Lapeer County

Michigan · MI

#53 in Michigan
67.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Lapeer County, Michigan

Lapeer County Rises Well Above National Median

Lapeer County's composite score of 69.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 39%, marking strong overall livability by U.S. standards. The county delivers a balanced package of affordability and reasonable incomes.

Slightly Ahead of Michigan's Curve

With a 69.5 score against Michigan's state average of 68.7, Lapeer County positions itself as a slightly above-average choice within the state. The county ranks comfortably among Michigan's more livable communities.

Strong Taxes and Balanced Housing Costs

Lapeer County shines with a tax score of 75.4 (effective rate: 0.95%) and cost score of 74.2, supporting median home values of $229,100 and rents of $959. Median household income of $76,228 provides solid earning power for this affordability level.

Income Growth Opportunity Is Moderate

The income score of 33.1 suggests limited high-wage job creation compared to more prosperous Michigan counties. Safety, health, schools, and environmental metrics remain unavailable for a fuller livability picture.

Best For: Working Families Seeking Stability

Lapeer County appeals to working families and established residents seeking the sweet spot between affordability and steady middle-class earnings. The county rewards those looking for a stable, low-stress cost of living without sacrificing too much earning potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.4Cost74.2SafetyComing SoonHealth74.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.1Risk33.6WaterComing Soon
🏛75.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠74.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼33.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
74.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
33.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Lapeer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.