CountyScore

Kent County

Michigan · MI

#74 in Michigan
63.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Kent County, Michigan

Kent County Outpaces National Average

Kent County's composite score of 65.3 runs 31% above the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the top half of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects competitive tax and housing costs that give residents real financial breathing room compared to the typical American county.

Middle of Michigan's Pack

With a score of 65.3 against Michigan's state average of 68.7, Kent County ranks just below the state norm. The county's profile suggests it's a solid, balanced place to live within Michigan's competitive landscape.

Balanced Fiscal Health and Affordability

Kent County excels in tax burden (70.2) and housing costs (69.0), with an effective tax rate of just 1.14% and median home values at $265,700. Median household income of $80,390 provides meaningful earning power to sustain that lifestyle.

Income Growth Lags Behind Affordability

The income score of 35.9 reveals a gap between what Kent County residents earn and what similar-cost counties typically offer. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data aren't yet available, leaving a fuller picture of livability still to be drawn.

Best For: Middle-Income Professionals

Kent County suits families and professionals seeking strong tax efficiency and reasonable housing costs without premium incomes required. The county delivers solid fundamentals for those prioritizing financial stability and affordability over high-wage earning potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax70.2Cost69SafetyComing SoonHealth77.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.9Risk7.8WaterComing Soon
🏛70.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡7.8
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 Kent County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fayette County
Georgia
63.6
Median income: $108,986
Maui County
Hawaii
63.6
Median income: $95,076
Macoupin County
Illinois
63.6
Median income: $68,518
East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
63.6
Median income: $63,075
Washington County
Minnesota
63.6
Median income: $114,457

Deep Dives

Kent County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kent County

via TaxByCounty

Kent taxes run slightly below national average

Kent County's effective tax rate of 1.140% falls below the state average of 1.166%, placing it near the middle of Michigan counties. The median property tax here is $3,028, slightly above the national median of $2,690, reflecting Kent's median home value of $265,700 compared to the national median of $281,900.

Mid-range property taxes statewide

Among Michigan's 83 counties, Kent County's 1.140% effective rate ranks it in the middle tier for tax burden. The median tax bill of $3,028 is notably higher than Michigan's state median of $2,102, driven by Kent's stronger property values relative to rural northern counties.

Slightly heavier taxes than nearby Lapeer

Kent County's 1.140% rate edges above Lapeer County's 0.954%, though both fall below the state average. Kent homeowners pay about $843 more annually in median property taxes than Lapeer residents, reflecting Kent's more robust real estate market in the Grand Rapids area.

Typical Kent home costs $3,028 yearly

A homeowner with Kent County's median-valued property of $265,700 pays approximately $3,028 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate of 1.140%. With a mortgage, that bill rises slightly to $3,130; without one, it drops to $2,894.

Your Kent assessment might be overstated

Many Kent County property owners pay more than they should due to inflated assessed values—assessments that don't reflect true market conditions. If your property taxes seem high relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, you have the right to appeal your assessment with the county assessor's office.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kent County

via CostByCounty

Kent County rents climb above US average

At 17.6%, Kent County's rent-to-income ratio runs 2.1 percentage points above the national norm, meaning renters here dedicate a notably larger share of their paychecks to housing. The county's median household income of $80,390 outpaces the national average by $5,635, yet median rent of $1,176/month still pressures budgets more than typical American renters face.

Kent County's affordability lags Michigan peers

With a 17.6% rent-to-income ratio, Kent County ranks among Michigan's less affordable regions compared to the statewide average of 16.3%. Renters shoulder an extra $303/month in median rent ($1,176 vs. the state median of $873), reflecting pressure from West Michigan's growing job markets.

Grand Rapids area costs edge out rural Michigan

Kent County's $1,176 median rent significantly exceeds nearby rural counties like Lapeer ($959) and Lenawee ($965), though affluent Leelanau County ($1,223) runs comparably high. The broader West Michigan region clusters in the $1,100–$1,200 range, reflecting stronger regional demand and economic activity.

Renters and owners share the burden equally

Kent County renters pay a median $1,176/month (17.6% of income), while homeowners spend $1,181/month (14.8% of income) on mortgages and ownership costs—a rare parity in housing expenses. With a median home value of $265,700, both pathways demand substantial monthly commitments from typical households.

