countyscore
37.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 79.1Health 70Lawn Care 69.3

County Report Card

About Macomb County, Michigan

A High-Income Hub Facing National Headwinds

Macomb County scores 37.3 overall, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. While household earnings are high, other livability factors drag the composite score down relative to national peers.

Below Michigan’s Typical Performance

The county ranks well below Michigan’s state average of 47.1. Despite its economic importance to the region, high costs and environmental risks create a gap between Macomb and its neighbors.

Strong Incomes and Healthy Residents

Macomb shines with an Income Score of 79.1 and a median household income of $76,399. Health services are also a major asset, reflected in a robust Health Score of 70.0.

High Risks and Tax Burdens

Environmental risk is a critical concern with a score of only 3.3, and the Tax Score of 16.5 reflects a high effective tax rate of 1.423%. Housing costs also pressure residents, with a Cost Score of just 17.6.

Built for High-Earning Urban Professionals

Macomb is best suited for established professionals who value high-income opportunities and quality healthcare. They must be willing to trade higher taxes and environmental risks for the benefits of a bustling suburban infrastructure.

2040608010016.517.634.1704279.13.368.652.1Tax16.5Cost17.6Safety34.1Health70Schools42Income79.1Risk3.3Water68.6Weather52.137.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Macomb County DNA

Foverall

How Macomb County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Macomb County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (79.1/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (3.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
16.5-35.5
Cost
17.6-30.4
Safety
34.1-20.9
Health
70+20
Schools
42-12
Income
79.1+28.099999999999994
Risk
3.3-43.7
Water
68.6+10.599999999999994
Weather
52.1
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Think property taxes are too high in Macomb County?

Many homeowners in Macomb County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$231,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,175/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$231,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$47,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,399/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

St. Clair County
Michigan
42.3
Oakland County
Michigan
43.7
Wayne County
Michigan
25.6
Lapeer County
Michigan
49.4
Sanilac County
Michigan
51.8
Genesee County
Michigan
31.5
Livingston County
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54.6
Washtenaw County
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38

Deep Dives

Macomb County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Macomb County

via CrimeByCounty

Macomb County Outperforms National Crime Stats

Macomb County maintains a safety score of 97.6, showing it is safer than the majority of U.S. counties. Its total crime rate of 1532.6 per 100,000 residents is much lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5. This data reflects a well-protected suburban and urban mix.

Aligning with Michigan's Safety Benchmarks

Macomb County’s safety score of 97.6 is nearly identical to the Michigan state average of 97.8. Despite its large population and 21 reporting agencies, the county manages to keep crime rates stable. This consistency makes it a competitive location for safety within the state.

Leading the Way Among Peer Counties

Macomb's crime rate of 1532.6 per 100K is lower than Mackinac County’s 1789.2, despite Macomb being much more urbanized. It also compares favorably to Mecosta County, which reports 1442.9 crimes per 100K. Local law enforcement manages to keep rates low even with significantly higher traffic and density.

Property Crime vs. Violent Incidents

The county reports 281.3 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is lower than both the national average of 369.8 and the state average of 314.8. Property crime stands at 1251.3 per 100K, representing the vast majority of local law enforcement activity. These figures suggest that while property concerns exist, personal safety remains high.

Proactive Safety for Macomb Residents

With 21 different agencies reporting data, Macomb County residents benefit from extensive local police coverage. Enhancing your home with a security system can further reduce the risk of property theft. Simple habits like locking vehicles and securing deliveries help maintain the county's strong safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Macomb County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Network of Suburban Success

Macomb County supports a robust educational system with 234 public schools and a massive enrollment of 116,070 students. The county is divided into 40 districts, featuring 127 elementary schools, 40 middle schools, and 54 high schools. This extensive infrastructure provides diverse options ranging from traditional neighborhood schools to specialized academies.

Strong Graduation Rates and Competitive Scores

The county boasts an 86.4% graduation rate, comfortably outpacing the Michigan average of 82.5% and nearing the 87% national average. With a school score of 52.9, Macomb outperforms the state median of 50.3. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $7,582, keeping pace with state spending levels while delivering above-average academic results.

Utica Community Schools Drives County Enrollment

Utica Community Schools is the regional powerhouse, operating 38 schools for over 25,600 students. Charter schools also play a significant role, with 21 institutions representing 9% of the county's total public school options. Other major players include Warren Consolidated and Chippewa Valley, which together serve over 27,000 additional students.

Dynamic Suburban and Urban Campus Life

Macomb County is predominantly suburban, with 179 schools located in residential suburbs and 45 in city locales. High schools like Dakota High can be quite large, serving 2,723 students, which creates a high-energy environment with diverse extracurriculars. The average school size is 511 students, offering a blend of comprehensive resources and community focus.

Relocate Near High-Performing Macomb Schools

With graduation rates that lead the state, Macomb County is a premier destination for families prioritizing education. Homebuyers can choose from vibrant suburban neighborhoods or bustling city centers, all with easy access to reputable school districts. Researching local school scores is a smart first step in finding your perfect home in this high-achieving county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Macomb County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Compliance Beats State Averages

Macomb County earns a Water Quality Grade of B with 13 health violations over the last five years. Despite the count, the violation rate of 1.6 per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the Michigan state average of 35.7. This performance reflects a robust effort to maintain Safe Drinking Water Act standards in a populous area.

