Monroe County's composite score of 66.7 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, positioning it as a more livable-than-average American county. This solid national standing reflects balanced strengths across multiple livability dimensions.
2 / 5
Slightly below Michigan's state average
Monroe's 66.7 score falls just under Michigan's state average of 68.7, placing it in the middle tier among Michigan counties. While competitive, the county trails a handful of stronger performers statewide.
3 / 5
Income and affordability drive Monroe's appeal
Monroe's median household income of $75,272 earns an income score of 32.5, among the highest in this Michigan cohort. Cost of living is reasonable with a score of 72.9, median rent at $1,017, and median home values at $215,700.
4 / 5
Taxes edge higher, data gaps remain
Monroe's effective tax rate of 1.155% ranks among the higher in this group, yielding a tax score of 69.8. Critical information on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available.
5 / 5
Ideal for middle-income families seeking balance
Monroe County appeals to families earning solid middle-class incomes who value reasonable housing costs and community stability. It's less ideal for those seeking minimal tax burden or maximum affordability.
Monroe County's composite score of 66.7 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, positioning it as a more livable-than-average American county. This solid national standing reflects balanced strengths across multiple livability dimensions.
Slightly below Michigan's state average
Monroe's 66.7 score falls just under Michigan's state average of 68.7, placing it in the middle tier among Michigan counties. While competitive, the county trails a handful of stronger performers statewide.
Income and affordability drive Monroe's appeal
Monroe's median household income of $75,272 earns an income score of 32.5, among the highest in this Michigan cohort. Cost of living is reasonable with a score of 72.9, median rent at $1,017, and median home values at $215,700.
Taxes edge higher, data gaps remain
Monroe's effective tax rate of 1.155% ranks among the higher in this group, yielding a tax score of 69.8. Critical information on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available.
Ideal for middle-income families seeking balance
Monroe County appeals to families earning solid middle-class incomes who value reasonable housing costs and community stability. It's less ideal for those seeking minimal tax burden or maximum affordability.
Score breakdown
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🏛69.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Monroe County's effective tax rate of 1.155% hovers just above the national median of 1.099%, putting it near the middle of the national distribution. The median annual tax of $2,492 is close to—though still modestly below—the national median of $2,690.
Slightly below Michigan's statewide rate
Monroe's 1.155% effective rate sits just below Michigan's 1.166% average, ranking it in the middle third of the state's 83 counties. This near-average position reflects a typical burden for Michigan property owners.
Higher taxes than some regional counties
Monroe edges above Missaukee (0.977%) and Montmorency (0.922%), but sits below Oakland (1.324%) and Muskegon (1.260%). Among southeast Michigan's industrial corridor, Monroe occupies a moderate position on the tax spectrum.
What $215,700 home costs annually
The median Monroe County homeowner pays approximately $2,492 in annual property taxes on a property valued at $215,700. When mortgage-related adjustments are included, that total rises to about $2,585.
Challenge inflated assessments
If your Monroe County property was recently reassessed above its fair market value, you have the right to file a formal appeal. Many homeowners recover hundreds of dollars annually by successfully contesting overvalued assessments.
Monroe residents earn $522 more annually than the U.S. median and spend just 16.2% of income on rent—slightly below the national 16.3% average. This combination suggests Monroe offers genuine housing bargains for those earning above-average wages.
Among Michigan's most livable counties
At 16.2%, Monroe's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in Michigan, beating the state average of 16.3% by a narrow but meaningful margin. This positioning places Monroe in the upper tier of affordable Michigan counties for renters.
The region's housing sweet spot
Monroe's $1,017 rent exceeds Missaukee ($838) and Montcalm ($867) but remains competitive regionally, while homeownership at $1,119 monthly offers affordability within reach of higher earners. Monroe's above-average income ($75,272) absorbs these costs more comfortably than neighboring counties, making it attractive for families seeking balance.
