RANK #52 / 996 · POP 83,503 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.4%
Midland County, Michigan, is often recognized for its unique Tridge, a three-way wooden footbridge spanning the confluence of the Chippewa and Tittabawassee Rivers in the city of Midland. This landmark serves as a focal point for the community and provides access to extensive outdoor recreation. The county, located in the central Lower Peninsula, is about a two-hour drive north of Detroit. It offers a blend of suburban and rural living, with the city of Midland providing a more dense suburban feel and surrounding townships offering open spaces and a quieter atmosphere. Residents have access to over 70 local parks and 2,700 acres of green space, including the Chippewa Nature Center and the Whiting Forest Canopy Walk, the longest in the nation.
Life in Midland County is characterized by a strong sense of community and a relatively low cost of living compared to the national average. The public school system, including Midland Public Schools, is highly rated. Commute options within the city of Midland include Dial-A-Ride, while County Connection provides curb-to-curb service across the broader county and connections to neighboring areas. The economy is driven by a diverse industrial ecosystem, with ongoing investments in manufacturing, research and development, and healthcare. These developments contribute to job growth and a demand for housing, attracting families and professionals to the area.
Below national median
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.2x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Midland County Data Center Campus
FO Permian Partners and HiVolt Energy
|
$4,500M | Planned |
|
City of Midland Capital Improvement Plan (2027-2032)
City of Midland
|
$304M | Planned |
|
Meridian Wind Park
DTE Energy
|
$300M | Operating |
|
Poseyville Solar Park
DTE Electric
|
$250M | Planned |
|
Freeland Solar Park
DTE Energy
|
$200M | Planned |
|
Salzburg Battery Storage Project
ESA Solar Energy Inc.
|
$150M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Midland County has a Boom Town Index score of 95/100, ranking #52 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.0% and a median household income of $73,643, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Midland County is $171,600 with median rent at $931/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4292, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.0%. Home values changed +5.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.74% of Midland County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.