49.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 78.9Health 71.9Safety 71.1

County Report Card

About Lapeer County, Michigan

Balanced at the National Average

With a composite score of 49.3, Lapeer County sits right at the national median of 50.0. It represents a typical American middle-ground for cost, safety, and opportunity.

Solid Michigan Standing

The county performs slightly better than the Michigan average of 47.1, showing resilience in the state's changing landscape. It provides a stable alternative to the higher-stress environments of nearby metropolitan Detroit.

Strong Incomes and Safety

High earning potential and community health are hallmarks, with an income score of 78.9 and a health score of 71.9. Median household incomes reach a healthy $76,228, supported by a respectable safety score of 71.1.

Environment and Schools

Environmental and educational infrastructure show room for improvement, with a water score of 23.5 and a school score of 32.4. Affordability is also tightening, as the cost score currently stands at 28.3.

Ideal for Established Families

This county is a great fit for established families and commuters who want strong incomes and a safe environment. It serves those who prefer suburban stability and are comfortable with mid-range home values around $229,100.

Score breakdown

Tax41.5Cost28.3Safety71.1Health71.9Schools32.4Income78.9Risk33.6Water23.5Weather53.7
🏛41.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠28.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼78.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡71.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
71.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓32.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
33.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧23.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤53.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨67
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱69.5
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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Deep Dives

Lapeer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lapeer County

via TaxByCounty

Lapeer's tax rate sits comfortably below average

Lapeer County's 0.954% effective tax rate falls meaningfully below Michigan's state average of 1.166% and the national median rate of roughly 1.1%. The median property tax of $2,185 remains well short of the national median of $2,690, even though Lapeer's median home value of $229,100 approaches the national median of $281,900.

Lapeer ranks in lower-tax Michigan counties

Among Michigan's 83 counties, Lapeer ranks in the lower quarter for effective tax rate at 0.954%, offering homeowners a tax advantage. The median bill of $2,185 sits above Michigan's state median of $2,102, but the favorable rate more than compensates.

Lapeer taxes lighter than Kent but heavier than Keweenaw

Lapeer's 0.954% rate sits between Kent County's 1.140% and Keweenaw County's 0.939%, positioning it as a moderate-tax county in the thumb region. Lapeer homeowners pay about $481 less than Kent residents in median taxes but roughly $519 more than Keweenaw residents.

Typical Lapeer property costs $2,185 yearly

A home valued at Lapeer's median of $229,100 carries an annual property tax of roughly $2,185 under the county's 0.954% rate. Mortgaged properties pay about $2,249, while debt-free homes pay closer to $2,053.

Appeal if your Lapeer assessment seems high

Lapeer County's favorable tax rate can mask individual overassessments, especially if a property was valued during a market peak or before recent price declines. Review your assessment notice against recent comparable sales in your area—if your assessed value exceeds the market, request a reassessment within 14 days of receiving the notice.

Cost of Living in Lapeer County

via CostByCounty

Lapeer County offers solid affordability above state average

Lapeer County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio matches its national standing—well below the US norm—while its median household income of $76,228 sits just $1,473 below the national average. Residents here enjoy genuinely balanced housing costs relative to earnings, a rarity in today's tight market.

Lapeer County beats Michigan's affordability average

At 15.1%, Lapeer County's rent-to-income ratio runs 1.2 percentage points below Michigan's statewide 16.3% average, offering better housing affordability than most state peers. The median rent of $959/month aligns closely with nearby counties while strong incomes ($76,228) keep the burden manageable.

Lapeer balances costs and income across thumb region

Lapeer County's $959 median rent falls between rural Luce County ($799) and more affluent Livingston County ($1,236), while its income level ($76,228) outpaces Lake County ($49,680) and Keweenaw ($53,893). This middle-ground positioning offers real affordability without sacrificing economic opportunity.

Renters and owners both find reasonable balance

Renters in Lapeer pay $959/month (15.1% of income), while homeowners spend $1,105/month (17.4% of income), with median home values at $229,100 reflecting a moderate real estate market. The relative parity suggests both pathways remain accessible to households earning near the county median.

Lapeer County: Michigan's quiet affordability sweet spot

Lapeer County delivers balanced housing costs with solid incomes, making it ideal for those seeking Michigan affordability without settling for remote locations or economic constraints. Its Thumb Region location offers reasonable access to both rural amenities and stronger job markets in neighboring areas.

Income & Jobs in Lapeer County

via IncomeByCounty

Lapeer County slightly exceeds national income

Lapeer County's median household income of $76,228 is 2% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it just above the national average. The county's manufacturing heritage and diversified economy support stable, middle-class earnings for most households.

