Fremont
RANK #172 / 996 NAT · #20 / 36 MI · POP 50,130
1YR FORECAST: +4.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +33%
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.
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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Newaygo County ranks #172 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 83/100. The composite score reflects long-term strength — housing, income, and migration patterns — but near-term hiring is soft (employment is down 1.0% year-over-year). Median household income here is $59,065.
By national standards, Newaygo County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $165,000, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.36 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $854/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Newaygo County's population is growing — up +1.0% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -1.0%). Home values shifted +6.3% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.42% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Newaygo County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +6.3% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Newaygo County is now valued at $165,000. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.