countyscore
38.8
County Score
Health 62.4Soil Quality 58Income & Jobs 55.4

County Report Card

About Montcalm County, Michigan

Lower-than-average national standing

Montcalm County scores a 38.0, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. Low school scores and safety metrics contribute to this lower ranking. It presents a more challenging profile for residents compared to the national average.

Lacking behind state benchmarks

Montcalm's composite score of 38.0 is significantly lower than the Michigan state average of 47.1. The county has room to grow to meet the standards set by its statewide peers. It currently ranks among the more vulnerable counties in the state.

Decent health and income stability

The county's strongest dimensions are health at 62.4 and income at 54.0. With a median household income of $64,892, residents maintain a respectable standard of living. Water quality also remains a relative strength with a score of 54.8.

Significant educational and safety gaps

Educational performance is a primary concern, marked by a school score of only 9.3. Safety is also low at 30.4, indicating areas for community improvement. These metrics suggest that families may need to look for supplemental educational resources.

Suited for non-traditional households

Montcalm County is best for individuals or couples without children who are less reliant on local school systems. Its $867 median rent makes it accessible for those seeking a quiet lifestyle with decent health access. It serves as a budget-conscious option for those focused on income stability over community amenities.

2040608010034.646.230.462.49.355.443.154.847.8Tax34.6Cost46.2Safety30.4Health62.4Schools9.3Income55.4Risk43.1Water54.8Weather47.838.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Montcalm County DNA

Foverall

How Montcalm County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Montcalm County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Schools (9.3/100), though Health (62.4/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
34.6-17.4
Cost
46.2
Safety
30.4-24.6
Health
62.4+12.399999999999999
Schools
9.3-44.7
Income
55.4
Risk
43.1
Water
54.8
Weather
47.8-8.200000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Montcalm County?

Many homeowners in Montcalm 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

$185,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$869/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$185,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,344/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

47.6

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Montcalm County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Montcalm County

via TaxByCounty

Montcalm taxes run modestly below national norm

Montcalm's effective tax rate of 1.075% sits about 2% below the national median of 1.099%, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. The median annual tax of $1,851 is roughly 31% less than the national median of $2,690, reflecting affordable housing and moderate assessment rates.

Below-average taxes for Michigan

At 1.075%, Montcalm's rate underperforms the Michigan average of 1.166% by about 8%, ranking it in the lower half statewide. This advantage makes Montcalm appealing to homeowners seeking tax relief without moving far from urban centers.

Mid-range among northern cohort

Montcalm falls between Missaukee (0.977%) and Muskegon (1.260%) in the regional tax hierarchy, outperforming Newaygo (1.151%) and Oceana (1.143%). The county offers a balanced tax position among its central Michigan peers.

What $172,100 home costs annually

A Montcalm County resident with a median-valued home pays about $1,851 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related charges factored in, the total reaches approximately $1,977 per year.

Appeal if assessed too high

Montcalm homeowners should verify their assessment matches recent comparable sales in their neighborhood. If you believe your property is overvalued, the county assessor's office accepts appeals during designated windows each year.

Income & Jobs in Montcalm County

via IncomeByCounty

Montcalm trails the national average

Montcalm County's median household income of $64,892 falls approximately $9,900 short of the national median of $74,755. This 13% gap reflects slightly lower earning power than the typical American household.

Just above Michigan county average

Montcalm's median household income of $64,892 exceeds Michigan's county average of $64,304 by roughly $600. The county sits near the middle of Michigan's 83 counties in household income rankings.

Mid-range earner in west-central Michigan

Montcalm's $64,892 median sits between Missaukee ($61,868) to the north and Newaygo ($61,931) to the west. Only Monroe County to the southeast and Oakland County further away earn meaningfully more in the broader region.

Affordable housing supports stability

A rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% places Montcalm well within healthy housing affordability, with expenses consuming less than a quarter of typical household income. The median home value of $172,100 remains accessible for households earning the county median.

Housing stability frees money for savings

Because housing costs stay below 16% of income in Montcalm, households can prioritize retirement savings and emergency funds. Even modest monthly investments can compound significantly over time when housing doesn't consume your entire budget.

Safety in Montcalm County

via CrimeByCounty

Montcalm County's Safety Standing

Montcalm County maintains a total crime rate of 1,651.7 per 100K, well below the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 97.4 suggests a secure community overall. Despite localized challenges, the county remains safer than the typical U.S. locale.

