IncomeBy County

Clare County, Michigan

Income Data

-23% vs. Michigan average
$49,805
Median Household Income
$27,619
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$49,805
-23% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,619
-30% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
42.4%
income as % of home value
Rank in Michigan
#79 / 83
by median household income

How Clare County Compares

Clare County$49,805
Michigan Average$64,304
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$49,805
Median Household Income
$27,619
Per Capita Income
$117,400
Median Home Value
42.4%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Clare County, Michigan

Clare County income lags national average

Clare County's median household income of $49,805 falls $24,950 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-income counties in the country. This substantial gap reflects economic challenges common to rural Michigan communities dependent on declining manufacturing and timber sectors.

Among Michigan's lowest-earning counties

At $49,805, Clare County ranks significantly below Michigan's state average of $64,304—a gap of $14,499. Within the state's 83 counties, Clare places in the bottom quartile for household income.

Lowest earner in the region

Clare County's $49,805 median is notably lower than all comparable northern Michigan neighbors, including Crawford ($58,614), Chippewa ($60,631), and Dickinson ($61,882). This positions Clare as the most economically challenged county among its peers, suggesting limited local job growth and higher unemployment.

Housing costs stretch budgets

Clare's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% is the highest among the counties reviewed, signaling tighter housing affordability despite modest median home values of $117,400. For median earners, housing consumes a larger share of income than state and national best practices suggest, leaving less room for savings and other essentials.

Prioritize emergency savings in Clare

With lower median income and tighter affordability, Clare County households should focus first on building a 3-month emergency fund before aggressive investing. Even small contributions—$100–$200 monthly—compound significantly over time and provide crucial stability against unexpected expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Clare County, Michigan?
The median household income in Clare County, Michigan is $49,805, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Clare County?
The per capita income in Clare County is $27,619, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $49,805.
How does Clare County compare to the Michigan average?
Clare County's median household income of $49,805 is lower than the Michigan state average of $64,304. The per capita income is $27,619, compared to the state average of $35,451.
What is the per capita income in Clare County, Michigan?
The per capita income in Clare County, Michigan is $27,619, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Clare County a low-income area in Michigan?
Clare County's median household income of $49,805 is below the Michigan average of $64,304. The per capita income of $27,619 is also lower than the state average of $35,451. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Clare County rank for income in Michigan?
Clare County ranks #79 out of 83 counties in Michigan by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $49,805 and per capita income of $27,619, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Clare County

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County median: $49,805 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-23%

vs. National Median

-33%

vs. Clare County MedianAbout equal
vs. Michigan Average▼ 23% below
vs. National Median▼ 33% below

Income Adequacy

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Howell County
Missouri
$49,814
+0%
Sequoyah County
Oklahoma
$49,795
+0%
Douglas County
Missouri
$49,828
+0%
Ouachita County
Arkansas
$49,838
+0%
Rutherford County
North Carolina
$49,771
+0%
Walker County
Texas
$49,862
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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