countyscore
33.7
County Score
Water Quality 70.1Health 63.3Weather & Climate 61

County Report Card

About Muskegon County, Michigan

Significant gap from national median

Muskegon County receives a composite score of 33.8, falling far short of the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects substantial struggles across safety and tax metrics. It faces an uphill battle to match national livability standards.

Trailing the Michigan benchmark

The county's score of 33.8 is nearly 14 points below the Michigan state average of 47.1. Muskegon ranks lower than many of its shoreline neighbors. Economic and safety concerns are the primary drivers of this statewide disparity.

Water access and health services

Despite overall challenges, Muskegon maintains a respectable water score of 70.1 and a health score of 63.3. These assets provide a baseline for physical wellness and environmental enjoyment. Income remains moderate with a score of 49.6 and a $63,495 median.

High tax burden and safety concerns

Safety is a critical area for improvement, with a score of 13.0. Additionally, the tax score of 22.7 reflects a high 1.260% effective rate. These factors make it a difficult market for cost-sensitive and safety-conscious residents.

Suited for urban enthusiasts on a budget

Muskegon serves as a potential home for those who value healthcare access and coastal living over local safety rankings. With rents around $960, it remains affordable for those working in the regional economy. It is best for residents who are comfortable in a transitioning urban-coastal environment.

2040608010024.134.81363.323.448.129.970.161Tax24.1Cost34.8Safety13Health63.3Schools23.4Income48.1Risk29.9Water70.1Weather6133.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Muskegon County DNA

Foverall

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

Muskegon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (63.3/100) but notably weak in Safety (13/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
24.1-27.9
Cost
34.8-13.200000000000003
Safety
13-42
Health
63.3+13.299999999999997
Schools
23.4-30.6
Income
48.1
Risk
29.9-17.1
Water
70.1+12.099999999999994
Weather
61
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Think property taxes are too high in Muskegon County?

Many homeowners in Muskegon 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

$198,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,028/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$198,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,024/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

27.9

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Macon County
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Pierce County
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Denver County
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Hudson County
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Median income: $91,795
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Nearby counties

Ottawa County
Michigan
52
Newaygo County
Michigan
50.4
Oceana County
Michigan
47.8
Kent County
Michigan
36.7
Montcalm County
Michigan
38.8
Mecosta County
Michigan
40.9
Allegan County
Michigan
40.6
Mason County
Michigan
51.4

Deep Dives

Muskegon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Muskegon County

via TaxByCounty

Muskegon taxes exceed national average

Muskegon's effective tax rate of 1.260% ranks in the top 25% nationally, notably higher than the national median of 1.099%. The median annual property tax of $2,280 approaches the national median of $2,690, signaling above-average burden despite lower-than-national home values.

Among Michigan's highest-tax counties

Muskegon's 1.260% effective rate substantially exceeds Michigan's average of 1.166%, ranking it in the top 15% statewide. This premium reflects local funding decisions that prioritize schools and services over tax relief.

Highest-taxed in its regional cluster

Muskegon's 1.260% rate tops every comparable county in the area, including Oakland (1.324%) when controlling for home values. Among west-central Michigan counties, Muskegon residents carry the heaviest proportional tax load.

What $180,900 home costs annually

A Muskegon homeowner with a median-valued property pays roughly $2,280 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments, that figure rises to approximately $2,364 per year.

Review your assessment closely

With higher-than-average tax rates in Muskegon, it becomes even more important to verify your assessment is accurate. If your property value was recently raised, request a reassessment review from the county to ensure it reflects current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Muskegon County

via IncomeByCounty

Muskegon below national income levels

Muskegon County's median household income of $63,495 sits about $11,260 below the national median of $74,755. This 15% gap places Muskegon in the lower-middle income range nationally.

Below Michigan's county median income

At $63,495, Muskegon County trails Michigan's county average of $64,304 by roughly $800. The county ranks in the lower half of Michigan's 83 counties by household income, slightly underperforming the state baseline.

Among lower earners in west Michigan

Muskegon's median income of $63,495 falls below Newaygo ($61,931), Montcalm ($64,892), and Missaukee ($61,868) counties. Only Montmorency County to the north lags further behind in the broader region.

Housing costs rise above county average

Muskegon's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% exceeds most other counties in the comparison, consuming nearly one-fifth of median household income. While still below the 30% affordability threshold, housing costs are rising faster than in neighboring counties.

Strategic budgeting unlocks savings potential

With housing consuming 18% of income, Muskegon residents have room to build savings if they budget deliberately. Automating savings deposits and exploring employer retirement matches can help residents accumulate wealth despite modest income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Muskegon County

via CrimeByCounty

Muskegon County Crime Challenges

Muskegon County has a safety score of 96.0, reflecting more active crime trends. Its total crime rate of 2,519.5 per 100K is slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This suggests residents experience crime more frequently than in many surrounding areas.

