countyscore
52.4
County Score
Health 90.7Safety 83.8Income & Jobs 81

County Report Card

About Midland County, Michigan

Strong National Standing

Midland County earns a 52.4 composite score, beating the national median of 50.0. It is anchored by high economic performance and exceptional community health.

Above the Michigan State Average

Exceeding the state average of 47.1, Midland is one of Michigan's premier counties for working professionals. Its focus on health and income sets it apart from regional peers.

Elite Health and High Incomes

The county boasts an incredible Health Score of 90.7 and an Income Score of 81.0. Household incomes average $77,538, and a Safety Score of 83.8 ensures a secure environment.

High Taxes and Natural Risks

The Tax Score of 12.7 is quite low due to a 1.504% effective tax rate. Risk Score of 28.1 also suggests susceptibility to environmental factors like flooding.

Best for High-Income Professionals

Midland is a premier destination for families and professionals who prioritize top-tier health and safety. While taxes are higher, the economic opportunities and community safety offer a strong return on investment.

2040608010012.730.983.890.737.38128.151.453.5Tax12.7Cost30.9Safety83.8Health90.7Schools37.3Income81Risk28.1Water51.4Weather53.552.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Midland County DNA

Foverall

How Midland County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Midland County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (90.7/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (12.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12.7-39.3
Cost
30.9-17.1
Safety
83.8+28.799999999999997
Health
90.7+40.7
Schools
37.3-16.700000000000003
Income
81+30
Risk
28.1-18.9
Water
51.4
Weather
53.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Midland County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$184,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$974/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$184,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,538/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.5

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

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39.4
Gladwin County
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Gratiot County
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43.1
Isabella County
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Saginaw County
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Clare County
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Arenac County
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Deep Dives

Midland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Midland County

via TaxByCounty

Midland's taxes significantly exceed averages

Midland County's 1.504% effective tax rate far exceeds Michigan's 1.166% state average and the national median of 1.166%. The median annual tax of $2,771 approaches the national median of $2,690, making Midland the highest-taxed county in this eight-county sample.

Midland carries the heaviest tax burden

At 1.504%, Midland County's effective rate ranks among the highest in Michigan, substantially above the state average of 1.166%. With a median tax of $2,771 versus the state median of $2,102, Midland homeowners bear a measurably heavier load than most peers.

Highest rate among all comparison counties

Midland's 1.504% rate far outpaces every other county in this analysis, from Macomb (1.423%) down to Mecosta and Marquette (0.996%)—a gap of more than 50%. Only Macomb comes close, but even there the difference is substantial.

Homeowners pay average $2,771 yearly

On a median home value of $184,300, Midland County residents pay approximately $2,771 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that obligation stands at $2,812; without, it reaches $2,711.

High taxes make appeals even more valuable

In a high-tax county like Midland, even a small reduction in assessed value translates to meaningful annual savings—potentially hundreds of dollars per year. Request your assessment record immediately and file an appeal if your home's valuation exceeds recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Midland County

via CostByCounty

Midland: Strong Affordability on Income

Midland County residents spend just 15.1% of household income on rent, delivering affordability above the national comfort zone with the region's highest median income of $77,538. This combination of strong earnings and moderate housing costs creates the best financial breathing room for Midland households in this comparison group.

Exceeds Michigan Affordability Average

Midland County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% ranks well below Michigan's state average of 16.3%, positioning it as one of the state's more affordable destinations. The county's median rent of $974 runs above the state average, but strong local income makes the burden lighter than most Michigan counties.

Balanced Costs With Strong Income

Midland County's $974 monthly rent ranks higher than most regional peers, but its highest median household income of $77,538 makes the burden proportionally lighter. The median home value of $184,300 sits comfortably in the regional middle, balancing pricing strength with the county's economic anchors.

Income Advantage Drives Affordability

Midland County renters pay $974 monthly while homeowners spend $1,003, with both costs representing just 15.1% of the county's exceptional $77,538 median household income. The county's strongest earnings power—combined with moderate housing burdens—create the best overall affordability profile in this regional cohort.

Premium Earnings Offset Higher Costs

Midland County offers the best of both worlds: the highest household incomes in this group combined with strong housing affordability, making it ideal for higher-earning relocators. If your relocation brings a good job to Midland, you'll enjoy superior housing affordability compared to lower-income counties, despite rents that initially appear high.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Midland County

via IncomeByCounty

Midland exceeds national income average

Midland County's median household income of $77,538 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $2,783, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects a diversified economy anchored by the Dow Chemical Company and related chemical manufacturing. Midland ranks among the top 30% of U.S. counties for household income.

Michigan's highest-income surveyed county

At $77,538, Midland County ranks approximately 5th among Michigan's 83 counties, exceeding the state average of $64,304 by $13,234 and leading all eight surveyed counties. The county's median income reflects a highly educated workforce and strong industrial presence. Only a handful of Michigan counties—primarily Oakland and nearby affluent areas—surpass Midland's earnings.

