Berrien
Michigan

What stands out

Against every county in America, Berrien County is unusual in one way: winter sunshine is in the bottom 6% of American counties (-1.5 on the USDA scale). Within Michigan it ranks 27th of 83 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Berrien County, Michigan. 153,938 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -563).

Michigan has a flat income tax just over 4% and has never taxed Social Security. It restored a broad exemption for pension and retirement income in 2023, phasing in over four years. Home prices are below the national average nearly everywhere except the lakeshore counties and the Ann Arbor area. Detroit's population is growing again for the first time since the 1950s.

Money

The typical household here brings in $60,379 a year, higher than 50% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,009. Unemployment runs 4.6%, higher than 82% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 20 minutes each way.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,566 a year.

Home

The median home costs $282K, pricier than 65% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $941 a month. Property tax is 1.15% of home value, roughly $2,230 a year on that median home, higher than 70% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 66% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 22 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.9 years, longer than 63% of American counties. There are 433 active physicians in the county, about 28.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 7.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.82 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 73% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 11 points. 71% of eligible voters turned out. Under Michigan law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 50°F, highs near 60 and lows near 41, colder than 74% of American counties. About 34 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 67 out of 100, riskier than 67% of American counties; the county has had 12 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 237 Mbps down, faster than 67% of American counties. There are 9 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 14 breweries, 8 museums.