Mount Pleasant
RANK #46 / 996 NAT · #4 / 36 MI · POP 64,938
1YR FORECAST: +6.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +40%
Mount Pleasant, the county seat and largest city in Isabella County, Michigan, is home to Central Michigan University and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, which operates the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort. Located in the heart of Central Lower Michigan, Isabella County was historically a significant pine and hardwood region. The county offers over 1,500 acres of parkland and 23 nature preserves, including Deerfield Nature Park with its hiking and biking trails along the Chippewa River, and Bundy Hill Preserve, the county's tallest point. Commuting within the county is facilitated by the Isabella County Transportation Commission (I-Ride), which provides curb-to-curb bus service.
Life in Isabella County is shaped by its blend of academic and agricultural influences. The presence of Central Michigan University contributes to a lively atmosphere and a steady flow of events. The county maintains a rural agricultural character, with over 1,000 farms. Public schools in Isabella County are considered above average. The local economy is driven by education, diversified agriculture, and manufacturing. Additionally, major investments are occurring in energy sectors within the county.
Below national median (4.7x)
Contracting economy
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.2x 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 →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Isabella Wind Park
DTE Energy (originally Apex Clean Energy)
|
$500M | Operating |
|
SALT RIVER - WARREN 138.0kV Solar Project
Undisclosed (part of MISO interconnection queue)
|
$214M | Planned |
|
DTE Energy Solar Farm (Mission Road Park)
DTE Energy
|
$158M | Operating |
|
Isabella RNG LLC Renewable Natural Gas Facility (Methane Digester)
Isabella RNG LLC (partnership between BerQ LLC and property owner)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Isabella County ranks #46 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 95/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $52,638 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
Housing in Isabella County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $159,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $840/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Isabella County is losing population (-1.0% YoY) while the job market is essentially flat (-0.2% employment change). Home values are +5.2% over the past 12 months. A slow-bleed pattern — not a collapse, but residents are leaving faster than employers are hiring.
In significant numbers — 10.41% of Isabella 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.
Home values climbed +5.2% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Isabella County is now valued at $159,500. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.