Midland leads all regional peers

Midland County ($77,538) substantially outearns surveyed neighboring counties, exceeding Macomb County ($76,399) by $1,139 and leading Marquette ($64,675) by nearly $13,000. The county's income advantage reflects Dow Chemical's significant employment base and well-compensated workforce. No other surveyed county comes within $11,000 of Midland's median household income.

Strong income offsets modest housing costs

Midland County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio is the second-best among surveyed counties, allowing households substantial income flexibility for savings and investments. The median home value of $184,300 requires just 2.4 years of household income—the lowest ownership ratio profiled. Strong incomes paired with reasonable housing create excellent financial stability.

Midland incomes enable aggressive investing

Midland County households earning $77,538 have substantial capacity to maximize 401(k) contributions ($23,500 annually), fund HSAs, and invest in taxable brokerage accounts simultaneously. The county's stable chemical and industrial employment base supports long-term financial planning; consider diversifying beyond primary residence into rental properties or index funds. Working with a financial planner at this income level can unlock substantial wealth-building acceleration.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Midland County

via CrimeByCounty

Midland County Achieves Elite Safety Status

Midland County is one of the safest places in the United States, earning a near-perfect safety score of 99.4. Its total crime rate of 380.9 per 100,000 residents is drastically lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data highlights an exceptionally secure environment for all residents.

Midland Far Exceeds State Averages

The county’s safety score of 99.4 is much higher than the Michigan state average of 97.8. This suggests that Midland County is a premier destination for those prioritizing public safety. The 3 reporting agencies here manage a remarkably low caseload given the population size.

Outperforming Every Regional Neighbor

Midland’s crime rate of 380.9 per 100K is significantly lower than Menominee County's 738.3 and Mason County's 925.4. It is roughly four times safer than the state average in terms of total crime volume. This makes it a significant outlier for safety in the Great Lakes region.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at just 65.9 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also extremely low at 315.0 per 100K. These statistics show that crime of any kind is an extreme rarity in Midland County.

Simple Vigilance for Midland Residents

With crime rates this low, maintaining basic awareness is the most effective way to stay safe. Standard home security like deadbolts and outdoor lighting helps preserve this uniquely secure environment. Midland's high safety score is a testament to effective policing and community care.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Midland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Infrastructure for High Achievement

Midland County supports a large educational network of 26 public schools serving 11,394 students. The county is organized into seven districts, featuring 12 elementary schools and 7 high schools. This comprehensive layout provides students with modern facilities and diverse academic pathways.

Outperforming State Averages in Every Metric

The county's graduation rate of 85.5% sits well above the Michigan average of 82.5% and is nearing the national benchmark. Midland spends $7,369 per pupil, aligning almost perfectly with the state's average investment. The resulting school score of 52.0 reflects a high-quality educational environment that exceeds state norms.

Midland Public Schools Anchors the Region

Midland Public Schools is the dominant district, managing 13 schools and over 7,400 students. Bullock Creek and Meridian Public Schools also provide substantial service, together educating more than 3,000 students. Charter schools make up 7.7% of the county's offerings, adding specialized options to the traditional public school mix.

Diverse City and Rural Campus Experiences

Education in Midland is split between 15 city-based schools and 10 rural campuses, offering something for every lifestyle. The average school size is 438 students, though HH Dow High School offers a large-scale experience with 1,268 students. Students benefit from a mix of modern urban resources and tight-knit rural community support.

Discover Top-Rated Schools in Midland

With academic results that consistently beat state averages, Midland County is a top-tier choice for families. From the amenity-rich neighborhoods of the city to the expansive properties in rural districts, the schools here are a major draw. Make school quality a centerpiece of your home search in this high-performing Michigan county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Midland County

via RiskByCounty

Midland County faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 71.95 and a "Relatively Low" rating, Midland County ranks notably above the national median for natural disasters. The county's risk profile reflects significant exposure to tornadoes, floods, and other major hazards.

Above average for Michigan, upper-tier statewide

Midland County's 71.95 score substantially exceeds Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it in the higher-risk tier of state rankings. Residents face notably more combined disaster exposure than most Michiganders.

Most at-risk county in central Michigan

Midland County's 71.95 score exceeds nearby Mecosta County (69.85) and substantially outpaces Mason County (25.35) and Manistee County (37.21). Among central Michigan counties, Midland ranks as the most hazard-exposed community.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate the risk picture

Tornado risk (80.34) and flood risk (76.91) represent Midland County's primary hazards, both scoring in the national high tier. Earthquake risk (36.23) and hurricane risk (34.67) pose secondary but meaningful threats.

Tornado safety and flood insurance are critical

Midland County residents should invest in a basement safe room or storm shelter to provide tornado protection, and secure comprehensive flood insurance for any properties in flood-prone areas. Maintain emergency supplies, stay weather-alert during storm seasons, and review insurance coverage annually to ensure adequate protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Midland County

via WaterByCounty

Midland County Maintains Passing Water Grade

Midland County holds a Water Quality Grade of C, with nine health violations over the past five years. Its violation rate of 14.3 per 100,000 residents is significantly better than the state average of 35.7. While the rate is low, the presence of multiple violations indicates periodic compliance gaps.

