54.6
County Score
Health 95.8Income & Jobs 95.7Safety 76.4

County Report Card

About Livingston County, Michigan

Prospering Above the Median

Livingston County scores a 54.6 composite, placing it above the national median of 50.0. It is a high-performing enclave that balances elite economic metrics with significant cost pressures.

One of Michigan's Wealthiest

Outperforming the Michigan average of 47.1, Livingston is one of the state's most affluent counties. It serves as a prosperous bridge between the Ann Arbor and Detroit markets.

Economic and Health Elite

Economic and health metrics are elite, with an income score of 95.7 and a health score of 95.8. Median household incomes exceed $101,315, and the county maintains a strong safety score of 76.4.

Extreme Housing Costs

Affordability is the main drawback, with a cost score of just 11.3 and median gross rent at $1,236. Risk factors and water infrastructure also score lower, at 26.5 and 37.1 respectively.

Top Tier for High Earners

This county is ideal for high-earning families and executives who want top-tier health and safety. It appeals to those who can manage higher housing costs to enjoy some of the best economic conditions in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax39Cost11.3Safety76.4Health95.8Schools55.4Income95.7Risk26.5Water37.1Weather53.8
🏛39
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠11.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼95.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡76.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
95.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓55.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
26.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧37.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤53.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨64.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱68.8
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
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Livingston County

Whether buying or refinancing in Livingston County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Deep Dives

Livingston County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Livingston County

via TaxByCounty

Livingston's rate stays below state average

Livingston County's 0.987% effective tax rate runs below Michigan's state average of 1.166% but slightly above the national median of roughly 0.95%. The median property tax of $3,269 exceeds the national median of $2,690 due to Livingston's higher median home value of $331,100 compared to the national median of $281,900.

Livingston ranks in the lower-middle tax tier

Among Michigan's 83 counties, Livingston ranks in the lower-middle range for effective tax rate at 0.987%, below the state average. The median tax of $3,269 is the second-highest among these eight counties, reflecting Livingston's elevated home values in the greater Detroit exurban area.

Livingston taxes lighter than Kent, heavier than Lapeer

Livingston's 0.987% rate sits between Lapeer County's 0.954% and Kent County's 1.140%, positioning it as a moderate-tax county near Detroit. However, Livingston homeowners pay the second-highest median tax ($3,269) of these eight counties due to the region's robust property values.

Typical Livingston home costs $3,269 yearly

A property valued at Livingston's median of $331,100 generates an annual property tax of roughly $3,269 under the county's 0.987% rate. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $3,398; without one, it falls to $2,949.

Livingston homeowners should verify recent reassessments

In fast-growing Livingston County, residential properties occasionally get reassessed based on outdated comparable sales or overestimated market conditions. If you received a recent reassessment notice showing a jump in value, request the assessor's documentation and compare it against recent arm's-length sales of similar homes in your township.

Cost of Living in Livingston County

via CostByCounty

Livingston County wealth enables premium housing costs

Livingston County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average by 0.9 percentage points despite median rent of $1,236/month—well above the US norm—because its median household income of $101,315 towers over the national $74,755. This prosperous exurban county makes expensive housing proportional through exceptional earning power.

Livingston County Michigan's most affluent renters

At 14.6%, Livingston County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Michigan's best affordability metrics, sitting 1.7 percentage points below the statewide 16.3% average despite the highest median rent ($1,236/month) in this dataset. This county's exceptional incomes make premium housing feel affordable.

Livingston's wealth separates it from regional peers

Livingston County's median income of $101,315 substantially exceeds every peer in this analysis—nearly $10,000 above Leelanau ($91,943) and $25,000+ above Lake County ($49,680)—allowing residents to absorb the region's highest median rent. This Detroit exurb attracts affluent commuters and entrepreneurs.

Owners shoulder higher costs than renters here

Livingston renters pay $1,236/month (14.6% of income), while homeowners spend $1,502/month (17.8% of income), reflecting median home values of $331,100—among Michigan's highest. The homeownership premium suggests this county attracts buyers with substantial down payments and equity.

Livingston County for affluent Detroit exurbanites

Livingston County delivers Michigan's best affordability metrics for those with six-figure incomes seeking exurban living within commuting distance of Southeast Michigan job markets. This is premium-priced housing in a premium-income context—ideal for executives and entrepreneurs, not cost-conscious relocators.

Income & Jobs in Livingston County

via IncomeByCounty

Livingston County ranks among America's wealthiest

Livingston County's median household income of $101,315 is 35% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the top 15% of American counties. Proximity to Detroit, growing tech and professional services sectors, and strong suburban employment drive exceptional earnings.

