IncomeBy County

Isabella County, Michigan

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-16% vs. Michigan average
$53,759
Median Household Income
$29,626
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$53,759
-16% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,626
-25% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
32.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in Michigan
#72 / 83
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Isabella County Compares

Isabella County$53,759
Michigan Average$64,304
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$53,759
Median Household Income
$29,626
Per Capita Income
$165,100
Median Home Value
32.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Isabella County

Income Verdict

Isabella County has a median household income of $53,759 and per capita income of $29,626 — a gap of $24,133, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $863/month and a median household income of $53,759, rent consumes approximately 19.3% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $53,759, residents of Isabella County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $29,626 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Isabella County earns approximately 16.4% below the Michigan state median household income of $64,304.

Data Story

About Household Income in Isabella County, Michigan

Isabella income trails national benchmark

Isabella County's median household income of $53,759 sits $20,996 below the national median of $74,755, representing a 28% gap. The county ranks in the lower-income range nationally.

Isabella below Michigan average

At $53,759, Isabella's median household income falls $10,545 short of Michigan's state average of $64,304. The county faces economic pressure typical of smaller, post-industrial Michigan communities.

Isabella among region's lower earners

Isabella's $53,759 income edges above Iosco ($47,777) and Iron ($53,614) but trails Ingham ($64,354), Kalkaska ($60,365), and Jackson ($65,004). The county occupies the lower-middle tier of surrounding regions.

Housing costs limit financial flexibility

Isabella households devote 19.3% of income to rent, among the highest in the sample, while median home values of $165,100 demand substantial financial commitment. Combined housing burden squeezes discretionary income for lower-earning households.

Strategic budgeting enables investing

Isabella residents earning below-state-average incomes should craft detailed budgets to free up 5–10% of earnings for retirement and investment accounts. Even modest monthly contributions compound significantly over time and build financial resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Isabella County, Michigan?
The median household income in Isabella County, Michigan is $53,759, 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 Isabella County?
The per capita income in Isabella County is $29,626, 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 $53,759.
How does Isabella County compare to the Michigan average?
Isabella County's median household income of $53,759 is lower than the Michigan state average of $64,304. The per capita income is $29,626, compared to the state average of $35,451.
What is the per capita income in Isabella County, Michigan?
The per capita income in Isabella County, Michigan is $29,626, 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 Isabella County a low-income area in Michigan?
Isabella County's median household income of $53,759 is below the Michigan average of $64,304. The per capita income of $29,626 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 Isabella County rank for income in Michigan?
Isabella County ranks #72 out of 83 counties in Michigan by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $53,759 and per capita income of $29,626, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Isabella County

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Your income is above the Isabella County median

County median: $53,759 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-16%

vs. National Median

-28%

vs. Isabella County MedianAbout equal
vs. Michigan Average▼ 16% below
vs. National Median▼ 28% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.2x

Your monthly income ($4,480) vs. median rent ($863/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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