CountyScore

Macomb County

Michigan · MI

#80 in Michigan
60
County Score

County Report Card

About Macomb County, Michigan

Above average but below state standard

Macomb County's composite score of 61.9 places it in the 24th percentile nationally, outperforming the 50-point national median but trailing Michigan's 68.7 average. This suburban Detroit county reflects mid-range livability overall.

Below Michigan's county median

Macomb County ranks below Michigan's state average with a 61.9 score versus 68.7, placing it in the lower half of the state's 83 counties. Despite suburban density and proximity to Detroit, it lags peer counties in overall livability metrics.

Higher incomes and suburban wages

Macomb County's income score of 33.3 reflects a median household income of $76,399, the highest among these eight counties and substantially above the rural Michigan average. This earnings advantage reflects its position as a major suburban employment center.

Affordability and tax burden weigh down score

With an effective tax rate of 1.423—the highest among these counties—and a median home value of $231,400, Macomb faces affordability constraints reflected in its cost score of 68.8. Safety, health, and school data remain unavailable, preventing full assessment.

Best for professionals seeking suburban stability

Macomb County attracts higher-earning professionals and families who can absorb higher housing costs and taxes for suburban infrastructure and employment access. It's less suited for cost-conscious retirees or those with modest incomes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax62.2Cost68.8SafetyComing SoonHealth73.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.3Risk3.3WaterComing Soon
🏛62.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡3.3
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 Macomb County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coahoma County
Mississippi
60
Median income: $36,259
Jackson County
Missouri
60
Median income: $67,178
Tioga County
New York
60
Median income: $71,791
Davidson County
Tennessee
60
Median income: $75,664
Kendall County
Texas
60
Median income: $110,498

Deep Dives

Macomb County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Macomb County

via TaxByCounty

Macomb's taxes exceed national average

Macomb County's 1.423% effective tax rate ranks above Michigan's 1.166% state average and well above the national median of 1.166%. The median annual tax here is $3,293—about 22% higher than the national median of $2,690—reflecting both higher rates and home values.

Macomb ranks in top tier statewide

At 1.423%, Macomb County carries the second-highest effective tax rate among these eight counties and well above Michigan's 1.166% average. With a median tax of $3,293 versus the state median of $2,102, Macomb residents pay a meaningful premium.

Highest tax burden in the sample region

Macomb's 1.423% rate significantly exceeds all neighboring counties in this comparison, with only Midland County (1.504%) coming close. Compared to Mecosta County's 0.996% or Marquette's 1.000%, Macomb's taxpayers shoulder a substantially heavier load.

Homeowners pay average $3,293 yearly

On a median home value of $231,400, Macomb County homeowners pay approximately $3,293 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that obligation climbs to $3,467; without one, it settles at $2,972.

Review your assessment and appeal if needed

In a high-tax county like Macomb, an assessment error can cost hundreds or thousands over time. Contact your local assessor to request a reassessment; if your home is overvalued relative to comparable sales, you have the right to appeal for a reduction.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Macomb County

via CostByCounty

Macomb: Tighter Housing Affordability

Macomb County households dedicate 18.5% of income to rent—noticeably above the national affordability benchmark—straining budgets compared to typical American renters. Though median household income here exceeds the national average at $76,399, rising rents of $1,175 monthly eat into that advantage.

Among Michigan's Least Affordable

Macomb County ranks among Michigan's pricier housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% versus the state average of 16.3%. The county's median rent of $1,175 significantly exceeds Michigan's $873 average, making it one of the state's least affordable destinations for renters.

Highest Costs in Regional Peer Group

Macomb County commands the highest rents among its regional peers, with monthly costs $302 above Mackinac County and $252 above Manistee County. Homebuyers face similarly elevated costs, with a median home value of $231,400—the highest in this comparison group—reflecting strong demand in the Detroit metro area.

Rent and Ownership Both Strain Budgets

Macomb County renters pay $1,175 monthly while homeowners shoulder $1,191 in mortgage costs, both well above the county's 18.5% affordability threshold. With median household income at $76,399, families allocate nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing alone, leaving less for other essentials.

