RANK #12 / 996 · POP 64,938 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +4.4%
Mount Pleasant, the county seat and largest city in Isabella County, Michigan, is home to Central Michigan University and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, which operates the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort. Located in the heart of Central Lower Michigan, Isabella County was historically a significant pine and hardwood region. The county offers over 1,500 acres of parkland and 23 nature preserves, including Deerfield Nature Park with its hiking and biking trails along the Chippewa River, and Bundy Hill Preserve, the county's tallest point. Commuting within the county is facilitated by the Isabella County Transportation Commission (I-Ride), which provides curb-to-curb bus service.
Life in Isabella County is shaped by its blend of academic and agricultural influences. The presence of Central Michigan University contributes to a lively atmosphere and a steady flow of events. The county maintains a rural agricultural character, with over 1,000 farms. Public schools in Isabella County are considered above average. The local economy is driven by education, diversified agriculture, and manufacturing. Additionally, major investments are occurring in energy sectors within the county.
Below national median (4.7x)
Contracting economy
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.2x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Isabella Wind Park
DTE Energy (originally Apex Clean Energy)
|
$500M | Operating |
|
SALT RIVER - WARREN 138.0kV Solar Project
Undisclosed (part of MISO interconnection queue)
|
$214M | Planned |
|
DTE Energy Solar Farm (Mission Road Park)
DTE Energy
|
$158M | Operating |
|
Isabella RNG LLC Renewable Natural Gas Facility (Methane Digester)
Isabella RNG LLC (partnership between BerQ LLC and property owner)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Isabella County has a Boom Town Index score of 99/100, ranking #12 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.2% and a median household income of $52,638, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Isabella County is $159,500 with median rent at $840/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.33, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -1.0% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.2%. Home values changed +5.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 10.41% of Isabella County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.