Higher income cushions housing costs
Monroe's $75,272 median income provides breathing room for its $1,017 monthly rent and $1,119 ownership costs, keeping housing at just 16% of earnings. This favorable ratio reflects Monroe's economic strength relative to other Michigan counties, with residents retaining more discretionary income.
An above-average option for arrivals
Monroe offers one of Michigan's best combinations of income and affordability, making it ideal if you're seeking strong wages without excessive housing burdens. Check how Monroe's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio compares to your current market to gauge potential financial relief.
Monroe County's median household income of $75,272 sits about $517 above the national median of $74,755. This places the county just above the national average, putting Monroe residents in solid middle-class earnings territory.
Monroe ranks in top Michigan counties
At $75,272, Monroe County's median household income exceeds Michigan's county average of $64,304 by roughly $11,000. The county ranks in the upper third of Michigan's 83 counties by household earnings.
Outearns most surrounding counties
Monroe County leads nearby Missaukee ($61,868), Montcalm ($64,892), and Newaygo ($61,931) counties by significant margins. Only Oakland County to the north substantially outpaces Monroe's income levels at $95,296.
Housing affordability strong in Monroe
Monroe's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% keeps housing costs well below the 30% affordability ceiling. With a median home value of $215,700, properties remain accessible on county median incomes without excessive financial strain.
Income level supports wealth building
Monroe County residents earning the county median have ample opportunity to invest beyond basic housing and living expenses. Consider maximizing retirement contributions or exploring investment property purchases to leverage the county's strong income foundation.
Monroe County's 76.4-year life expectancy matches the U.S. average almost exactly, while its 16.5% poor/fair health rate sits below the national average of 18%. This means Monroe residents generally enjoy comparable health outcomes to the typical American county.
Right at Michigan's health baseline
Monroe's 76.4-year life expectancy essentially mirrors Michigan's state average of 76.3 years, placing the county at the middle of state health rankings. Its 4.9% uninsured rate runs notably below Michigan's 6.4% average, meaning more Monroe residents have insurance coverage than the state norm.
Above-average mental health access
Monroe County offers 208 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—nearly triple the state average and far above most neighboring counties. With 35 primary care providers per 100,000, Monroe exceeds many rural Michigan counties but still lags behind urban centers.
Strong insurance coverage, good access
Monroe's 4.9% uninsured rate is among Michigan's best, meaning most residents have financial protection for medical needs. The county's 208 mental health providers per 100,000 residents signals robust capacity for behavioral health care, a critical resource for overall wellness.
Most Monroe residents are covered
If you're part of Monroe's small uninsured population, take advantage of Healthcare.gov or Michigan's health insurance options to get protection. Even with strong coverage rates, eligible families should verify they're in the right plan for their needs.
Monroe County's composite risk score of 82.47 places it well above the national average, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating that signals elevated exposure to multiple natural hazards. This score is 66% higher than the national typical county, reflecting significant vulnerabilities across the region.
Highest-risk county in Michigan
Monroe County's 82.47 score makes it the most disaster-prone county in Michigan, dramatically exceeding the state average of 49.56 by 66%. No other Michigan county faces comparable combined exposure to floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes.
Significantly riskier than nearby areas
Monroe County's risk score of 82.47 far exceeds Oakland County (97.52 is higher—clarification: Oakland is actually the state's highest), making Monroe the second-most dangerous county in the state. Neighboring counties present notably lower risk profiles, with Monroe standing out as a clear hazard hotspot in southeast Michigan.
Tornadoes and floods dominate the hazard profile
Tornado risk reaches 89.25, the second-highest threat, while flood risk of 87.37 creates dual exposure to water and wind damage—both scores are among Michigan's worst. Earthquake risk of 73.31 adds a third significant hazard that residents must plan for.
Comprehensive coverage is essential in Monroe
Monroe County residents urgently need robust homeowners insurance plus separate flood insurance, as standard policies exclude flood damage and Monroe faces exceptional flood risk. Tornado and wind coverage riders are also critical given the county's 89.25 tornado score.