RANK #107 / 996 NAT · #13 / 36 MI · POP 88,687
1YR FORECAST: +4.9%
5YR OUTLOOK: +36%
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
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 ranks #107 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 89/100. The composite score reflects long-term strength — housing, income, and migration patterns — but near-term hiring is soft (employment is down 0.6% year-over-year). Median household income here is $75,402.
Housing in Lapeer County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $219,300 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.34, with rents averaging $908/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Lapeer County are both close to flat — population +0.1% YoY and jobs -0.6%. Home values shifted +5.1% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.41% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Lapeer County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +5.1% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Lapeer County is now valued at $219,300. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.