These Counties in Michigan Have Senior Tax Exemption in 2025

The comfort and security of home are especially important for Michigan’s seniors. For many, rising property taxes threaten that sense of stability, particularly as fixed incomes become the reality in retirement. In recognition of this, Michigan’s lawmakers have introduced new measures to ease the property tax burden for older adults. Understanding where and how these exemptions apply is vital for seniors, their families, and local communities across the state.

Understanding Senior Tax Exemptions in Michigan

Property tax exemptions for seniors aim to help those who have contributed to their local communities for years remain in their homes without fearing a steady climb in annual tax bills. In 2025, Michigan’s approach to senior tax exemptions is evolving, with statewide initiatives intended to bring much-needed relief.

The Statewide Framework: Senate Bill 292

In 2025, Michigan introduced Senate Bill 292, which stands to transform how property tax exemptions work for seniors throughout the state. Unlike past exemptions that were limited to specific programs or means-tested by income, SB 292 proposes a direct, age-based exemption. Residents aged 70 or older, regardless of their retirement status, are set to benefit from this law, provided they own and occupy their primary residence. If approved at all levels, this new law will take effect for taxes levied after December 31, 2025.

Key Eligibility Criteria

Must be at least 70 years old.
Must own and occupy the property as their principal residence.
Must file a claim with the local assessor, including documentation to verify age and residency.
The exemption remains valid so long as the senior continues to own and live in the property.

This initiative showcases Michigan’s commitment to supporting its most experienced citizens, ensuring they can remain in their homes—often those in which they raised families and served their communities.

Counties Where Seniors Benefit from the Exemption

While Senate Bill 292 is state-wide in scope and not limited to specific counties, the practical application and effects of these exemptions will extend to every county in Michigan, from large urban centers to rural townships and lake-dotted regions.

Let’s highlight various counties and key cities where the impact will be especially pronounced:

Wayne County (Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia)

Wayne County, home to the bustling city of Detroit and other large communities like Dearborn and Livonia, boasts the largest senior population in Michigan. With over 200,000 senior residents, property tax can form a significant portion of fixed housing expenses. Detroit’s own Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program has historically offered relief based on income, but the new age-based exemption will expand eligibility, helping thousands more age 70 and above.

Oakland County (Troy, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills)

Known for its robust suburban communities, Oakland County has seen an increase in the population of residents aged 70 and older in cities such as Troy, Farmington Hills, and Rochester Hills. The exemption will aid retirees from all walks of life, but especially those in modest homes who may be asset-rich and cash-poor.

Macomb County (Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township)

Macomb County, with lively cities like Warren and Sterling Heights, hosts over 100,000 residents aged 70 and above. The new exemption helps many older homeowners who have lived in their neighborhoods for decades, allowing them to avoid tax hikes that could force downsizing or relocation.

Kent County (Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood)

In Western Michigan, Kent County—including Grand Rapids, Wyoming, and Kentwood—has a growing senior population. The tax exemption provides assurance to those aged 70 and over, many of whom worked in the region’s manufacturing, healthcare, and service sectors. The measure helps them remain part of the vibrant local community.

Genesee County (Flint, Grand Blanc, Burton)

Historically impacted by economic challenges, Genesee County’s older homeowners—especially in cities like Flint and Burton—stand to gain overdue financial support. The exemption allows older residents to age in place in homes they have maintained over many years, lending stability to both individuals and the broader community.

Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti)

With Ann Arbor as a prominent city, Washtenaw County combines bustling college town life and quieter neighborhoods. Many seniors in the area, formerly affiliated with the University of Michigan or local industries, have seen property values and taxes rise sharply. The exemption offers peace of mind amid such changes.

Ottawa and Muskegon Counties (Holland, Muskegon)

Western Michigan’s lakeshore counties—Ottawa and Muskegon—also benefit greatly. In places like Holland, known for its Tulip Time Festival, and Muskegon with its lakeshore seniors, the ability to retain one’s home despite rising costs is particularly important. These communities, proud of their local history and strong neighborhood ties, welcome the relief.

Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula (Traverse City, Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie)

Rural and semi-rural counties spanning north of Clare and over the Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula (such as Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie) feature many retirees who built homes as long-term investments. Here, fixed income challenges are pronounced due to high heating costs and limited local economies. The new exemption will keep more Up North homes in family hands.

