RANK #99 / 996 · POP 88,687 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.9%
Lapeer County, Michigan, distinguishes itself with the historic Lapeer County Courthouse, built in 1846 and recognized as the oldest continuously operating courthouse in the state. Located in the Thumb region of Michigan, Lapeer County offers a blend of rural charm and access to larger metropolitan areas like Genesee and Oakland Counties for commuters. The community maintains a relaxed atmosphere, with residents often described as friendly. Outdoor recreation is readily available, with parks like Rowden Park and the Oakdale Trails offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Lake Nepessing, a 413-acre lake, is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Life in Lapeer County appeals to families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle, with public schools generally performing above average. Commute options include carpooling services and public transportation provided by the Greater Lapeer Transportation Authority. The local economy, historically rooted in agriculture and lumber, has diversified to support the state's high-tech automotive industry through specialized manufacturing. Recent economic developments indicate investments in sectors like defense, with a company expanding operations in Imlay City, creating new jobs. Additionally, various new businesses and building projects are planned for towns like Lapeer.
Overvalued relative to economy
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks overvalued at 7.7x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
BENNET - GREENWOOD 120.0kV Wind Project
Undisclosed
|
$300M | Planned |
|
Goodland Solar Project
Orion Renewable Energy Group
|
$100M | Proposed |
|
Lapeer Solar Park (DeMille Road and Turrill Road sites)
DTE Energy
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Brookwood North Condominium Development (117 homes)
Allen Edwin Homes
|
$50M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lapeer County has a Boom Town Index score of 90/100, ranking #99 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.6% and a median household income of $75,402, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Lapeer County is $219,300 with median rent at $908/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3438, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.6%. Home values changed +5.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.41% of Lapeer County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.