Michigan's most prosperous county surveyed

At $101,315, Livingston County's median household income exceeds Michigan's state average of $64,304 by 58%, the highest margin among all counties examined. The county ranks among Michigan's economic leaders, driven by high-wage suburban development and corporate headquarters.

Clear leader in regional earning power

Livingston County's $101,315 median income significantly outpaces all comparison counties, including Leelanau County ($91,943), Kent County ($80,390), and Lapeer County ($76,228). The county stands as the economic powerhouse of the eight-county region.

Excellent affordability relative to income

Livingston County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all surveyed counties, indicating exceptional housing affordability. The median home value of $331,100, while high in absolute terms, represents only 3.3 times median household income—a favorable ratio for building equity.

Accelerate wealth building and investments

Livingston County's high earners and low housing-cost burden create exceptional capacity for aggressive wealth building through retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and real estate. Consider working with a comprehensive financial planner to optimize tax strategies, diversify investments, and plan for long-term financial independence.

Safety in Livingston County

via CrimeByCounty

National Leader in Public Safety

Livingston County is one of the safest in the nation, boasting a 99.1 safety score. The county’s crime rate of 564.0 per 100K is roughly 75% lower than the national average.

Exceeding State Safety Benchmarks

Livingston ranks higher than the Michigan state average of 97.8 for safety. Its total crime rate of 564.0 is significantly lower than the state average of 1371.8 per 100K.

Safer than Local Neighbors

Livingston is twice as safe as Lenawee County, which has a crime rate of 1309.6. It also maintains a lower rate than nearby Lapeer County, making it a regional safety leader.

Violent Crime is Extremely Low

Violent crime is rare at just 89.0 incidents per 100K, while property crime sits at 475.0. Residents live in an environment where major safety incidents are few and far between.

Staying Safe in Livingston

While nine agencies provide excellent coverage, home security adds another layer of protection. Maintaining an active security system ensures your home stays as safe as the rest of the county.

Health in Livingston County

via HealthByCounty

Livingston County among America's healthiest

At 79.7 years, Livingston County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by more than 3 years. Only 12.4% report poor or fair health, placing residents well above national chronic disease averages.

Among Michigan's health leaders

Livingston County's 79.7-year life expectancy ranks among the state's best, nearly 3.5 years above Michigan's 76.3-year average. The 12.4% poor/fair health rate significantly outperforms state trends.

Strong performer across all metrics

Livingston County's 79.7-year life expectancy ranks second only to Leelanau County (80.9 years) among the eight counties analyzed. With 49 primary care providers and 242 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county provides robust healthcare capacity.

Excellent insurance coverage and access

Livingston County's 3.8% uninsured rate is the lowest in this cohort, nearly half the state average of 6.4%. With strong primary and mental health provider capacity, residents enjoy exceptional healthcare access and affordability.

Livingston County leading on coverage

At just 3.8% uninsured, Livingston County sets an example for the state. If you're among the uninsured, contact the Livingston County health department or Healthcare.gov to explore coverage options and join this county's success story.

Schools in Livingston County

via SchoolsByCounty

A High-Capacity Suburban School Network

Livingston County serves 24,971 students through 48 public schools across 11 districts. This robust system includes 22 elementary, 9 middle, and 14 high schools, catering to a growing population.

Top-Tier Graduation and Performance Scores

With a 90.7% graduation rate, Livingston County significantly outperforms both state and national averages. The county's school score of 55.3 is one of the highest in the region, supported by an above-average per-pupil spend of $7,629.

Major Districts and Charter Availability

South Lyon Community Schools is the largest district with 8,316 students, followed closely by Howell and Brighton. Charter schools are a popular alternative here, with 6 schools representing 12.5% of the total count.

Suburban Success and Large High Schools

Most students attend one of the 31 suburban-locale schools, where the average school size is 531 students. Large campuses like Howell High and Brighton High each serve nearly 2,000 students, offering extensive extracurricular opportunities.

Settle in a Top-Performing School District

Livingston County is a premier choice for families looking for high graduation rates and strong suburban schools. Start your home search in Brighton or Howell to secure a place in these highly-regarded districts.

Disaster Risk in Livingston County

via RiskByCounty

Livingston County faces above-average risk

With a composite risk score of 73.47, Livingston County ranks as relatively low risk but well above Michigan's state average of 49.56. The county's exposure is concentrated in tornadoes and flooding, typical of southeastern Michigan.

