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Ingham County

#5 in Best Counties to Live in Michigan
  • A
    Overall Grade
  • County in Michigan
  • 12 reviews
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Public Schools
      A-
    2. Crime & Safety
      C
    3. Housing
      B
    4. Nightlife
      A
    5. Good for Families
      A
    6. Diversity
      A-
    7. Jobs
      B
    8. Weather
      C
    9. Cost of Living
      B
    10. Health & Fitness
      A-
    11. Outdoor Activities
      B+
    12. Commute
      A
    View Full Report Card
    Ingham County is located in Michigan with a population of 286,185. Ingham County is one of the best places to live in Michigan. In Ingham County, most residents own their homes. In Ingham County there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Ingham County and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Ingham County are highly rated.
    Population
    286,185

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $123,700
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $841
    National
    $949
    Area Feel
    —
    Rent vs. Own
    • Rent
      42%
    • Own
      58%
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    Ingham County Rankings

    Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.

    Crime & Safety

    Crime & Safety
    C
    Based on violent and property crime rates.
    Violent Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Assault
      482.3
      282.7
    • Murder
      7.2
      6.1
    • Rape
      68
      40.7
    • Robbery
      121.7
      135.5
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      544.9
      500.1
    • Theft
      1,703.2
      2,042.8
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      258.1
      284

    Residents

    Diversity
    A-
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Age
    • <10 years
      11%
    • 10-17 years
      9%
    • 18-24 years
      20%
    • 25-34 years
      14%
    • 35-44 years
      11%
    • 45-54 years
      11%
    • 55-64 years
      12%
    • 65+ years
      12%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      18%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      21%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      33%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      21%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      8%
      13%

    Working in Ingham County

    Jobs
    B
    Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
    Median Household Income
    $49,109
    National
    $55,322
    Search for Jobs in Ingham County
    • Public Schools
    • Private Schools
    • Colleges

      Ingham County Reviews

      12 reviews
      All Categories
      Around the Mid-Michigan region, East Lansing is known for having a responsive police force. However, being a college town, I guess we're expected to, right? Speed limits and parking requirements are strictly enforced. They're perhaps almost too strict when it come to parking citations in my opinion. Also, officers are quick to respond to noise complaints but respectful to the party who cause the initial complaint. Although our police force is very responsive and necessarily strict when it comes to enforcing laws, they are also some of the most friendly and accommodating people I know in this community. The most prevalent crime on Michigan State's campus is theft. With over 40,000 preoccupied students milling around campus each day, it's hard not to create the perfect opportunity for criminals. However, at campus orientation before the school year starts, local police officers came to speak to us about theft and what we can do to avoid it.
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      Lansing/ East Lansing, MI is very much a college town full of young people and young families. It's a vibrant, artist community with plenty of city-wide event happening each week. East Lansing is not overwhelming as a big cities tend to be or boring like a small town or strictly suburban area, instead it's full of life and opportunities. Community-wide events are a regular occurrence and include activities for all ages to enjoys. This city gives me a sense of comfort and familiarity without being a small town with a population of under 5,000 people. Although I've lived here for just over 13 years, I'm still discovering new restaurants and fun shops around town. East Lansing is definitely a community I could see myself staying and raising my own family in. I feel like that's an important aspect a college community must have in order to truly thrive; not only should high school graduates want to come to attend the local university, but the young professionals they become should be eager to settle down and begin their adult life in that community too.
      The weather for the area is quite interesting each year. Lansing is a central city for all four seasons which is nice for those who enjoy them. We don't worry about any natural disasters, just your typical severe thunderstorm in the summer, to your general blizzard and cold in the winter. The most essential dress code advice is to dress for anything, because it could be sunny and nice, and then be dreary and cold in an instant.