Branch
Michigan

What stands out

Three things set Branch County apart from the other 3,142 counties: winter sunshine is in the bottom 7% of American counties (-1.4 on the USDA scale) and population growth is in the top 11% of American counties (+1.6% a year). Within Michigan it ranks 38th of 83 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Branch County, Michigan. 44,795 people live here with you. The population grew 1.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +575).

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 $60,600 a year, higher than 50% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $53,639. Unemployment runs 4.1%, higher than 73% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,576 a year.

Home

The median home costs $209K, cheaper than 59% of American counties, about 1.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $797 a month. Property tax is 1.25% of home value, roughly $1,751 a year on that median home, higher than 75% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 64% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 13 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.1 years, longer than 54% of American counties. There are 48 active physicians in the county, about 10.7 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 8.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.77 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 75% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 40 points. 64% 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 49°F, highs near 60 and lows near 39, colder than 77% of American counties. About 34 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 44 out of 100, safer than 56% of American counties; the county has had 6 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 177 Mbps down, slower than 60% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.