How Do Seniors File for the Exemption?

Qualifying seniors across Michigan counties will need to:

Obtain and complete the exemption application (available through local assessors’ offices or online).
Provide proof of age (such as a driver’s license or birth certificate).
Demonstrate homeownership and primary residence status (property deed and utility bills typically suffice).
Submit documentation to the local assessor by the annual deadline, generally before the local Board of Review meets in March.

The exemption, once granted, will stay in effect as long as the owner remains eligible. If a senior sells, transfers or ceases to use the home as their principal residence, the exemption will end for that property.

Projected Impact: Real Relief Across Michigan

Michigan is home to nearly 1.7 million residents aged 65 and above, a figure expected to grow each year. With the passage of SB 292, the state could see over 500,000 seniors newly eligible for full property tax exemption beginning in the 2026 tax season. This not only helps families and individuals but maintains community stability by countering the downward spiral of forced moves and foreclosures due to unpaid taxes.

Economic Facts and Local Impact

Wayne County’s seniors account for about a quarter of all senior homeowners in Michigan.
Oakland County’s average property tax bill for a single-family home is among the highest in the state, making the exemption particularly valuable for long-time residents.
Genesee, Kent, and Macomb counties have experienced above-average increases in property tax rates in the past decade.
In Traverse City and Charlevoix, property values have grown more than 30% in some neighborhoods over five years, putting pressure on seniors living on fixed pensions or social security.
In the Upper Peninsula, where heating costs are high, reducing property taxes can mean the difference between staying put and relocating to more affordable areas.

Other Tax Relief Programs for Seniors

Homestead Property Tax Credit

Available statewide to those over 65, this credit reimburses some or all property taxes that exceed a given percentage of income. Seniors may claim this credit regardless of income tax filing requirements. The amount varies by income bracket, with lower-income individuals receiving more substantial relief.

Poverty Exemptions

Localities such as Ecorse and Detroit offer property tax relief to seniors with household incomes below specified thresholds. Seniors can apply through their local treasurer or assessor for these means-based exemptions.

Home Heating Credit

Especially valuable in the northern and Upper Peninsula counties, the Home Heating Credit reduces utility bills for qualifying seniors.

Southeast Michigan’s Senior Services

Counties such as Livingston, St. Clair, Monroe, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw all offer dedicated tax assistance programs for older adults. Seniors can find help navigating applications through senior centers and community resource offices.

Community Perspective: Why This Matters

Home ownership is central to the American Dream, yet for many older Michiganders, the weight of property taxes can erode years of equity and threaten independence. The uncertainty of annual reassessments and millage increases puts stress on those least equipped to adapt. These new senior tax exemptions are more than just financial solutions; they are a testament to the state’s recognition of its aging population’s dignity and worth.

Local governments, especially in rural and under-resourced counties, will be reimbursed by the state for any shortfall, ensuring public services continue without disruption. This partnership between local and state aims to uphold the social fabric—healthy neighborhoods anchored by residents who have given decades of their lives to building communities.

Preparing for the Application Season

Seniors who wish to prepare ahead should gather necessary documents before the Board of Review’s annual meeting. Counties such as Wayne, Kent, Macomb, and Oakland typically see the largest volume of claims, so early application is advised.

Visit the local assessor’s webpage for forms and deadlines.
Contact regional senior advocacy organizations for workshops and information sessions.
Seek help from tax preparation events hosted at libraries, senior centers, and community nonprofits.

Looking Ahead: Future Developments

While Senate Bill 292 offers historic relief, its final passage and implementation will be closely watched in Lansing and throughout Michigan’s 83 counties. Advocacy from senior groups, local officials, and community leaders remains critical to ensuring the new law is realized as intended and that no eligible senior slips through the cracks.

Conclusion

The introduction of a broad-based senior property tax exemption in Michigan holds enormous promise. From the urban streets of Detroit, the shoreline towns of Muskegon and Holland, to the forests of Marquette and the shores of Traverse City, thousands of seniors will have the chance to remain where their roots run deepest. With a combination of state-backed programs and proactive local outreach, Michigan shows its respect and gratitude to the generation that built its communities, providing the support necessary to age with dignity and peace of mind.

If you or a loved one are turning 70 in 2025, check with your county assessor for updates and be prepared to file. Your home, your comfort, and your legacy are worth protecting—this year, Michigan is making that just a little bit easier.