RANK #165 / 996 · POP 175,947 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.4%
Muskegon County, Michigan, distinguishes itself with its extensive Lake Michigan shoreline, offering miles of beaches and forested dunes. Located in West Michigan, about 42 miles northwest of Grand Rapids, the county provides a blend of small-town charm and access to natural scenery. Notable towns include Muskegon, Norton Shores, and Whitehall, each contributing to the area's community feel. Commuting within the county is facilitated by services like Go2 by MATS, an on-demand public transit option available in several municipalities. The area is a year-round destination for outdoor recreation, featuring three state parks—Muskegon, Duck Lake, and P.J. Hoffmaster—that offer hiking, biking, camping, and water sports.
Life in Muskegon County offers an affordable lifestyle with a focus on community and outdoor activities. The local economy is diverse, driven by sectors such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and food processing. Recent economic developments include significant investments in manufacturing facilities and commercial/residential projects. The county also benefits from a growing tourism and hospitality sector, which contributes to the local economy. Educational opportunities are available through various public school districts, some of which are recognized among the best in Michigan.
Below national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.3x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
La Colombe Plant Expansion
Chobani
|
$567M | Under Construction |
|
Muskegon Solar Plant (250 MW)
Consumers Energy
|
$250M | Operating |
|
Mixed-Use Redevelopment (Former Furniture Manufacturing Site)
Parkland Properties of Michigan
|
$221M | Planned |
|
GE Aerospace Expansions
GE Aerospace
|
$75M | Planned |
|
Apple Avenue Reconstruction
MDOT
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Muskegon County has a Boom Town Index score of 84/100, ranking #165 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.0% and a median household income of $61,347, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Muskegon County is $162,300 with median rent at $915/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.378, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.0%. Home values changed +3.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.97% of Muskegon County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.