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Overall Rating: 82/100 · 552,000 veterans (7.1% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against Michigan veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
Partial - up to $62,918 exempt
1.4% average effective rate
Full exemption
100% P&T, IU, or SAH: full homestead exemption, no income/value cap. Nothing below 100%. From 2026 no annual refiling.
Source ↗No veteran-specific exemptions
$48,000
VA Medical Center
4646 John R Street, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 576-1000
Full service medical center
VA Medical Center
2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 769-7100
Full service medical center
VA Medical Center
1500 Weiss Street, Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 497-2500
Full service medical center
Tuition grant
Children of 100% disabled or deceased veterans
4-year value: $11,200
Tuition coverage
Unlimited slots, full out-of-state tuition coverage
Median Home
$489,000
1BR Rent
$1,400/mo
COL Index
118
Unemployment
3.2%
Major employers: University of Michigan, VA Medical Center, Toyota Tech Center
Pros: VA medical center, U of M with Yellow Ribbon, excellent schools, low crime
Cons: Expensive housing, high cost of living
Median Home
$285,000
1BR Rent
$1,000/mo
COL Index
95
Unemployment
3.8%
Major employers: Spectrum Health (25K+ employees), state veterans home
Pros: Strong job market in healthcare and manufacturing, affordable
Cons: Cold winters, lake effect snow
Median Home
$215,000
1BR Rent
$900/mo
COL Index
88
Unemployment
4.5%
Major employers: Ford, GM, Stellantis, General Dynamics Land Systems
Pros: Largest VA medical center, automotive jobs, defense contracting
Cons: High crime in some areas, city recovering economically
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Under Civil Service Rule 3-8, eligible veterans and qualifying spouses who meet minimum qualifications receive hiring preference in the state classified service; the program also waives the bachelor's degree requirement for many state jobs for veterans with at least two years of active federal service at rank E-6 or above.
Official source ↗The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency connects veterans with jobs through its Veteran-Friendly Employer network and free veterans' employment services.
Official source ↗Michigan resident veterans rated by the VA as 100% permanently and totally disabled (or individually unemployable) may obtain any hunting or fishing license that does not require a separate application free of charge, with proof of disabled veteran status.
Official source ↗Veterans who hold a Michigan Disabled Veteran registration plate receive free entry to Michigan state parks and recreation areas.
Official source ↗Veterans with an honorable or general (under honorable conditions) discharge may add a red 'Veteran' designation to their Michigan driver's license or state ID at no additional charge when applying or renewing.
Official source ↗Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more and an honorable discharge qualify for a Disabled Veteran plate; 100% totally and permanently disabled veterans can register one passenger vehicle at no registration fee (one-time $5 administrative fee).
Official source ↗State-operated veteran home at 2950 Monroe Avenue NE, Grand Rapids; open to veterans eligible for VA health care or financial assistance for long-term care.
Official source ↗State-operated veteran home at 425 Fisher Street, Marquette; a veteran eligible for VA health care or financial assistance for long-term care may be admitted.
Official source ↗The unremarried surviving spouse of a 100% permanently and totally disabled veteran may claim a full property tax exemption on the homestead; as of January 1, 2025 an approved exemption continues without annual reapplication.
Official source ↗Provides undergraduate tuition assistance to the child of a veteran who died on active federal duty or who was awarded a total and permanent VA disability rating; administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.