Imagine a place where personal incomes have skyrocketed faster than anywhere else in Michigan since the Great Recession. That place is Leelanau County, a stunning peninsula north of Traverse City that’s quietly become a hotspot for affluent retirees and remote workers. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Leelanau’s economic boom is undeniable, it’s also raising questions about affordability and the changing face of this once-rural gem.
By two distinct measures, Leelanau County has outpaced all 83 Michigan counties in personal income growth since 2010. According to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the median household income in Leelanau surged by a staggering 76%, from $56,527 in 2010 to $99,422 in 2024. Even more impressive, the county’s per-capita income soared by 121%, jumping from $41,628 to $92,189, as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re a testament to the county’s evolving demographics and its appeal to wealthier residents.
So, what’s driving this growth? Leelanau’s natural beauty is a major draw. Home to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Lake, and over 100 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, the county has become a magnet for retirees and remote workers, particularly from metro Chicago and Detroit. But this influx of affluence has a flip side: since 2000, the median home price has skyrocketed from $165,000 to nearly $600,000. In 2025 alone, 24 homes sold for over $2 million. And this is the part most people miss: the county’s population is aging rapidly, with 40% of residents now aged 62 or older—nearly double the percentage in 2000.
While Leelanau’s success is undeniable, it’s not the only Michigan county experiencing growth. Statewide, median household income grew by 50% since 2010, from $48,432 to $72,875. Per-capita income also rose significantly, increasing by 77% to $63,211. But here’s the catch: Michigan’s income growth still lags behind the national average. Across the U.S., median household incomes grew by 55%, and per-capita incomes by 82%, highlighting the state’s ongoing economic challenges.
Now, let’s dive into the rankings. In 2024, Livingston County topped the list for median household income at $103,039, followed by Leelanau, Oakland, Ottawa, and Washtenaw. On the other end, Clare County had the lowest median income at $49,384, joined by Oscoda, Montmorency, Iosco, and Lake—all rural counties in the northern Lower Peninsula. When it comes to income growth since 2010, Leelanau is joined in the top five by Kalkaska, Houghton, Mecosta, and Montcalm. Meanwhile, Keweenaw County saw the slowest growth, with just a 35% increase.
Per-capita income tells a similar story. Oakland County leads the state at $93,579, reflecting its concentration of wealthy residents. Leelanau, Emmet, Washtenaw, and Charlevoix also rank high, while Lake, Luce, Montcalm, Oscoda, and Crawford bring up the rear.
But here’s the question: Is Leelanau’s economic boom a model for other counties, or does it come at the cost of affordability and community identity? As the county continues to attract wealthier residents, what does that mean for long-time locals and younger families? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
