countyscore
38
County Score
Health 62.4Soil Quality 58Water Quality 54.8

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.

Score breakdown

Tax32.8Cost43.5Safety30.4Health62.4Schools9.3Income54Risk43.1Water54.8Weather47.8
🏛32.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡30.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓9.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡43.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧54.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.2
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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Nearby counties

Mecosta County
Michigan
42.1
Kent County
Michigan
36.8
Isabella County
Michigan
35.7
Ionia County
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Newaygo County
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Gratiot County
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Clinton County
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Ottawa County
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Deep Dives

Montcalm County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montcalm County

via CostByCounty

Montcalm beats national housing burden

Montcalm residents spend 16.0% of income on rent, edging out the national average of 16.3% despite earning $9,863 less than U.S. median households. This advantage suggests Montcalm's housing remains efficiently priced relative to local earning power.

Michigan's most affordable rental market

Montcalm's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Michigan's best, beating the state average of 16.3% and outpacing most peer counties. This leadership position makes Montcalm a standout for renters seeking relief from housing cost pressure.

The region's renter champion

Montcalm's $867 monthly rent exceeds Missaukee ($838) and Montmorency ($811) but delivers Michigan's lowest rent-to-income burden at 16.0%. Combined with moderate ownership costs of $908, Montcalm offers the region's best overall housing value for cost-conscious movers.

Lean housing costs preserve paychecks

At $64,892 median income, Montcalm residents allocate just $867 to rent (16.0%) or $908 to ownership, among the most efficient housing-cost splits in Michigan. This restraint leaves renters and owners with substantial resources for savings, education, and other priorities.

Michigan's value play for relocators

If affordable housing is your priority, Montcalm delivers Michigan's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 16.0%, meaning your paycheck stretches further here than in most other counties. Evaluate whether Montcalm's proven affordability advantage aligns with your family's financial goals and career opportunities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Montcalm County

via HealthByCounty

Montcalm's health slightly trails U.S.

At 76.0 years, Montcalm County's life expectancy falls 0.4 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, a small but measurable difference. The county's 17.8% poor/fair health rate is slightly below the national average of 18%, suggesting health outcomes are roughly in line with the nation.

Shortest life expectancy in state sample

Montcalm's 76.0-year life expectancy ranks below Michigan's 76.3-year state average, placing it among the lower-performing counties in the state. The 7.3% uninsured rate exceeds Michigan's 6.4% average, meaning more Montcalm residents lack health coverage than is typical statewide.

Better mental health care than rural peers

Montcalm's 299 mental health providers per 100,000 residents ranks among Michigan's highest and well above neighboring rural counties. However, its 31 primary care providers per 100,000 remains below state averages, limiting convenient access to routine checkups.

Insurance gaps affect routine care

At 7.3% uninsured, Montcalm has about 1 in 14 residents without health coverage, increasing barriers to preventive care. The strong mental health provider network partially compensates for limited primary care access, but many residents still face challenges scheduling appointments.

Uninsured? Explore coverage now

Montcalm's above-average uninsured rate means many families are one illness away from financial hardship; visit Healthcare.gov to find plans matching your budget. Michigan's Medicaid program may also cover you if you qualify based on income.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Montcalm County

via SchoolsByCounty

Montcalm's Expansive School System

Montcalm County manages 32 public schools and 10 districts, serving a total enrollment of 11,102 students. The infrastructure is geared toward older students, featuring 14 high schools and 10 elementary schools.

Navigating Academic and Funding Challenges

The county faces hurdles with a 49.7% graduation rate and a school score of 30.6, both trailing state averages significantly. Per-pupil spending of $6,201 is below the Michigan average of $7,394, highlighting a need for increased educational resources.

Greenville Schools and Virtual Options

Greenville Public Schools is the largest traditional district with 3,554 students across seven schools. Success Virtual Learning Centers of Michigan, a charter school, is the single largest campus with 1,794 students enrolled.

Primarily Rural School Settings

Education in Montcalm is predominantly rural, with 25 schools in rural locales and 7 in town settings. The average school size is 370 students, though campuses range from the large 1,106-student Greenville Senior High to specialized smaller programs.

Support Local Growth in Montcalm

Homebuyers in Montcalm County have the opportunity to join a community focused on improving educational outcomes. Research homes near Greenville or Central Montcalm to find established districts with strong community ties.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montcalm County

via RiskByCounty

Montcalm faces above-average disaster risk

At 56.87, Montcalm County's composite risk score exceeds the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating that reflects moderate but manageable hazard exposure. The county's risk level is notably higher than the safest Michigan counties but lower than the state's highest-risk areas.

Solidly above Michigan's average risk

Montcalm's score of 56.87 ranks it above the state average of 49.56, placing the county in Michigan's riskier half. However, it falls well short of the state's most hazardous counties, occupying a middle ground in statewide disaster exposure.

Riskier than Missaukee but safer than Muskegon

Montcalm's 56.87 score sits between Missaukee County (11.10) to the north and Muskegon County (70.10) to the west, making it a transitional risk zone in west-central Michigan. Newaygo County (47.07) presents similar exposure levels nearby.

Tornadoes and floods are the primary hazards

Tornado risk of 76.46 and flood risk of 61.64 dominate the county's hazard profile, creating dual exposure to severe weather and water damage. These two hazards account for the bulk of Montcalm's above-average composite score.

Flood and wind coverage are priorities

Montcalm County homeowners should secure standard insurance with tornado/wind riders and evaluate their flood risk carefully—flood insurance is essential for properties in mapped flood zones. Review your home's location relative to flood plains and tornado-prone corridors before finalizing coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montcalm County's county score?
Montcalm County, Michigan has a composite county score of 38 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 #67 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 $1,851, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Montcalm County a tax score of 32.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montcalm County?
The median household income in Montcalm County, Michigan is $64,892 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montcalm County earns an income score of 54/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montcalm County, Michigan a good place to live?
Montcalm County scores 38/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 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.

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.