Isabella County Community Profile

Isabella County is home to Central Michigan University, a healthcare sector, and a workforce that spans a wide range of incomes and life stages. It is a county with real assets, and a housing market that is working against them.

With 25,637 households and 585 new households projected by 2029, Isabella County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the region. That growth puts pressure on a rental market that is already near capacity. The overall multifamily vacancy rate here is 3.6%, higher than most counties in Region G, but still below the 4% to 6% range that signals a healthy, balanced market. Tax credit vacancy rates are even tighter.

Nearly half of Isabella County renters, 49.8%, are cost burdened. That’s the second highest renter cost burden rate in Region G. The median household income is $55,304, but rents are among the highest in the region at a median of $840 per month, and available for-sale listings are priced at a median of $224,000. The math is hard for workers in the most common occupations here.

The housing stock has room to grow. With 140+ identified development sites across the region, Isabella County’s combination of university town energy, healthcare employment, and projected household growth makes it one of the most compelling markets for new housing investment in our Region.

Between now and 2029, Isabella County needs 1,936 additional rental units, the second largest rental gap in the region, and 2,695 additional for-sale homes. The full county profile has the complete breakdown.