RANK #164 / 996 · POP 50,130 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.4%
Newaygo County, Michigan, is defined by its extensive natural resources, particularly the Muskegon River and over 230 natural lakes. The county is located in West Central Michigan's Lower Peninsula, approximately 35 to 45 miles north of Grand Rapids. This proximity allows for a manageable commute to a larger urban center while maintaining a rural community feel. Over half of the county lies within the Manistee National Forest, offering abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing for steelhead and salmon, and camping. The Dragon at Hardy Dam, a 45-mile trail around Hardy Pond, is a notable attraction for mountain biking and hiking.
Life in Newaygo County is characterized by a comfortable pace and a strong sense of community. The economy is supported by tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, with Gerber Products Company in Fremont being a major employer. The county has seen recent economic developments, including expansions by companies like G-M Wood Products and community revitalization projects in towns such as Hesperia, which include new housing units. Educational opportunities are available through local public school districts like Newaygo Public Schools and the Newaygo County Promise Zone, which offers two years of free college education.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.0x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Newaygo County has a Boom Town Index score of 84/100, ranking #164 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -1.0% and a median household income of $59,065, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Newaygo County is $165,000 with median rent at $854/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.358, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.0% year-over-year. Job growth: -1.0%. Home values changed +6.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.42% of Newaygo County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.