Clare
Michigan

What stands out

Against every county in America, Clare County is unusual in three ways: unemployment is in the top 2% of American counties (7.0%), homeownership is in the top 3% of American counties (85%), and the school test score is in the bottom 4% of American counties (2.43 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Michigan it ranks 14th of 83 counties for unemployment.

Where you are

You live in Clare County, Michigan. 30,998 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +216).

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 $47,816 a year, lower than 83% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,949. Unemployment runs 7.0%, higher than 98% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 26 minutes each way.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,032 a year.

Home

The median home costs $164K, cheaper than 78% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $807 a month. Property tax is 1.20% of home value, roughly $1,344 a year on that median home, higher than 72% of American counties. 85% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.4 per 1,000 residents, higher than 79% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 17 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 73.3 years, shorter than 77% of American counties. There are 18 active physicians in the county, about 5.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 8.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.60 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 96% of American counties. 87% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 35 points. 67% 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 46°F, highs near 56 and lows near 35, colder than 90% of American counties. About 28 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 30 out of 100, safer than 70% of American counties; the county has had 9 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 156 Mbps down, slower than 69% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.