Second-highest risk in Michigan

Livingston County's composite risk score of 73.47 ranks it as one of Michigan's most hazard-exposed counties, trailing only Kent County (92.21). The county's proximity to major population centers and Midwest weather patterns drive its elevated risk.

Riskier than most peer counties

Livingston County's risk score of 73.47 exceeds neighboring Lapeer County (66.41) and Lenawee County (69.94), making it among the state's most exposed areas. Only Kent County surpasses its composite risk score.

Tornadoes and floods dominate exposure

Livingston County faces tornado risk of 91.51 and flood risk of 73.98, both among Michigan's highest scores. Earthquake risk of 48.44 adds a secondary threat, making the county vulnerable to multiple hazard types.

Enhanced insurance and mitigation are essential

Livingston County homeowners must secure wind and hail coverage, flood insurance through the NFIP, and consider earthquake coverage for older structures. Storm-resistant roofing, reinforced foundations, and designated safe rooms provide critical protection.

Weather & Climate in Livingston County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Temperate Profile

Livingston County averages 47.6°F annually, reflecting a typical inland Michigan climate. This average remains well below the national median, signaling a need for robust winter heating infrastructure.

Sitting Above the State Average

The county's 47.6°F average is nearly two degrees warmer than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. Its inland position prevents some of the cooling effects found in coastal counties.

Drier Than Its Southern Neighbors

With 33.9 inches of annual precipitation, Livingston is slightly drier than neighboring Macomb and Lenawee. Its snowfall and temperature trends closely track those of Lapeer County to the northeast.

Balanced Seasonal Extremes

The county experiences nine days of extreme heat over 90°F during the 70.5°F average July. Winter brings a January average of 22.7°F and a consistent 33.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Insulate for Year-Round Comfort

Homeowners should focus on attic insulation to manage the 48-degree swing between January and July averages. Reliable snow removal is necessary for the steady 33-inch winter accumulation.

Soil Quality in Livingston County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Mollisols of Livingston

Livingston's Mollisols are among the least acidic in the state with a pH of 6.09, nearing the 6.5 national median. These soils are significantly more neutral than the typical Michigan pH of 5.30.

Stable Loam Structures

A 'Loam' texture is created by 60.2% sand, 23.7% silt, and 12.2% clay. This composition offers a stable structure that holds nutrients better than the sandier regions to the west.

High Organic Matter, Moderate Thirst

Organic matter is strong at 8.48%, which is over four times the national average. However, the available water capacity of 0.159 in/in sits below the state average of 0.202, suggesting moderate moisture needs.

Lush Wetlands and Saturated Soils

These soils are 'Very poorly drained' and categorized in hydrologic group B/D, indicating high water tables. This hydrology supports lush natural wetlands but requires drainage management for traditional home gardening.

Feeding Nutrient-Hungry Perennials

In hardiness zone 6a, your rich Mollisols are fantastic for nutrient-hungry perennials and vegetables. Just be mindful of the high water table when choosing your garden's location.

Lawn Care in Livingston County

via LawnByCounty

Solid lawn performance in Livingston

A lawn difficulty score of 68.8 places Livingston County well above the state and national averages for ease of care. This Zone 6a region offers a reliable climate for residents seeking a green, healthy yard.

Predictable growth and rain

Annual precipitation of 33.9 inches provides nearly exactly what the state average requires. With 9 extreme heat days and 2561 growing degree days, the climate is balanced for steady growth without excessive thermal stress.

Managing very poorly drained loam

The soil is a loam with a near-ideal pH of 6.09, but it is classified as very poorly drained. This means you must be careful not to overwater, as standing water can lead to root rot and fungal issues in the 60.2% sand mix.

Occasional dry spells in a wet base

About 9.7% of the county is currently abnormally dry, a minor concern after 18 weeks of drought last year. Use the loam's natural water-holding capacity to your advantage by watering less frequently than neighbors in sandier counties.

Time your seeding for success

Livingston lawns do best when started after the last frost on May 5. Because of the drainage challenges, consider species like Perennial Ryegrass that can handle moist soil conditions better than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Livingston County's county score?
Livingston County, Michigan has a composite county score of 54.6 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 Livingston County rank among counties in Michigan?
Livingston County ranks #19 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 Livingston County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Livingston County is $3,269, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Livingston County a tax score of 39/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Livingston County?
The median household income in Livingston County, Michigan is $101,315 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Livingston County earns an income score of 95.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Livingston County, Michigan a good place to live?
Livingston County scores 54.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Livingston 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 Livingston County with other counties side by side.