Premium Location Comes With a Price

Macomb County offers proximity to Detroit's job market and urban amenities—but expect to pay significantly more than rural Michigan alternatives. If you're relocating here, prioritize job searches that justify the 18.5% housing cost burden and consider nearby counties like Manistee (16.2%) or Menominee (14.6%) as more affordable satellite options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Macomb County

via IncomeByCounty

Macomb exceeds national income average

Macomb County's median household income of $76,399 sits $1,644 above the national median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the upper-middle income tier nationally. This strong performance reflects the county's industrial base, suburban development near Detroit, and diversified employment. Macomb ranks among the top 30% of U.S. counties by household income.

Among Michigan's wealthiest counties

At $76,399, Macomb County ranks approximately 8th among Michigan's 83 counties, exceeding the state average of $64,304 by nearly $12,100. The county's median income reflects strong automotive supply chains, corporate headquarters, and a skilled workforce. Only a handful of Michigan counties—including Midland and Oakland—outpace Macomb's earnings.

Macomb leads suburban rivals

Macomb County ($76,399) significantly outearns neighboring Midland County ($77,538) by just $1,100, and substantially surpasses Mackinac County ($58,598) by $17,801. Compared to statewide peer Oakland County and downriver communities, Macomb's income reflects a balance of manufacturing strength and suburban accessibility. This positioning supports stable property values and strong tax bases.

Housing costs rising but manageable

Macomb County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, though it's the highest among the eight counties profiled. The median home value of $231,400 requires roughly 3 years of household income—slightly above historical norms but within reach for dual-income households. Strong incomes help offset higher suburban home prices.

Macomb incomes support wealth building

Macomb County households earning $76,399 are well-positioned to max out retirement contributions and diversify investments beyond primary residences. The county's stable employment base makes long-term financial planning predictable; consider 529 plans for education and index-fund investing for growth. At this income level, working with a fiduciary financial advisor can unlock substantial tax-optimization strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Macomb County

via HealthByCounty

Macomb meets national health benchmarks

Macomb County residents average 76.3 years of life expectancy, matching the national average of 76.4 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 17.9% reflects typical American health challenges, placing it within normal national variation.

Exactly at Michigan's state average

Macomb County's life expectancy of 76.3 years perfectly mirrors Michigan's state average, making it a representative county for statewide health trends. This alignment suggests the county experiences health outcomes consistent with broader Michigan patterns.

Mid-range health among peer counties

Macomb County's 76.3-year life expectancy sits between Manistee County (75.2 years) and Marquette County (78.0 years). Its primary care provider density of 54 per 100,000 is modest compared to Marquette's 115 per 100,000, though mental health availability at 244 per 100,000 exceeds most regional peers.

Better uninsured rates, moderate provider access

Macomb County's uninsured rate of 5.5% is better than Michigan's state average of 6.4%, providing relatively broad coverage. The county offers 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 244 mental health providers per 100,000, giving residents reasonable access to both routine and behavioral health care.

Maintain or find coverage today

Macomb residents with coverage should review their plans annually for changes; those without can explore marketplace options at healthcare.gov. Connect with a local health insurance broker or navigator to understand subsidies and coverage options available to you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Macomb County

via RiskByCounty

Macomb County faces higher-than-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 96.66 and a "Relatively High" rating, Macomb County ranks among the higher-risk counties nationally. This score nearly double Michigan's state average of 49.56, signaling serious exposure to multiple natural hazards.

Near the top of Michigan's risk rankings

Macomb County's 96.66 score places it among Michigan's highest-risk counties, well above the state average. This positions Macomb residents in a significantly more vulnerable position than most of their fellow Michiganders.

Highest-risk county in Southeast Michigan

Macomb's composite score of 96.66 substantially exceeds nearby Wayne County and Oakland County across multiple hazard categories. Among the Detroit metropolitan area's major counties, Macomb faces the steepest combined disaster risk.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate the threat landscape

Tornado risk (99.30) and flood risk (97.46) represent Macomb County's most dangerous hazards—both scoring in the top tier nationally. Earthquake risk (83.59) also poses significant concern, making this a multi-hazard danger zone for residents.

Comprehensive insurance is essential in Macomb

Macomb County residents must prioritize flood insurance and tornado-resistant reinforcements, as both hazards pose genuine threats to homes and property. Review insurance policies annually, secure a basement shelter or safe room, and maintain emergency supplies for rapid weather events.

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.