Chippewa
Michigan

What stands out

If you had to describe Chippewa County in numbers, start here: unemployment is in the top 3% of American counties (6.4%), the average temperature is in the bottom 3% of American counties (42°F), and winter sunshine is in the bottom 4% of American counties (-1.6 on the USDA scale). Within Michigan it ranks 19th of 83 counties for unemployment.

Where you are

You live in Chippewa County, Michigan. 36,670 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +167).

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 $58,408 a year, lower than 56% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $52,748. Unemployment runs 6.4%, higher than 97% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,482 a year.

Home

The median home costs $203K, cheaper than 62% of American counties, about 1.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $854 a month. Property tax is 1.33% of home value, roughly $1,893 a year on that median home, higher than 79% of American counties. 74% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 58% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.9 years, longer than 74% of American counties. There are 51 active physicians in the county, about 13.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 6.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.89 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 71% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 23 points. 59% 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 42°F, highs near 51 and lows near 32, colder than 97% of American counties. About 37 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 6 out of 100, safer than 94% of American counties; the county has had 7 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 150 Mbps down, slower than 71% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries, 3 museums.