Michigan Poverty and Well-Being Map

This map combines several indicators to provide a snapshot of poverty and well-being across Michigan.

Scroll down to explore the data map. Hover over the indicators in the statewide table to see the definition of the term. At the bottom of the page, you'll find regional fact sheets and more information on indicators and data sources, including a download of the complete dataset.

Suggested citation: Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan. (2026). Michigan Poverty and Well-Being Map. https://poverty.umich.edu/data-tools/michigan-poverty-and-well-being-map

Regional Fact Sheets

See regionals trends in economic well-being; the counties included in each region are listed.
Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, Schoolcraft

Upper Peninsula

Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Wexford

Northwest

Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon

Northeast

Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa

West

Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw

East Central

Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Tuscola

East

Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren

Southwest

Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, Washtenaw

Southeast

Map indicators

See definitions of the terms and data sources.

  • Population is a good way to make sure you're comparing similarly sized counties in terms of poverty.

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "Total Population," American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Detailed Tables, Table B01003, https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT5Y2024.B01003

    We use median income (and not average income) to demonstrate the typical income of a household in that county.

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau. "Median Income Estimates." Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) Program. 2025. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/saipe.html

    The percent of the population below the federal poverty line.

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau. "Child Poverty Estimates." Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) Program. 2025. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/saipe.html

    The percent of children under 18 who are in households under the poverty line.

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau. "Poverty Estimates." Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) Program. 2025. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/saipe.html

    ALICE is an indicator developed by the United Way. It stands for: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE is a way to get a snapshot of the working poor, a group that's not captured in the percent below the poverty rate. This indicator is calculated at the household level, not the individual level. See the full United Way project here.

    For a full picture of the percent of people who are financially living on the edge, the percent ALICE and percent below poverty should be added together.

    Source: Michigan Association of United Ways. The State of ALICE in Michigan. East Lansing: Michigan Association of United Ways, 2026. https://www.unitedforalice.org/michigan

    SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is the country's most robust social safety net program. It is one of very few programs that families who apply and qualify are guaranteed to receive. All funding for SNAP comes from the federal government.

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "Receipt of Food Stamps/SNAP in the Past 12 Months by Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months for Households," American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates Detailed Tables, Table B22003, accessed on June 11, 2026, https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT5Y2024.B22003

    Defined as paying more than 30% of household income for housing costs (rent or mortgage and utilities).

    Source: Social Explorer; U.S. Census Bureau. Residents Paying More Than 30% or at least 50% of Income on Selected Home Ownership Expenses, 2024. Prepared by Social Explorer. https://www.socialexplorer.com/data/ACS2024_5yr/metadata?ds=SE&table=B1…

    Working-age individuals, ages 19 to 64, who do not have publicly or privately provided health insurance.

    Source: Social Explorer; U.S. Census Bureau. Health Insurance by Age, 2024. Prepared by Social Explorer. https://www.socialexplorer.com/data/ACS2024_5yr/metadata?ds=SE&table=A2…

    Studies show a strong relationship between the percent of single-parent households and a lack of social mobility in a region. This indicator is pulled from the Robert Wood Johnson County Health Rankings.

    Source: Social Explorer; U.S. Census Bureau. Children Living with Single Parents, 2024. Prepared by Social Explorer. https://www.socialexplorer.com/data/ACS2024_5yr/metadata?ds=SE&table=A1…

Data downloads and user guides

>>User guide for the current Michigan Poverty and Well-being Map

>>Download data from the current interactive map, listed by county and for state overall*

>>Download historical data from 2019-2022 releases*

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