Consider Kent County if affordability isn't primary

Kent County offers strong household incomes and vibrant urban amenities in Grand Rapids, but housing costs run above Michigan and national averages, making it better suited for those prioritizing job markets over rock-bottom rent. Prospective residents should compare Kent's dynamic economy against more affordable rural Michigan options like Keweenaw or Luce counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kent County

via IncomeByCounty

Kent County earns above the national average

With a median household income of $80,390, Kent County residents earn 7.5% more than the U.S. median of $74,755. This positions the county in the upper-middle range nationally, reflecting a strong regional economy anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services.

A top earner among Michigan counties

Kent County's median household income of $80,390 significantly outpaces Michigan's state average of $64,304, a 25% advantage. The county ranks among Michigan's most prosperous regions, driven by major employers in the Grand Rapids metro area.

Outearning most Michigan neighbors

Kent County's $80,390 median household income exceeds nearby Lapeer County ($76,228) and Lenawee County ($67,013), though it falls short of wealthy Leelanau County ($91,943) and Livingston County ($101,315). The county balances urban economic strength with moderate cost of living compared to its more affluent neighbors.

Income covers housing costs comfortably

At 17.6%, Kent County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs are manageable for most households. A median home value of $265,700 remains accessible relative to the $80,390 median income, supporting homeownership feasibility.

Build on Kent County's earning momentum

With above-average income and healthy affordability metrics, Kent County residents are well-positioned to invest in retirement accounts, home equity, and long-term wealth building. Consider consulting a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged savings opportunities available to higher-income households.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Kent County

via HealthByCounty

Kent County residents live longer than average

At 78.5 years, Kent County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by more than two years. Just 15.7% of residents report poor or fair health, comparing favorably to national rates where chronic health conditions affect roughly one in five Americans.

Among Michigan's healthiest counties

Kent County's 78.5-year life expectancy ranks well above Michigan's state average of 76.3 years, putting residents on track for longer, healthier lives. The county's 15.7% poor/fair health rate is lower than the state trend, suggesting stronger overall community wellness.

Kent outpaces most neighboring regions

Kent County's 78.5-year life expectancy beats nearby Lake County (75.5 years) and Lapeer County (75.8 years), though Livingston County (79.7 years) edges ahead. With 94 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Kent offers robust physician access compared to Lake's critically low 8 per 100,000.

Strong coverage but gaps remain

Kent County's 5.5% uninsured rate is notably better than Michigan's 6.4% average, meaning nearly 1 in 20 residents still lack health coverage. With 522 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—nearly triple the state baseline—the county excels at addressing behavioral health needs.

Check your coverage today

Even in well-insured Kent County, 5.5% of residents remain uninsured—potentially facing catastrophic medical costs. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact Kent County's health department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer coverage options that fit your situation.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kent County

via RiskByCounty

Kent County faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 92.21, Kent County ranks as relatively moderate risk—substantially higher than Michigan's state average of 49.56. This score reflects the county's significant exposure to tornadoes, flooding, and earthquakes, positioning it among the more vulnerable counties in the state.

The riskiest county in Michigan

Kent County's composite risk score of 92.21 is the highest in Michigan, making it the state's most hazard-exposed county. The county faces especially acute tornado and flood risks that far exceed state averages.

Far riskier than adjacent counties

Kent County's risk score of 92.21 dwarfs neighboring Livingston County (73.47) and Lapeer County (66.41), making it a notable outlier in West Michigan. Even compared to higher-risk counties statewide, Kent stands out for its concentrated hazard exposure.

Tornadoes and floods dominate here

Tornado risk reaches 97.77 in Kent County—among the highest in the nation—while flood risk stands at 94.75, both well above state averages. Earthquake risk also ranks elevated at 73.60, creating a triple threat to homes and infrastructure.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Given Kent County's extreme tornado and flood exposure, standard homeowners insurance is insufficient; flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program and reinforced safe room construction are critical. Additionally, wind and hail coverage riders should be reviewed to ensure protection against severe convective storms.

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.