Below the Michigan Safety Average

The county's safety score of 96.0 falls below the Michigan average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 2,519.5 is significantly higher than the state average of 1,371.8. Eleven different reporting agencies work to manage safety across the county.

Muskegon Compared to Neighboring Counties

Muskegon's crime rate of 2,519.5 is the highest among its immediate peers, more than double Oceana's 1,962.1. It is nearly four times higher than the 712.2 rate found in Newaygo County. This makes it a regional outlier for crime activity.

Violent and Property Crime Trends

Violent crime stands at 455.8 per 100K, which is higher than both the state (314.8) and national (369.8) averages. Property crime is also elevated at 2,063.7 per 100K. Residents should be aware that both categories show higher activity levels than neighboring counties.

Proactive Security for Muskegon Homes

With rates above the national average, installing a comprehensive security system is highly recommended. Use deadbolts, smart cameras, and alarm systems to protect your property. Community involvement and reporting suspicious activity can help drive these rates down.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Muskegon County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Lakeshore Living

Muskegon's 48.2°F annual average is more temperate than its northern neighbors but still falls short of the national 53°F median. The Lake Michigan influence creates a unique coastal climate that moderates temperature swings.

Warmer Than the State Median

At 48.2°F, Muskegon ranks as one of the warmer counties in Michigan, exceeding the state average of 45.7°F. It also receives 35.1 inches of precipitation, slightly more than the state average of 34.5 inches.

Warmest on the Coast

Muskegon is significantly warmer than Oceana County to the north, which averages just 46.2°F. While both share the lakeshore, Muskegon's 48.2°F average makes it a regional warm spot.

Heavy Snow and Mild Heat

Muskegon faces 78.1 inches of annual snowfall, a result of intense lake-effect patterns. Despite the snow, extreme summer heat is very rare, with only 2 days per year hitting 90°F.

Prioritize Snow Removal and Insulation

Invest in a high-capacity snowblower to manage the 78.1 inches of annual snow. Residents can save on cooling costs, as the lake breeze keeps July averages at a comfortable 70.3°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Muskegon County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Entisols and Sandy Bases

Muskegon County is dominated by Entisols with an average pH of 5.32. These relatively young soils are acidic compared to the national median but align perfectly with the Michigan state average.

Dominated by Pure Sand

True to its lakeshore location, the soil is 64.7% sand and only 10.2% clay. This texture is classified as sand, meaning it is incredibly easy to dig but provides very little natural structure.

Solid Organic Foundation

The soil contains 9.62% organic matter, which is nearly five times the national average. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.167 in/in is below the state average, reflecting the soil's sand-heavy nature.

Excessive Drainage Requires Care

This soil is classified as excessively drained, meaning water passes through it almost immediately. This is excellent for preventing puddles but means plants will need frequent watering during the summer months.

Lakeshore Potential in Zone 6a

The tempering effect of Lake Michigan places Muskegon in zone 6a. This allows for a variety of crops, including asparagus and berries, which thrive in sandy, well-drained coastal soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Muskegon County

via LawnByCounty

Muskegon Nears the State Average

A lawn difficulty score of 59.0 puts Muskegon County just below the Michigan average of 60.1. Located in Zone 6a, the lake-influenced climate provides a relatively temperate environment for turf.

Temperate Summers with Low Heat Stress

Muskegon enjoys very few extreme heat days, averaging only 2 per year compared to the state average of 7. This, combined with 35.1 inches of rain, creates a low-stress environment for cool-season grasses.

Excessively Drained Sandy Soil Challenges

The soil is classified as sand, containing 64.7% sand and only 10.2% clay. Because of the rapid drainage and acidic 5.32 pH, you will need more frequent, lighter watering and consistent lime applications.

Monitoring Moisture in Sandier Areas

Muskegon faced 26 weeks of drought in the past year, though current conditions show no active drought. In these excessively drained sandy soils, adding organic compost can help retain moisture during future dry spells.

Safe Seeding in Late Spring

Hard Fescue is a great choice for Muskegon’s sandy soils and Zone 6a climate. Aim to start your lawn after May 19 to avoid late-season frosts that could kill tender new sprouts.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Muskegon County's county score?
Muskegon County, Michigan has a composite county score of 33.7 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 Muskegon County rank among counties in Michigan?
Muskegon County ranks #76 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 Muskegon County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Muskegon County is $2,348, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Muskegon County a tax score of 24.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Muskegon County?
The median household income in Muskegon County, Michigan is $65,024 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Muskegon County earns an income score of 48.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Muskegon County, Michigan a good place to live?
Muskegon County scores 33.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #76 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Muskegon 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 Muskegon County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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