Grand Traverse
Michigan

What stands out

What stands out about Grand Traverse County: high-school completion is in the top 7% of American counties (95%), the average temperature is in the bottom 11% of American counties (46°F), and the median home price is in the top 12% of American counties ($419K). Within Michigan it ranks 11th of 83 counties for high-school completion.

Where you are

You live in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. 95,315 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +192).

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 $75,553 a year, higher than 83% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $59,257. Unemployment runs 3.8%, higher than 62% of American counties. 12% of workers work from home.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,211 a year.

Home

The median home costs $419K, pricier than 88% of American counties, about 2.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,140 a month. Property tax is 1.03% of home value, roughly $2,826 a year on that median home, higher than 63% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than 76% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.1 years, longer than 85% of American counties. There are 542 active physicians in the county, about 56.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 6.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.21 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 69% of American counties. 95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted almost evenly. 82% 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 36, colder than 89% of American counties. About 32 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 39 out of 100, safer than 61% of American counties; the county has had 6 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 236 Mbps down, faster than 67% 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, 8 breweries, 3 museums.