Federal Watershed Data Currently Unavailable

Macomb County’s water bodies are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment for the current reporting cycle. Without these specific Clean Water Act evaluations, the exact percentage of impaired water bodies is not officially documented. Residents should look to local conservation districts for interim health indicators.

Extensive Monitoring Network Tracks Urban Runoff

A dense network of 75 monitoring sites has recorded 42,893 measurements over the past five years. Officials prioritize tracking physical traits, organics, and pesticides in these samples. This high volume of data helps track the impact of human activity on the local water supply.

Clinton River Levels Drop Below Typical Mean

The Clinton River gauge at Mt. Clemens shows a current discharge of 333 cfs, which is only 55% of its long-term mean. This lower-than-average flow reflects dry conditions across the 734 square mile drainage basin. Reduced volume can lead to higher concentrations of pollutants in the moving water.

Monitor Water Use During Low Flow

Low streamflow in the Clinton River increases the importance of managing urban runoff to prevent contaminant buildup. While drinking water compliance is strong, residents should remain aware of seasonal pesticide use that monitors frequently detect. Protecting local watersheds starts with reducing chemical application on lawns and gardens.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Macomb County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Midwestern Urban Hub

Macomb County averages 48.4°F annually, which is slightly warmer than its rural neighbors but still below the national median. The urban heat island effect contributes to its milder thermal profile.

Significantly Above State Averages

At 48.4°F, Macomb is much warmer than the Michigan average of 45.7°F. It ranks as one of the warmest counties in the state, driven by its southern location and proximity to Lake St. Clair.

Similar to Its Southern Peers

Macomb shares nearly identical temperature and precipitation stats with Lenawee County. Both counties receive over 35 inches of precipitation and experience higher-than-average extreme heat days.

Hot Summers and Steady Snow

July brings an average of 72.3°F with 13 extreme heat days peaking above 90°F. Winter remains active with 39.4 inches of snowfall and a January average of 24.0°F.

Balance Cooling and Salting

Plan for 13 days of high AC usage during the summer months to combat extreme heat. For winter, residents need standard snow removal tools to handle the nearly 40 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Macomb County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Mollisols Near the National pH Average

Macomb County's soil consists of Mollisols with an average pH of 6.05, placing it much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 5.30. These soils are typically dark and rich in nutrients due to their grassland-influenced history. The loam texture provides a versatile foundation for both agriculture and landscaping.

Balanced Loam with Sandy Characteristics

The soil mix contains 56.3% sand, 23.1% silt, and 14.2% clay, creating a classic loamy profile. This composition offers a good balance between drainage from the sand and nutrient retention from the clay. It remains relatively easy to till while providing enough structure to support healthy root systems.

Solid Organic Foundation and Moderate Water Storage

With 5.94% organic matter, Macomb exceeds the national average of 2.0% but falls below the state average of 19.76%. The available water capacity is 0.149 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.202. Gardeners should monitor soil moisture during dry Michigan summers to ensure plant health.

Poorly Drained Soil with High Water Table

The dominant soil is poorly drained and falls into the B/D hydrologic group, meaning it has slow infiltration rates when thoroughly wet. These characteristics often necessitate tile drainage for farming or careful site planning for home foundations. Standing water may be a common sight during the spring thaw or heavy rains.

Diverse Planting Options in Zone 6b

A hardiness zone of 6b allows for a wide variety of plants, including peaches, melons, and even some tender perennials. The loamy soil is particularly well-suited for sweet corn and hearty vegetables that enjoy stable nutrient levels. Grab some seeds and take advantage of one of Michigan's longer growing seasons.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Macomb County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Conditions for Macomb Homeowners

Macomb County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 69.3, indicating much easier maintenance than the national average. Situated in Hardiness Zone 6b, the area provides a robust environment for lush, green turf.

Warm Summers Drive Rapid Growth

With 13 extreme heat days annually, Macomb is warmer than the state average of 7 days. The high growing degree day count of 2,706 means grass grows quickly, requiring more frequent mowing during the peak season.

Loamy Soil Provides a Solid Base

The local soil features a pH of 6.05, sitting right at the threshold of the ideal range for lawn health. This loamy soil is 56.3% sand and 14.2% clay, though its poorly drained classification suggests a need for aeration.

Managing Moderate Seasonal Dry Spells

The county spent 19 weeks in drought last year, and 85.9% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. To keep your lawn resilient, water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth during these dry periods.

Prime Planting After the May Frost

Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for Zone 6b because they withstand the summer heat. Plan your seeding projects after the typical last frost on May 1 to ensure young grass survives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macomb County's county score?
Macomb County, Michigan has a composite county score of 37.3 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 Macomb County rank among counties in Michigan?
Macomb County ranks #70 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 Macomb County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Macomb County is $3,293, with an effective tax rate of 1.42%. This earns Macomb County a tax score of 16.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Macomb County?
The median household income in Macomb County, Michigan is $76,399 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Macomb County earns an income score of 79.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Macomb County, Michigan a good place to live?
Macomb County scores 37.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Macomb 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 Macomb County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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