RANK #31 / 996 · POP 66,663 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.8%
Ionia County, Michigan, distinguishes itself with the annual Ionia Free Fair, an event held every July that is promoted as the world's largest free-admission fair. The county is situated between Lansing and Grand Rapids, offering a balance of small-town atmosphere and access to larger metropolitan areas. Commuting to either city typically takes under 30 minutes. The community is characterized by its family-friendly environment and a blend of agricultural landscapes, rolling hills, and extensive natural areas. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with the 4,500-acre Ionia State Recreation Area providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and disc golf. Bertha Brock Park also offers trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas.
Life in Ionia County is often described as relaxed and family-oriented, with a high rate of homeownership. The public school system, including Ionia Public Schools, serves several towns and townships within the county. Transportation options include the Ionia Dial-A-Ride service, which provides demand-response transit throughout much of the county. The local economy has a foundation in agriculture and manufacturing. Recent economic developments include efforts to revitalize former industrial sites and attract new commercial activity, with a focus on supporting existing businesses and fostering entrepreneurship. There is also ongoing work to expand broadband internet access across the county.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.9x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Tupper Lake Wind Project
Cordelio Power
|
$250M | Proposed |
|
Ionia Wind Energy Center
NextEra Energy
|
$200M | Proposed |
|
Chicory Solar Energy Center
Invenergy
|
$100M | Proposed |
|
Easton Township Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Mission Clean Energy
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Deerfield Business Park
Ionia Planning Commission
|
$50M | Planned |
|
City of Ionia Capital Improvement Plan (2027-2032)
City of Ionia
|
$49M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Ionia County has a Boom Town Index score of 97/100, ranking #31 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.2% and a median household income of $71,720, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Ionia County is $169,600 with median rent at $870/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4229, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.2%. Home values changed +5.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.19% of Ionia County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.