IncomeBy County

Mason County, Michigan

Income Data

-3% vs. Michigan average
$62,296
Median Household Income
$34,751
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$62,296
-3% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$34,751
-12% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
31.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Michigan
#38 / 83
by median household income

How Mason County Compares

Mason County$62,296
Michigan Average$64,304
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$62,296
Median Household Income
$34,751
Per Capita Income
$199,300
Median Home Value
31.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Mason County, Michigan

Mason falls below national income standard

Mason County's median household income of $62,296 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,459, placing it approximately 25 percentile points below the U.S. average. The gap reflects limited high-wage industries and reliance on agriculture, timber, and seasonal tourism. Despite the shortfall, Mason's income remains stable relative to other rural Michigan counties.

Below-average income within Michigan

At $62,296, Mason County ranks approximately 50th among Michigan's 83 counties, slightly trailing the state average of $64,304 by roughly $2,000. The county's median income reflects its rural character and seasonal economic patterns. Still, Mason sits firmly in the middle tier statewide, above dozens of smaller counties.

Mason among mid-tier regional peers

Mason County ($62,296) sits between Manistee County ($60,879) and Marquette County ($64,675), reflecting consistent income patterns across West Michigan's rural corridor. The $1,400 difference with Manistee and $2,400 spread with Marquette show tight clustering among geographically and economically similar counties. This proximity suggests shared challenges and opportunities in the region.

Excellent housing affordability ratio

Mason County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio matches Manistee's and sits comfortably below the 30% affordability benchmark, enabling households to spend substantially on other needs. The median home value of $199,300 requires just 3.2 years of median household income—among the best ratios for homeownership readiness. Strong affordability metrics provide financial breathing room.

Affordability creates wealth-building opportunity

Mason County's median home price of $199,300 and strong affordability metrics allow $62,296-earning households to build home equity without financial strain. Start with a 20% down payment strategy and automatic principal paydown to accelerate ownership. Reinvest housing savings into retirement accounts and diversified investments once your emergency fund is secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Mason County, Michigan?
The median household income in Mason County, Michigan is $62,296, 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 Mason County?
The per capita income in Mason County is $34,751, 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 $62,296.
How does Mason County compare to the Michigan average?
Mason County's median household income of $62,296 is lower than the Michigan state average of $64,304. The per capita income is $34,751, compared to the state average of $35,451.
What is the per capita income in Mason County, Michigan?
The per capita income in Mason County, Michigan is $34,751, 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 Mason County a low-income area in Michigan?
Mason County's median household income of $62,296 is below the Michigan average of $64,304. The per capita income of $34,751 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 Mason County rank for income in Michigan?
Mason County ranks #38 out of 83 counties in Michigan by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $62,296 and per capita income of $34,751, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Mason County

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Your income is above the Mason County median

County median: $62,296 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-3%

vs. National Median

-17%

vs. Mason County MedianAbout equal
vs. Michigan Average▼ 3% below
vs. National Median▼ 17% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.2x

Your monthly income ($5,191) vs. median rent ($840/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Stark County
Illinois
$62,284
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Luzerne County
Pennsylvania
$62,321
+0%
Day County
South Dakota
$62,270
+0%
Seward County
Kansas
$62,269
+0%
Clayton County
Iowa
$62,326
+0%
Shelby County
Tennessee
$62,337
+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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