Solid performer in Michigan's income rankings

At $76,228, Lapeer County's median household income exceeds Michigan's state average of $64,304 by 19%. The county demonstrates consistent economic stability, outearning most Michigan communities while remaining affordable relative to state leaders.

Mid-range among surveyed Michigan counties

Lapeer County's $76,228 median income sits between Kent County ($80,390) and Lenawee County ($67,013), positioning it as a solid middle-tier earner. The county trails wealthier neighbors Leelanau and Livingston but comfortably outpaces lower-income peers like Lake and Luce counties.

Strong housing affordability supports stability

Lapeer County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio is well below affordability thresholds, indicating housing costs are manageable for most households. The median home value of $229,100 remains accessible relative to the $76,228 median income, supporting homeownership feasibility.

Invest steadily in long-term security

With solid income and low housing-cost burden, Lapeer County households have capacity to build wealth through consistent investing and retirement savings. Explore 401(k) plans, IRAs, and diversified investments to grow assets over time and achieve financial independence.

Safety in Lapeer County

via CrimeByCounty

Lapeer County's Strong National Standing

Lapeer County maintains a safety score of 98.9, indicating it is much safer than the typical U.S. county. The local crime rate of 690.0 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Michigan Safety Norms

Lapeer is safer than the average Michigan county, beating the state's 97.8 safety score with its 98.9 rating. Its crime rate of 690.0 is roughly half the 1371.8 state average.

Safe Relative to Neighbors

Lapeer is safer than nearby Lenawee, which sits at 1309.6 per 100K, and is significantly more secure than Kent County. It operates with a crime volume similar to rural Livingston County.

Low Violent and Property Rates

Property crime in Lapeer sits at 504.0 per 100K, while violent crime is low at 186.0. Most reports involve non-violent property incidents, which occur at rates well below national standards.

Supporting Local Safety

Nine reporting agencies keep Lapeer secure, but home security systems provide an extra layer of defense. Smart locks and motion-sensor lights are great ways to contribute to the county's safety.

Health in Lapeer County

via HealthByCounty

Lapeer County lags slightly on life expectancy

Lapeer County's 75.8-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years, though only modestly. With 16.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county sits near the national burden for chronic disease.

Below state health benchmarks

At 75.8 years, Lapeer County's life expectancy falls short of Michigan's 76.3-year state average. The 16.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds state trends, indicating room for community health improvement.

Mid-pack regional performer

Lapeer County's 75.8-year life expectancy ranks below stronger performers like Kent County (78.5 years) and Livingston County (79.7 years), but above Lake County's 75.5 years. With 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, access is limited compared to Kent's 94 but better than Lake's critically low 8.

Reasonable coverage, moderate provider access

Lapeer County's 5.7% uninsured rate closely mirrors Michigan's 6.4% state average, suggesting adequate coverage. The county maintains 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—modest access—and 163 mental health providers per 100,000, offering reasonable behavioral health support.

Stay covered in Lapeer County

Though Lapeer's uninsured rate is near state average, ensuring continuous coverage is essential for managing chronic disease. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact Lapeer County's health department to review insurance options and community health resources.

Schools in Lapeer County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Wide-Ranging District Network

Lapeer County features 27 public schools serving 11,269 students across 8 distinct districts. The system includes 11 elementary schools, 8 high schools, and 4 middle schools, offering broad coverage for the region.

Exceeding Graduation Benchmarks

The county boasts a graduation rate of 87.4%, which is higher than both the Michigan state average and the national benchmark. This success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,605, which is lower than the state average of $7,394.

Lapeer and North Branch Lead the Way

Lapeer Community Schools is the largest district with 4,358 students across 8 schools. Charter schools are rare here, with only one academy representing less than 4% of the total school landscape.

Rural and Town-Centered Learning

Schools are split between rural settings (15) and town locales (12), with an average enrollment of 417 students. Lapeer High School is the largest campus with 1,196 students, while North Branch Elementary also maintains a large student body of 923.

Find Your Home Near Top Graduating Schools

Lapeer County's high graduation rates make it an attractive destination for families focused on student success. Browse local listings to find a home within the Lapeer or North Branch district boundaries.

Disaster Risk in Lapeer County

via RiskByCounty

Lapeer County faces moderate risk

With a composite risk score of 66.41, Lapeer County ranks as relatively low risk but notably higher than Michigan's state average of 49.56. The county's exposure is concentrated in tornadoes and flooding rather than distributed across multiple hazards.

Mid-range risk across Michigan

Lapeer County's composite risk score of 66.41 places it in the middle tier of Michigan counties by hazard exposure. The county faces significantly higher tornado and flood risks than state averages, driven by its Thumb region geography.