Montcalm vs. the Michigan Average

The county's safety score of 97.4 sits slightly below the Michigan state average of 97.8. However, its total crime rate is higher than the state average of 1,371.8. Seven reporting agencies contribute to the public safety data for this region.

Regional Comparisons for Montcalm

At 1,651.7, Montcalm's crime rate is higher than Missaukee (1,086.9) but safer than nearby Oceana (1,962.1). It experiences more crime than rural Montmorency but less than Muskegon. This placement reflects its position as a moderately populated county.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Property crime is the primary concern at 1,327.3 per 100K, though this is still lower than the U.S. average of 2,015.7. The violent crime rate of 324.4 is slightly above the state average of 314.8. These numbers indicate that property theft is the most likely issue residents face.

Enhancing Your Home Security

Since property crime is more prevalent than violent crime, focus on securing valuables and locking outbuildings. Motion lights and visible security signs are effective deterrents. Stay connected with neighbors to monitor unusual activity in your area.

Weather & Climate in Montcalm County

via WeatherByCounty

Montcalm County Follows a Continental Temperature Pattern

Montcalm's annual average of 46.9°F is about 6 degrees lower than the national median. It experiences a wide range of temperatures between its summer and winter extremes.

Slightly Warmer Than the State Average

The county's 46.9°F average is over a degree higher than the Michigan average of 45.7°F. It sits in a transition zone where southern warmth meets central Michigan cooling.

Warmer Summers Than Neighboring Mecosta

Montcalm is warmer than Mecosta County (45.1°F) and experiences significantly more extreme heat. It records 14 days over 90°F annually, the highest in this county set.

Intense Summer Heat and Heavy Snow

Despite having 14 extreme heat days, Montcalm still receives a heavy 72.9 inches of annual snow. January temperatures average 22.0°F, creating a true four-season climate.

Prepare for Both Heat and Heavy Snow

Residents need a powerful snow blower for the 73 inches of snow and efficient cooling for the hot summer months. Homes should be insulated to handle both the 22°F winter and 90°F summer peaks.

Soil Quality in Montcalm County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Alfisols with Michigan Character

Montcalm County features Alfisols with a pH of 5.29, matching the Michigan state average of 5.30 almost exactly. These soils are historically known for their fertility and support for both agriculture and forests.

Versatile Loam for Easy Tilling

The soil is classified as loam, containing 58.0% sand and only 8.9% clay. This texture offers an excellent balance between structural stability and the ease of manual work in a garden.

Healthy Soil for Strong Growth

Organic matter content stands at 12.08%, far exceeding the national median. While the available water capacity of 0.182 in/in is slightly below the state average, it remains robust enough for consistent crop production.

Well Drained and Reliable

The soil is well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group C, which means it manages moderate water infiltration. This classification is ideal for building foundations and minimizes the risk of root rot in farming.

Bountiful Options in Zone 5b

In hardiness zone 5b, Montcalm gardeners find success with root vegetables and hearty grains. The loam texture provides the perfect home for a lush backyard vegetable garden or perennial flower beds.

Lawn Care in Montcalm County

via LawnByCounty

Montcalm Presents a Moderate Maintenance Challenge

A lawn difficulty score of 49.2 places Montcalm below the Michigan average of 60.1. Residents in this Zone 5b area must manage more challenging conditions than the typical American homeowner.

Ample Rain Balanced by Summer Heat

Montcalm receives a healthy 36.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average. However, 14 extreme heat days mean you must monitor for wilt and heat stress during the peak of summer.

Well-Drained Loam Needs Acid Management

The soil is a well-drained loam, but the pH of 5.29 is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While the texture is excellent for root growth, you should apply lime to raise the pH and unlock soil nutrients.

Navigating Persistent Drought Conditions

The county has spent a staggering 44 weeks in drought over the last year. Focus on water conservation by using mulch-mowing techniques to return moisture and nitrogen back to the soil surface.

Establish Lawns Between Frost Windows

Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in these loamy soils. Plan your seeding between the last frost on May 18 and the first fall frost on September 28 for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montcalm County's county score?
Montcalm County, Michigan has a composite county score of 38.8 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 Montcalm County rank among counties in Michigan?
Montcalm County ranks #65 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 Montcalm County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Montcalm County is $1,876, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Montcalm County a tax score of 34.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montcalm County?
The median household income in Montcalm County, Michigan is $67,344 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montcalm County earns an income score of 55.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montcalm County, Michigan a good place to live?
Montcalm County scores 38.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Montcalm 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 Montcalm County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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