RANK #136 / 996 · POP 66,901 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.5%
Montcalm County, Michigan, distinguishes itself with over 200 inland lakes and a blend of agricultural heritage and manufacturing. Greenville, the largest city, is known for being the home of the first Meijer store and hosts the annual Danish Festival. Located northeast of Grand Rapids, Montcalm County is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area, with commutes to the city possible via major highways like US 131. The community offers a rural feel, with many residents owning their homes. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, and disc golf across numerous parks and trails, including a portion of the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail.
Life in Montcalm County often appeals to families and those seeking a conservative, country lifestyle. The public school system serves over 11,500 students across 35 schools, with institutions like Early College at Montcalm Community College and Cedar Crest Elementary ranking highly. While some residents commute to nearby cities for work, the local economy has seen a resurgence, with employment levels surpassing those of two decades ago. Recent economic developments include substantial investments in renewable energy, particularly wind farms, which are generating new tax revenue for local schools and government services, creating jobs, and providing lease payments to landowners.
Above national median (4.7x)
Contracting economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.3x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Montcalm Wind Project
Apex Clean Energy
|
$776M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Montcalm County has a Boom Town Index score of 86/100, ranking #136 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.0% and a median household income of $61,250, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Montcalm County is $154,900 with median rent at $823/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3954, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.0%. Home values changed +6.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.15% of Montcalm County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.