RANK #206 / 996 · POP 134,011 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.0%
Marshall, the county seat of Calhoun County, Michigan, stands out with its preserved 19th-century architecture and walkable downtown. Located in south-central Michigan, Calhoun County sits along the I-94 corridor, roughly halfway between Detroit and Chicago. This positioning allows for convenient commutes to larger cities like Kalamazoo and Lansing. The community offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and access to natural scenery, including numerous parks, rivers, and trails for outdoor recreation.
Life in Calhoun County offers a balance of rural and urban experiences, with many residents owning their homes. The local economy is supported by manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and agriculture. Recent investments in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing are reshaping the economic landscape, attracting new businesses and employment opportunities. Educational options include public, private, and charter schools, with institutions like Albion College and Kellogg Community College also present in the county.
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.5x — 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Alterra Marshall Technology Center (Data Center)
Alterra Development
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Sunfish Solar 2
Consumers Energy and Hecate Energy
|
$360M | Under Construction |
|
Calhoun Solar Energy Center
Invenergy
|
$200M | Operating |
|
Brandt Woods Solar Project
AES Clean Energy (Michigan Public Power Agency is a purchaser)
|
$125M | Operating |
|
Liberty Crossing Energy Storage Center
Invenergy
|
$70M | Proposed |
|
Duncan Aviation Expansion
Duncan Aviation
|
$30M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Calhoun County has a Boom Town Index score of 79/100, ranking #206 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.6% and a median household income of $58,191, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Calhoun County is $138,700 with median rent at $897/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4195, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.6%. Home values changed +3.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.47% of Calhoun County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.