Port Huron
RANK #116 / 996 NAT · #15 / 36 MI · POP 160,257
1YR FORECAST: +2.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +35%
St. Clair County, Michigan, is defined by its abundant freshwater resources, often called the "Blue Water Area." Located northeast of Detroit, the county seat, Port Huron, sits at the northern end of the St. Clair River where it meets Lake Huron. The St. Clair River forms an international border with Ontario, Canada. Commuting to Detroit is common, and local public transit, Blue Water Area Transit, serves Port Huron and surrounding townships. The community offers a blend of charming downtowns and rural landscapes, with extensive opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and freighter-watching along its 50 miles of waterfront.
Life in St. Clair County offers a mix of small-town environments and access to natural amenities. The public schools are above average, with options including traditional districts and career-focused technical education at St. Clair County TEC. The economy is seeing recent developments, including a $44.5 million investment across two companies in Midland and St. Clair counties, creating over 100 jobs in advanced manufacturing for EV materials and food-grade packaging. The Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County also secured a grant to build a business center in Port Huron, supporting small businesses and acting as a hub for technology companies.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.4x 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 →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
St. Clair County ranks #116 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 88/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +0.9% and a median household income of $66,887 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in St. Clair County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $197,300 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.34, with rents averaging $982/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in St. Clair County are both close to flat — population +0.1% YoY and jobs +0.9%. Home values shifted +4.2% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.77% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests St. Clair County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.