47 are the county's dominant natural hazards, with both scoring significantly above low-risk thresholds. Earthquake risk (36.96) represents a secondary but measurable concern for residents.
Secure flood and storm coverage now
Isabella residents should purchase separate flood insurance immediately, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage—critical given the county's 71.47 flood score. Develop a tornado shelter plan and ensure your home is structurally sound for severe spring weather.