News & Analysis

Michigan Signals publishes regular reports, data updates, and community analysis. Articles draw directly from the data powering our county dashboards.

Housing7 min read

The 10 Most Expensive Counties to Buy a Home in Michigan (2026 Data)

Zillow ZHVI data shows Leelanau, Washtenaw, and Livingston topping Michigan's priciest home markets. Here's the full ranking and what drives each market.

June 18, 2026Read
Health6 min read

Michigan Counties With the Most Limited Mental Health Care Access

County Health Rankings and Census CBP data identify Michigan counties with the fewest mental health providers per resident. Rural and UP counties face the largest gaps.

June 17, 2026Read
Housing6 min read

Where Homes Are Selling Fastest in Michigan Right Now

Zillow days-to-pending data and market conditions identify Michigan's hottest buyer markets in 2026. West Michigan and Ann Arbor metros lead the list.

June 17, 2026Read
Demographics6 min read

10 Michigan Counties With the Highest Child Poverty Rates

Census SAIPE 2023 child poverty estimates show Lake County near 40% — among the highest in the US. Here's the full county-by-county picture across all 83 Michigan counties.

June 16, 2026Read
Demographics6 min read

Michigan Counties Losing the Most People — And What the Data Shows

Census PEP data shows Wayne, Genesee, and Upper Peninsula counties leading Michigan's population decline. The numbers behind the state's long-running demographic shift.

June 15, 2026Read
Health7 min read

The 10 Healthiest Counties in Michigan — And What the Data Actually Shows

County Health Rankings 2025 and CDC PLACES data rank all 83 Michigan counties on health outcomes. Leelanau, Ottawa, and Livingston lead. Here's what drives the differences.

June 14, 2026Read
Housing7 min read

Michigan Counties With the Worst Housing Affordability: Rent vs. Income

Combining Zillow rent data with Census SAIPE income figures reveals which Michigan counties have the most severe housing cost burden — and some results are surprising.

June 13, 2026Read
Housing7 min read

10 Michigan Counties Where Home Values Have Risen the Most

Zillow ZHVI data shows which Michigan counties have seen the biggest home value increases over five years. Resort markets and West Michigan metros lead.

June 12, 2026Read
Employment6 min read

Michigan Counties With the Lowest Unemployment Rates in 2026

BLS LAUS data shows which Michigan counties have the tightest labor markets. West Michigan and suburban Southeast Michigan dominate with rates under 3.5%.

June 11, 2026Read
Housing7 min read

The 10 Most Affordable Counties to Rent in Michigan (2026 Data)

Census ACS and Zillow rent data show where Michigan's cheapest rental markets are. From Upper Peninsula counties under $700/month to the full statewide picture for renters.

June 11, 2026Read
Economy & Business7 min read

Kent County Economy 2026: What the Data Shows About Grand Rapids

Kent County leads West Michigan with 661,354 residents, a $79,715 median household income, and 3.6% unemployment. Here's a full data-driven look at the county's economic health.

June 10, 2026Read
Demographics7 min read

Wayne County Poverty and Income in 2026: What Detroit-Area Data Shows

Wayne County has a 20.6% poverty rate and $57,418 median household income — the weakest economic indicators among Michigan Signals counties. The data explains why.

June 9, 2026Read

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