countyscore
43.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 77.7Health 76.2

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Michigan

Trailing the national median

Monroe County earns a composite score of 43.1, trailing the national median of 50.0. This lower-than-average ranking reflects significant pressures in cost and environmental risk. However, it maintains strong performance in specific socioeconomic categories.

Below Michigan's state average

Monroe sits below the Michigan state average of 47.1. While it offers high incomes, other factors like taxes and affordability drag down its statewide standing. It ranks as a more expensive alternative compared to its northern neighbors.

Strong incomes and health outcomes

High earners find success here, with an income score of 77.7 and a median household income of $75,272. The county also boasts a health score of 76.2 and a water score of 86.0. These strengths highlight a community with robust personal wellness and economic stability.

Environmental risks and high costs

Monroe struggles with a risk score of 17.5 and a cost score of 24.5. High median home values of $215,700 and a tax score of 27.7 make it one of the more expensive regions in the area. These factors require residents to budget carefully for housing and insurance.

Best for established, high-income professionals

Monroe County suits established professionals who can leverage the $75,272 median income to offset higher costs. It is ideal for those who value health services and water quality but are willing to manage higher environmental risks. Families here trade affordability for higher earning potential.

Score breakdown

Tax27.7Cost24.5Safety46.1Health76.2Schools31Income77.7Risk17.5Water86Weather54
🏛27.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡46.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤76.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓31
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡17.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱69.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Explore this county

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43

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Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe's taxes track near national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe stays affordable despite higher incomes

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe exceeds national income median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County Outperforms National Safety Norms

Monroe County earns a safety score of 98.1, indicating a very secure environment. The total crime rate of 1,205.9 per 100K is significantly lower than the national rate of 2,385.5. Local residents enjoy a high level of safety relative to the rest of the country.

Top-Tier Safety in Michigan

With a safety score of 98.1, Monroe ranks better than the Michigan state average of 97.8. Its crime rate of 1,205.9 also beats the state's average rate of 1,371.8. Nine reporting agencies work together to maintain this consistent level of protection.

How Monroe Compares to Others

Monroe's crime rate of 1,205.9 is nearly identical to Oakland County's 1,223.3. It is significantly safer than Muskegon County, where crime rates reach 2,519.5 per 100K. This makes Monroe a relatively secure hub in the region.

Analyzing Violent vs. Property Crime

Violent crime in Monroe is low at 245.4 per 100K, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 960.5, which is less than half the national rate of 2,015.7. Most reported incidents are property-related, following broader national trends.

Simple Steps for Monroe Residents

Maintain your home's safety by securing all entry points and using outdoor cameras. While the county is very safe, being proactive helps prevent property theft. Community awareness is a key factor in keeping Monroe's safety score high.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Monroe County

via HealthByCounty

Monroe's health tracks with America

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Educational Network in Monroe

Monroe County supports a large student population of 20,744 across 52 public schools and 13 districts. This diverse infrastructure includes 22 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, and 16 high schools to serve the region.

Graduation Rates Beat National Benchmarks

Monroe stands out with an 88.4% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. These results are achieved with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,276, demonstrating high efficiency in local educational spending.

Monroe Public and Bedford Districts Lead

Monroe Public Schools is the largest district with 4,565 students, while Bedford Public Schools follows closely with 3,990 students. Charter schools like Triumph Academy represent a small but significant 3.8% share of the total schools available.

Diverse Suburb and Rural Settings

Students attend a mix of 30 rural and 13 suburban schools, with Monroe High School serving as the largest campus with 1,304 students. The average school size is 407 students, providing a range of environments from quiet rural settings to larger high schools.

Invest in a Future in Monroe

With graduation rates exceeding national averages, Monroe County is an ideal location for families prioritizing academic success. Explore homes in the Airport Community or Bedford districts to find the right educational fit for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe County faces moderate disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

Monroe County Is Michigan's Warmest Set Member

Monroe averages 49.4°F annually, making it the warmest county in this group. While still cooler than the 53°F national median, it represents the milder side of the Midwest.

Well Above the Michigan State Average

The county is nearly 4 degrees warmer than the state average of 45.7°F. Its southern location on Lake Erie provides a longer, warmer growing season than most of Michigan.

Warmer and Drier Than Its Northern Peers

Monroe is much warmer than Midland (48.0°F) and faces far less snow than the northern counties. It only sees about 40 inches of snow, roughly a third of what Marquette receives.

Thirteen Days of Extreme Summer Heat

Monroe leads the group with 13 days over 90°F and a July average of 72.8°F. Winters are the mildest in the group, with a December-February average of 27.3°F.

Invest in High-Quality Air Conditioning

With 13 extreme heat days, central air is a critical comfort for Monroe residents. Snow removal is less demanding here, but homeowners should still be prepared for 40 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Balanced Neutral pH

Monroe County features a near-perfect average pH of 6.60, aligning closely with the national median of 6.5. This neutral balance allows for optimal nutrient uptake across a wide variety of plant species.

Consistent Texture and Balance

The soil composition is 56.6% sand and 16.0% clay, providing a stable structure for farming. This mix offers better nutrient retention than the sandier counties to the north while remaining easy to till.

Moderate Organic Matter Levels

With 4.33% organic matter, the county surpasses the national average of 2.0% but remains lower than the Michigan average of 19.76%. The available water capacity of 0.159 in/in indicates a moderate ability to sustain plants through dry periods.

Navigating Coastal Hydrology

Although specific drainage classes are not recorded in the data, the balanced sand-to-clay ratio suggests a stable hydrologic environment. Residents should monitor local groundwater levels given the county's proximity to Lake Erie.

Diverse Potential in Zone 6b

A favorable 6b hardiness zone allows Monroe County gardeners to grow longer-season vegetables and tender fruit trees. The neutral pH makes this an excellent spot for a vibrant vegetable patch or a flowering orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

Monroe County Boasts Excellent Lawn Conditions

A high difficulty score of 69.1 makes Monroe one of the friendliest counties for lawns in the state. This Zone 6b region significantly outperforms both the Michigan average of 60.1 and the national median of 50.0.

Warm Summers Boost Growth Potential

High heat fuels growth with 2881 growing degree days, though 13 extreme heat days can stress cool-season grasses. The 34.7 inches of annual rain closely matches the state average, providing a solid natural watering foundation.

Ideal Soil pH for Lush Turf

Monroe features a near-perfect soil pH of 6.60, sitting squarely in the target 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient availability. The mix of 56.6% sand and 16.0% clay provides a balanced foundation that requires fewer amendments than neighboring counties.

Mitigating High Drought Exposure

Despite good soil, the county endured 29 weeks of drought recently and currently has 100% of its area in dry conditions. Deep, infrequent watering is essential here to encourage deep root growth during these prolonged dry periods.

Take Advantage of the Long Growing Season

With a final spring frost typically occurring by April 27, you can start lawn projects earlier than most of Michigan. Tall Fescue is an excellent choice here given its ability to handle the 13 annual extreme heat days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Michigan has a composite county score of 43.1 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Michigan?
Monroe County ranks #54 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 Monroe County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $2,492, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 27.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Michigan is $75,272 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 77.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Michigan a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 43.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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