Higher risk than surrounding counties

Lapeer County's risk score of 66.41 exceeds Leelanau County (48.35) but trails the state's highest-risk counties like Kent (92.21) and Livingston (73.47). Its tornado exposure of 84.48 stands out as particularly concerning among peer counties.

Tornadoes and floods are primary threats

Lapeer County faces tornado risk of 84.48 and flood risk of 68.42, both significantly elevated compared to state averages. These two hazards account for the vast majority of the county's composite risk profile.

Prioritize flood and wind coverage

Given Lapeer County's high tornado and flood exposure, homeowners should ensure wind and hail riders are included in their policies and consider flood insurance through the NFIP. Storm-resistant construction features like reinforced roofing and safe rooms offer valuable protection.

Weather & Climate in Lapeer County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler Profile in the Thumb Region

Lapeer County maintains an annual average temperature of 47.8°F, which sits significantly below the national median. This reflects a typical Midwestern continental climate characterized by distinct, sharp seasonal transitions.

Warmer Than the Michigan Average

The county's average temperature of 47.8°F actually exceeds the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. While the north remains frigid, Lapeer benefits from its position in the lower third of the peninsula.

Moderate Conditions Compared to Neighbors

With 34.0 inches of annual precipitation, Lapeer is drier than neighboring Macomb County to the south. Its 47.8°F average is nearly identical to Livingston County, marking a consistent climate corridor across the region.

Warm Summers and Predictable Snow

July brings an average high of 71.2°F with about nine extreme heat days reaching 90°F or above. Winter delivers a reliable 34.4 inches of snowfall as temperatures drop to a January average of 22.9°F.

Practical Prep for Lapeer Residents

Residents should prioritize dual-purpose HVAC systems to handle both the summer heat and the 25.6°F winter average. Standard snow removal equipment is essential for the moderate 34.4-inch annual snowfall.

Soil Quality in Lapeer County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Mollisols of Lapeer

Lapeer County features Mollisols with a pH of 6.06, sitting closer to the 6.5 national median than many Michigan neighbors. These 'dark soils' are naturally rich and less acidic than the state average of 5.30.

The Balance of Fine Sandy Loam

The 'Fine sandy loam' texture comes from a mix of 57.2% sand, 25.9% silt, and 15.9% clay. This balance offers excellent workability while retaining more nutrients than pure sand.

Strong Organic Foundation

Organic matter levels are healthy at 7.44%, significantly beating the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity of 0.172 in/in is slightly below the state average but supports strong growing potential.

Managing Saturated Ground

Classified as 'Poorly drained' with a hydrologic group of A/D, these soils can stay wet for extended periods. Farmers and builders must manage water carefully to prevent saturated roots or foundation issues.

A Haven for Heavy Feeders

Gardeners in zone 6a can take advantage of these fertile Mollisols to grow heavy feeders like tomatoes and squash. The rich soil profile makes this an ideal spot for a productive vegetable garden.

Lawn Care in Lapeer County

via LawnByCounty

Lapeer offers premium growing conditions

With a lawn difficulty score of 69.5, Lapeer County is significantly easier for lawn care than the 50.0 national average. This Zone 6a county provides a very hospitable environment for traditional cool-season grasses.

Steady rain and moderate heat

Lapeer averages 34.0 inches of precipitation, almost exactly matching the state average of 34.4 inches. With 9 extreme heat days and 2628 growing degree days, the climate supports a steady mowing schedule from May through October.

Ideal pH but poor drainage

The soil pH of 6.06 is within the ideal range for turf, reducing the need for chemical amendments. However, the fine sandy loam is classified as poorly drained, so homeowners should aerate regularly to prevent waterlogging and soil compaction.

Current conditions are stable

Lapeer experienced 17 weeks of drought over the last year, but the county currently reports 0% drought or dryness. Because of the poor drainage class, you should water less frequently but more deeply to encourage roots to penetrate the loam.

Start seeding in early May

The last spring frost typically hits around May 4, making it a safe time to start new seed or sod. Fine sandy loam is excellent for Kentucky Bluegrass, provided you manage the drainage carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lapeer County's county score?
Lapeer County, Michigan has a composite county score of 49.4 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 Lapeer County rank among counties in Michigan?
Lapeer County ranks #43 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 Lapeer County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Lapeer County is $2,185, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Lapeer County a tax score of 41.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lapeer County?
The median household income in Lapeer County, Michigan is $76,228 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lapeer County earns an income score of 78.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lapeer County, Michigan a good place to live?
Lapeer County scores 49.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Lapeer 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 Lapeer County with other counties side by side.