IncomeBy County

Mecosta County, Michigan

Income Data

-10% vs. Michigan average
$57,774
Median Household Income
$28,744
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$57,774
-10% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,744
-27% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
34.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in Michigan
#58 / 83
by median household income

How Mecosta County Compares

Mecosta County$57,774
Michigan Average$64,304
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$57,774
Median Household Income
$28,744
Per Capita Income
$169,900
Median Home Value
34.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Mecosta County, Michigan

Mecosta significantly below national income

Mecosta County's median household income of $57,774 falls $16,981 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lowest quartile of U.S. counties. This substantial gap reflects limited economic diversification and dependence on agriculture, small manufacturing, and services. The county faces headwinds in wage growth compared to national trends.

Among Michigan's lowest-income counties

At $57,774, Mecosta County ranks approximately 70th among Michigan's 83 counties, trailing the state average of $64,304 by $6,530. The county's median income places it in the lowest third statewide, reflecting rural character and limited high-wage employment anchors. Only a handful of Michigan counties show consistently lower median household income.

Mecosta among region's lower earners

Mecosta County ($57,774) ranks below all surveyed neighboring counties, trailing Manistee ($60,879) by $3,105 and Mackinac ($58,598) by just $824. The county's position as a lower-income peer reflects economic challenges including population losses and limited employer diversity. Central Michigan University presence provides some economic anchor but insufficient to boost median wages.

Rent costs bite larger income share

Mecosta County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among surveyed counties (excluding Macomb), indicating that renters dedicate a larger share of earnings to housing than regional peers. The median home value of $169,900 remains affordable, requiring 2.9 years of household income for purchase. The rent burden suggests challenges for renters and lower-income households.

Strategic saving on tight budgets

Mecosta County households earning $57,774 must prioritize high-impact savings vehicles like employer 401(k) matches and IRAs before pursuing secondary goals. Starting with even 5% employer match saves $289 monthly—critical momentum on constrained budgets. Focus on reducing debt and building a small emergency fund before pursuing homeownership or major investments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Mecosta County, Michigan?
The median household income in Mecosta County, Michigan is $57,774, 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 Mecosta County?
The per capita income in Mecosta County is $28,744, 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 $57,774.
How does Mecosta County compare to the Michigan average?
Mecosta County's median household income of $57,774 is lower than the Michigan state average of $64,304. The per capita income is $28,744, compared to the state average of $35,451.
What is the per capita income in Mecosta County, Michigan?
The per capita income in Mecosta County, Michigan is $28,744, 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 Mecosta County a low-income area in Michigan?
Mecosta County's median household income of $57,774 is below the Michigan average of $64,304. The per capita income of $28,744 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 Mecosta County rank for income in Michigan?
Mecosta County ranks #58 out of 83 counties in Michigan by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $57,774 and per capita income of $28,744, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $57,774 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-23%

vs. Mecosta County MedianAbout equal
vs. Michigan Average▼ 10% below
vs. National Median▼ 23% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,815) vs. median rent ($867/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Todd County
Kentucky
$57,759
+0%
Carroll County
Kentucky
$57,753
+0%
Page County
Iowa
$57,752
+0%
Iberia Parish
Louisiana
$57,811
+0%
Schoolcraft County
Michigan
$57,708
+0%
Baker County
Oregon
$57,844
+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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