Local Watershed Health Data Still Pending

Federal §303(d) assessments have not yet covered the water bodies within Midland County for the current cycle. Consequently, the share of impaired waterways and specific causes of impairment remain officially unrecorded. Future reporting will be essential to provide a complete picture of watershed health.

Testing Focuses on Inorganics and Metals

Environmental agencies monitor 17 sites in Midland County, generating 1,974 results over five years. Testing focuses heavily on physical traits, microbiology, and inorganic compounds like metals. This specific focus helps detect industrial or legacy contaminants in the water supply.

Tittabawassee River Flow Remains Stable

The Tittabawassee River at Midland shows a current discharge of 1,860 cfs, which is 103% of its long-term mean. This near-perfect alignment with historical data suggests a very stable hydrological period for the 2,400 square mile drainage area. Consistent flow helps maintain steady conditions for water treatment facilities.

Focus on Monitoring and Filter Maintenance

With a grade C compliance record, Midland residents should maintain regular schedules for replacing household water filters. The heavy focus on metal testing in local monitoring suggests that residents should stay informed about any inorganic contaminant alerts. Stable streamflow currently provides a reliable and predictable source water environment.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Midland County

via WeatherByCounty

Midland County Approaches National Temperature Medians

Midland's 48.0°F annual average is warmer than many Michigan peers but still trails the national median of 53°F. It enjoys a more temperate climate than the state's northern reaches.

Warmer Than the Average Michigan County

Midland is over 2 degrees warmer than the state average of 45.7°F. This makes it a relatively warm pocket within the central Michigan region.

Outpacing Its Neighboring Counties in Heat

Midland's 48.0°F average is notably higher than Mecosta County's 45.1°F. This temperature gap results in more days of extreme heat compared to its western neighbors.

Hotter Summers and Ten Extreme Heat Days

July averages a warm 71.8°F, and the county experiences 10 days above 90°F annually. Winters are still cold, with a January average of 22.9°F, though specific snowfall data is limited.

A Need for Summer Cooling Capacity

Unlike its northern neighbors, Midland residents should prioritize efficient air conditioning for the 10 days of extreme heat. Standard winterization is still necessary for the 25.5°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Midland County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Entisols with Above-Average pH

Midland County's soil is classified as Entisols, which are young soils with an average pH of 6.19. This is significantly higher than the Michigan state average of 5.30 and approaches the national median of 6.5. This relatively neutral pH makes it one of the more versatile counties in the state for nutrient availability.

Fine Sandy Texture with Good Silt Balance

The dominant texture is fine sand, composed of 65.6% sand, 20.9% silt, and 12.1% clay. This mixture provides a more balanced structure than many other sandy counties in Michigan, offering better nutrient retention. The fine sand particles make the soil easy to till but prone to some surface crusting.

Moderate Fertility and Lower Water Storage

Midland has 7.32% organic matter, which is higher than the national average but below the state average of 19.76%. The available water capacity is 0.152 in/in, trailing the state average of 0.202. Supplemental watering may be necessary during dry spells to maintain consistent plant growth.

Very Poorly Drained with High Runoff Risk

Despite being sandy, this soil is classified as very poorly drained and belongs to the A/D hydrologic group. This indicates that a high water table or underlying layers prevent water from moving downward quickly. These conditions often require specialized drainage solutions for both agricultural and residential development.

Extended Growing Potential in Zone 6a

Hardiness zone 6a gives Midland gardeners a reliable growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and even some fruit varieties. The fine sandy soil is ideal for crops that enjoy warm feet, provided you manage the drainage. Get your hands in the dirt this year and enjoy a productive harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Midland County

via LawnByCounty

Midland's Balanced Lawn Profile

Midland County's lawn difficulty score of 59.1 sits right near the Michigan state average. In Hardiness Zone 6a, homeowners enjoy a longer growing season than northern counties, though water management is a top priority.

High Heat and Active Growth

With 10 extreme heat days and 2,691 growing degree days, Midland experiences a very active growing season. The 33.4 inches of rain is slightly below the state average, making irrigation essential during the hot July weeks.

Great pH but Poor Drainage

The soil pH is a healthy 6.19, falling within the ideal range for turf. However, the 'very poorly drained' classification and 65.6% sand content mean that while it is sandy, water can still pool, requiring regular aeration.

Persistent Drought Challenges

Midland spent a staggering 44 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently dry. You must prioritize water conservation by using smart controllers or drought-tolerant grass varieties.

Extended Season for Lawn Success

Thanks to a late fall frost on October 16, you have a wide window for lawn care. Start your seeding projects after April 29 to take full advantage of the robust 2,691 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Midland County's county score?
Midland County, Michigan has a composite county score of 52.4 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 Midland County rank among counties in Michigan?
Midland County ranks #24 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 Midland County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Midland County is $2,771, with an effective tax rate of 1.50%. This earns Midland County a tax score of 12.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Midland County?
The median household income in Midland County, Michigan is $77,538 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Midland County earns an income score of 81/100 on CountyScore.
Is Midland County, Michigan a good place to live?
Midland County scores 52.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Midland 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 Midland County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.