Mason
Michigan

What stands out

Three things set Mason County apart from the other 3,142 counties: winter sunshine is in the bottom 6% of American counties (-1.5 on the USDA scale), unemployment is in the top 8% of American counties (5.3%), and natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 9% of American counties (9 of 100). Within Michigan it ranks 27th of 83 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Mason County, Michigan. 29,178 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +7).

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 $60,744 a year, higher than 51% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,523. Unemployment runs 5.3%, higher than 92% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 18 minutes each way.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,582 a year.

Home

The median home costs $271K, pricier than 62% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $859 a month. Property tax is 1.14% of home value, roughly $2,068 a year on that median home, higher than 69% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 57% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.1 years, longer than 65% of American counties. There are 49 active physicians in the county, about 16.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 6.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.95 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 63% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 22 points. 75% 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 37, colder than 87% of American counties. About 33 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 9 out of 100, safer than 91% of American counties; the county has had 9 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 170 Mbps down, slower than 63% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 3 museums.