RANK #191 / 996 · POP 153,938 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.1%
Berrien County, Michigan, known as "Michigan's Great Southwest," offers 42 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, providing opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and sunsets at places like Silver Beach County Park. The county is located in the southwestern corner of Michigan, approximately 90 miles from Chicago. Commuting within the county is primarily done by car, with an average commute time of 21.2 minutes. Public transportation options like Berrien Bus offer curb-to-curb service in rural areas, and dial-a-ride services operate in towns such as Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, Buchanan, and Niles. The community offers a blend of rural landscapes and access to nearby cities.
Life in Berrien County is characterized by its natural beauty and a focus on outdoor activities, with numerous parks, trails for hiking and biking, and access to the St. Joseph River for fishing and kayaking. The economy is driven by a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and tourism. Major employers include Whirlpool Corporation and Corewell Health. The county is also recognized as a leader in fruit production, particularly peaches, pears, and grapes, and is home to Michigan's wine industry. Families have access to various public school districts, including St. Joseph Public Schools and Lakeshore School District.
Below national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Berrien County has a Boom Town Index score of 81/100, ranking #191 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.5% and a median household income of $60,379, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Berrien County is $193,600 with median rent at $885/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3119, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.5%. Home values changed +4.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.38% of Berrien County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.