countyscore
36.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 84.3Health 83.6Water Quality 64.8

County Report Card

About Kent County, Michigan

Falling Short of National Medians

Kent County’s composite score of 36.8 falls significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balance of strong economic output against significant environmental and safety pressures.

Trailing the Michigan Average

Within Michigan, Kent lags behind the state average composite score of 47.1. Despite its economic prominence, it faces more livability hurdles than many of its more rural neighbors.

High Incomes and Healthcare Access

The county shines in economic and physical wellbeing, boasting an income score of 84.3 and a health score of 83.6. Residents benefit from a robust median household income of $80,390, which is very high for the region.

Infrastructure and Safety Concerns

Local infrastructure and environmental factors present difficulties, with a risk score of 7.8 and a safety score of 13.0. Additionally, affordability is a concern as the cost score sits at a low 17.8.

A Hub for Urban Professionals

This county is ideal for high-earning professionals who prioritize career opportunities and healthcare access over low taxes or quiet safety. It suits those willing to trade higher costs for a vibrant, urbanized economic hub.

Score breakdown

Tax28.7Cost17.8Safety13Health83.6Schools38.5Income84.3Risk7.8Water64.8Weather51.2
🏛28.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡13
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧64.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.9
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

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Deep Dives

Kent County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Kent County

via CrimeByCounty

Kent County's Resilience Amid National Trends

Kent County earns a safety score of 96.0, indicating a resilient environment despite a total crime rate of 2523.8 per 100K. This rate is slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5, but the county maintains a strong safety profile overall.

Evaluating Kent County in Michigan

The county's crime rate of 2523.8 is significantly higher than the Michigan state average of 1371.8 per 100K. While the state average safety score is 97.8, Kent County remains competitive with a solid score of 96.0.

How Kent Compares to Neighbors

Kent County experiences higher crime volume than nearby Luce County, which reports 1617.0 incidents per 100K. It operates on a different scale than rural Lake County, where the crime rate is just 227.9.

Property vs Violent Crime in Kent

Property crime accounts for 2030.4 incidents per 100K, which is slightly above the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime sits at 493.4 per 100K, meaning property concerns are the primary driver of local law enforcement activity.

Staying Safe in Kent County

With property crime slightly above national levels, home security remains a smart priority for residents. Modern tools like smart cameras and improved exterior lighting offer effective protection for your household.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Kent County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Education Hub in West Michigan

Kent County supports a massive educational network with 234 public schools serving 98,131 students across 43 different districts. The infrastructure includes 113 elementary, 40 middle, and 61 high schools, providing a diverse range of learning environments.

Strong Graduation Rates Meet Regional Benchmarks

The county achieves an 86.2% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the Michigan state average of 82.5%. While per-pupil spending of $7,345 is just below the state average, the county's school score of 52.3 exceeds both state and national medians.

Diverse Districts and Charter Options

Grand Rapids Public Schools leads the county with 51 schools and 13,657 students, followed by large suburban districts like Forest Hills and Kentwood. Charter schools play a notable role here, with 26 institutions representing 11.1% of all public schools.

From Urban Centers to Suburban Sprawl

Most students attend schools in suburban (104) or city (86) settings, with an average school size of 429 students. Large-scale campuses define the experience for many, such as East Kentwood High School, which serves over 2,000 students.

Invest in a Community Focused on Learning

With high-performing districts like Rockford and Forest Hills, Kent County offers excellent options for families prioritizing education. Explore homes in these areas to find a property that aligns with your children's academic future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Kent County

via WeatherByCounty

A rainy and temperate Michigan hub

Kent County averages 48.2°F annually, which is cooler than the national median but warmer than much of Michigan. It experiences a diverse range of weather throughout the year.

Kent stays above the state average

At 48.2°F, the county is notably warmer than the Michigan average of 45.7°F. It serves as a bridge between the warmer south and the snowy west coast.

High precipitation on the west side

Kent County is quite wet, receiving 39.5 inches of precipitation compared to the state average of 34.5 inches. This moisture contributes to its significant 63.8 inches of annual snow.

Snowy winters and humid summer days

The county faces 13 days of extreme heat over 90°F and 63.8 inches of snow. Winter temperatures average 26.3°F, creating a true four-season experience.

Waterproof your life in Kent County

With nearly 40 inches of precipitation, high-quality rain gear and basement waterproofing are wise investments. Homeowners should also prepare for substantial snow clearing throughout the winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kent County

via SoilByCounty

Kent's Moderate Acidic Profile

Kent's soil is distinctly acidic with a pH of 5.59, which sits below the national median of 6.5. This level is slightly more alkaline than the Michigan average of 5.30, providing a moderate environment for local vegetation.

Sandy Foundations and Fast Drainage

The ground is primarily sandy, containing 60.1% sand alongside 19.7% silt and 9.5% clay. This high sand content ensures fast drainage but may require more frequent watering to keep plants hydrated.

Rich Organic Matter, Thirsty Soil

Organic matter reaches 8.25%, which quadruples the national average of 2.0% but falls well below the state average of 19.76%. With an available water capacity of 0.164 in/in, the soil holds less moisture than the state benchmark of 0.202 in/in.

Permeable Landscapes for Gardening

While specific drainage and hydrologic data are limited, the high sand percentage suggests a highly permeable landscape. Gardeners should plan for quick-drying conditions that favor deep-rooted species.

A Fruit Grower's Paradise

Located in hardiness zone 6a, Kent County supports robust fruit production like apples and peaches. The sandy mix is perfect for establishing a home orchard or a vibrant perennial bed.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kent County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable growing conditions in Kent County

Kent County earns a lawn difficulty score of 60.9, outperforming the national median of 50.0 and the Michigan average of 60.1. In USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, homeowners find it generally easier to maintain lush turf compared to neighboring regions.

Ample rain supports vigorous growth

The county receives 39.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is over five inches more than the Michigan average. While 13 extreme heat days and 2671 growing degree days require active summer monitoring, the moisture levels provide a strong natural foundation for mowing schedules.

Managing acidic and sandy soils

With a soil pH of 5.59, Kent County lawns sit below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range and often require lime applications. The high sand content of 60.1% ensures drainage is rapid, meaning frequent, light watering is better than occasional deep soaking.

Recovering from a dry year

Lawns faced 31 weeks of drought conditions over the past year, though the area is currently at 0% abnormally dry status. To build resilience against future dry spells, homeowners should focus on deep-rooting techniques and keeping grass height at three inches.

Start your Kent County lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue thrive in Zone 6a, especially when seeded after the last frost on May 14. Target the late summer or early fall for the best results to avoid the 13 peak heat days while leveraging the 39.5 inches of rain.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kent County's county score?
Kent County, Michigan has a composite county score of 36.8 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 Kent County rank among counties in Michigan?
Kent County ranks #72 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 Kent County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Kent County is $3,028, with an effective tax rate of 1.14%. This earns Kent County a tax score of 28.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kent County?
The median household income in Kent County, Michigan is $80,390 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kent County earns an income score of 84.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kent County, Michigan a good place to live?
Kent County scores 36.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Kent 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 Kent 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.