Lansing
RANK #230 / 996 NAT · #25 / 36 MI · POP 282,540
1YR FORECAST: +2.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +31%
Home to Michigan State University, Ingham County offers a blend of academic energy and community living in Mid-Michigan. The county seat is Mason, though Lansing, the state capital, is largely within Ingham County, a unique arrangement as Lansing is not its own county seat. Commuting within the county is facilitated by the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA), which provides fixed routes, curb-to-curb services, and specialized transportation options. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and winter sports at various parks, including Burchfield Park and Lake Lansing North.
Life in Ingham County appeals to a mix of families, young professionals, and those connected to Michigan State University. The public school districts, such as Okemos, East Lansing, and Williamston, are recognized for their quality. The economy is diverse, with significant employment in educational services and healthcare. Recent economic developments include investments in advanced manufacturing and medical technology, alongside initiatives to address affordable housing.
Well below national median
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.6x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Ingham County Solar Project
Undisclosed Developer (filed with MPSC)
|
$150M | Proposed |
|
Acceleration Solar Project
Ranger Power
|
$100M | Proposed |
|
T B Simon Power Plant (Natural Gas)
Michigan State University
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Kalamink Wind Project
Apex Clean Energy
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Holmes & Pleasant Grove Housing Development
Ingham County Land Bank
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 77/100, Ingham County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.2%, and median household income stands at $62,548 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in MI.
By national standards, Ingham County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $173,600, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.36 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $1,027/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
It's a mixed picture in Ingham County. The population is declining (-1.1% YoY), but employers are actually hiring — job growth is at +1.2%. Home values moved +3.9% in the last year. That tension between shrinking population and expanding employment often signals a county in transition.
In significant numbers — 7.25% of Ingham County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.