This article is part of an ongoing, county-by county, overview of the Tri-County Area. This article covers household income and the income distribution in Clinton County. This information helps track how well residents can afford basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare as well as relative prosperity compared to other areas.

Median Household Income

In recent years, Clinton County has experienced steady gains in median household income, reflecting a strong and growing local economy. Figure 1 shows that the median household income has been steadily increasing over time. As of 2023, Clinton County’s median household income is approximately $92,000, greater than the overall United States (about $78,000).

Between 2022 and 2023, Clinton County’s median household income rose by 14.6%, the largest year-over-year increase in the past decade. This surge may reflect the expansion of higher-paying sectors, as employment in the county grew 4.4% in 2023, with particularly strong demand for software developers (620 job postings) and registered nurses (526 postings).^[1] Overall, rising median household income signals improving economic conditions and greater financial well-being for residents. 

Figure 1: Median Household Income, 2013-2023

 

 Points Consulting using Michigan Capital Region Data Hub

Figure 2 shows the cumulative change in median household income from 2013 through 2023. While Clinton County generally experienced slower growth than Michigan and the United States throughout most of the period, its median household income increased steadily for much of the decade. Notably, by 2023, Clinton County's income grew by 48.9%, surpassing both Michigan (43.4%) and the United States (48.7%) for the first time. This trajectory points to a strengthening local economy that could continue to attract skilled workers, encourage business growth, and support higher standards of living compared to state and national trends. 

Figure 2: Cumulative Growth in Median Household Income, 2013-2023

 

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Figure 3 shows that Clinton County has a greater share of higher-income households compared to both Michigan and the United States. In 2023, 43.0% of households in the county earned more than $100,000, compared to 37.6% in Michigan and 39.3% nationwide. Conversely, only 26.9% of Clinton County households earned $49,000 or less, a smaller proportion than the state (38.9%) and the nation (32.3%). These figures indicate that Clinton County enjoys higher economic prosperity than both Michigan and the U.S. overall. During periods of rising costs, a larger share of Clinton County households are financially equipped to manage these pressures, strengthening the county’s overall economic resilience. 

Figure 3: Clinton County, Household Income Distribution, 2023

 

Points Consulting using Michigan Capital Region Data Hub