RANK #111 / 996 · POP 120,189 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.7%
Allegan County, Michigan, is known for its Lake Michigan shoreline and the popular tourist destinations of Saugatuck and Douglas, which draw visitors for their beaches and vibrant arts scenes. Located in the southwestern Lower Peninsula, the county is about 30 miles southwest of Grand Rapids and 20 miles northwest of Kalamazoo. The community offers a blend of rural landscapes, small cities, and lakefront areas. Commutes within Allegan County are generally shorter than the national average, around 20 minutes. The county also features extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Allegan State Game Area, which offers trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, along with numerous lakes and rivers for boating and fishing.
Life in Allegan County offers a balance of affordability and access to nature, appealing to families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Public schools in the county are generally above average. The economy is driven by a mix of sectors, including agriculture, which has a long history in the area with significant fruit and vegetable production. Manufacturing, particularly in biotechnology and other light industries, is also a key economic component, with companies like Perrigo being a major employer. Recent economic development efforts have focused on expanding manufacturing capacity and supporting technology and energy storage businesses. The county also benefits from a growing tourism sector, especially along its Lake Michigan coast.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.3x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
LG Energy Solution Michigan Expansion
LG Energy Solution
|
$1,700M | Under Construction |
|
Microsoft Data Center (Dorr Township)
Microsoft
|
$1,000M | Proposed |
|
Blazing Star Solar Project
Apex Clean Energy
|
$125M | Planned |
|
Allegan County Broadband Project
Allegan County & 123NET
|
$65M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Allegan County has a Boom Town Index score of 89/100, ranking #111 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.0% and a median household income of $75,543, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Allegan County is $225,000 with median rent at $1,004/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3357, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.0%. Home values changed +6.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.36% of Allegan County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.