CountyScore

Midland County

Michigan · MI

#63 in Michigan
65.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Midland County, Michigan

Solid livability above national median

Midland County scores 64.5 out of 100, placing it in the 29th percentile nationally and notably above the national median of 50. This central Michigan county demonstrates respectable livability for a mid-sized community anchored by major employers.

Trailing Michigan's state average

At 64.5, Midland County falls below Michigan's state average of 68.7, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 83 counties. Despite being a significant economic hub, its composite score lags several rural peers.

Highest incomes in this group

Midland County's income score of 34.0 reflects a median household income of $77,538—the highest among these eight counties, reflecting the presence of large industrial employers. This earning advantage is the primary livability strength.

Higher taxes and costs offset income gains

Despite strong incomes, Midland County's tax score of 60.0 reflects the highest effective tax rate at 1.504%, and its cost score of 75.5 reflects median home values of $184,300. These burdens consume much of the income advantage, limiting overall livability.

Best for higher-earning corporate families

Midland County suits well-compensated professionals and corporate employees who can absorb higher taxes and housing costs for stable employment and community services. It's less attractive for those prioritizing affordability or seeking cost-of-living advantages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax60Cost75.5SafetyComing SoonHealth80.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome34Risk28.1WaterComing Soon
🏛60
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡28.1
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 Midland County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Barrow County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $77,477
Grady County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $54,312
Tattnall County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $52,351
Vanderburgh County
Indiana
65.4
Median income: $60,938
Barber County
Kansas
65.4
Median income: $57,615

Deep Dives

Midland County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Midland County

via HealthByCounty

Midland County exceeds all benchmarks

Midland County residents live 79.0 years on average, significantly above the national average of 76.4 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 14.1% is notably lower than national benchmarks, indicating exceptional population health.

Michigan's healthiest county

At 79.0 years, Midland County's life expectancy is the highest among Michigan counties, well above the state average of 76.3 years. This sustained advantage reflects strong healthcare infrastructure, educated population, and effective health management.

Clear regional health leader

Midland County's 79.0-year life expectancy exceeds all regional peers including Menominee (78.4 years) and Marquette (78.0 years). The county's 101 primary care providers and 361 mental health specialists per 100,000 residents place it among the strongest healthcare networks in the state.

Excellent coverage and provider access

Midland County's uninsured rate of 4.8% is the lowest among peer counties and well below Michigan's state average of 6.4%, ensuring comprehensive coverage. With 101 primary care providers and 361 mental health specialists per 100,000 residents, residents enjoy robust access to both routine and specialized healthcare services.

Build on your health advantage

Midland County residents should maintain insurance continuity and leverage the county's excellent healthcare network for preventive and specialized care. Those seeking coverage should visit healthcare.gov to explore marketplace options that complement the county's strong provider ecosystem.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.