RANK #286 / 1001 NAT · #20 / 36 MI · POP 283,913
1YR FORECAST: +1.9%
5YR OUTLOOK: +32%
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.
Ingham County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +3.5% runs below the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Below national median (11.3x)
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.1x 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 1001 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 71/100, Ingham County sits in the upper half of all 1001 ranked counties. and median household income stands at $65,526 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in MI.
Housing in Ingham County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $198,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $1,084/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Ingham County's population is growing — up +0.7% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -0.1%). Home values shifted +3.5% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
In significant numbers — 6.85% 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.