Schools
These all fall within Clio Area Schools, a ~2,500-student district of about seven schools serving the city plus most of Thetford and Vienna townships.
Genesee County, Michigan
Mortgage Broker in Clio, MI
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Buying a home in Clio
Clio anchors the northern edge of Genesee County, a small city of roughly 2,451 residents sitting right on I-75 within the Flint metro. Summer evenings here revolve around the Clio Area Amphitheater, an outdoor concert venue running since 1987 inside Clio City Park, while the 7.5-mile bike path and historic Vienna Road (M-57) storefronts give the town its character. The local economy leans on Clio Area Schools, small manufacturers like Montague Manufacturing and Osborn Inc. farmland in surrounding Vienna Township, and a steady flow of commuters to Flint, Saginaw, and the region's auto plants. Median household income runs about $52,500, roughly 80% of the county figure, so affordability and low taxes drive most buyer decisions in the 48420 ZIP.
By the numbers
Clio housing and mortgage snapshot
Values move. Treat these as orientation and let us pull current figures for the address you are considering.
$250,000
Typical home value, from the market research on this page
+46%
Typical rise in taxable value the year after a home sells, 2026 Uncapping Study
0.53%
Effective property tax rate, as a share of value
1
Residential ZIP codes
What financing looks like in Clio
Plan on roughly $70,000-$80,000 in household income to comfortably carry the ~$250,000 median home with about 10% down at today's rates, an estimated $1,700-$1,900/month PITI. Clio's biggest advantage is its ~0.53% effective property tax rate, well under the Genesee County median (~0.88%) and national median (~1.02%); claim Michigan's Principal Residence Exemption to shed about 18 mills of school operating tax on a primary home. First-time buyers should look hard at MSHDA down-payment assistance, which pairs well with these modest prices. With the median far under the 2026 conforming limit, nearly every Clio purchase fits a standard FHA, VA, or Conventional loan, jumbo financing rarely comes into play here. Always confirm current millage with the Genesee County treasurer.
Nearly every Clio purchase fits well under the 2026 conforming limit of $832,750, so loan size is rarely the constraint.
The market
The Clio housing market
The median home price in the city of Clio is around $249,900, with the wider Vienna Township median closer to $230,000. Prices have climbed roughly +6% over the past year (Vienna Township 12-month median sale price), tracking just above Michigan's statewide ~5.4% YoY, note that a 48420-only YoY figure isn't separately published. Homes move at about 43 days on market, noticeably faster than the national average near 58 days. Demand is fueled by tight inventory, the I-75 location, well-regarded schools, and a very low effective tax rate that stretches buyer budgets further. Move-in-ready ranches and newer subdivision builds tend to sell quickest.
Where to look
Clio neighborhoods
Vienna Meadows
(~$200,000-$280,000): established suburban subdivision and condominium community blending single-family homes and condos.
Pheasant Run
(low $300,000s+): newer-construction subdivision near West Vienna Road where four-bedroom models start in the low $300Ks.
Eitzens Farms
(~$250,000-$350,000+): golf-course-adjacent living at the north entrance to Clio Country Club.
Dutchman's Cove
(~$200,000-$250,000): new-construction ~1,400 sq ft, 2-bed/2-bath condos, a lower-maintenance option.
West Vienna Road corridor
(~$215,000-$300,000+, Vienna Township): brick and vinyl ranches from past decades around $215K-$260K, with active new subdivision development as farmland converts.
Schools and commute
Commute
Commute-wise, Flint is just 15-20 minutes south; downtown Detroit is about 83 miles (~1 hr 30 min) via I-75, so Clio works best as a Flint/Saginaw-area community.
Michigan property taxes
Clio property taxes after you buy
The year after a Michigan home sells, its taxable value resets to half of the assessor's market value, so the seller's tax bill is not your tax bill.
In the City of Clio, our 2026 Uncapping Study found taxable value typically rises about 46% the year after a sale: roughly $2,220 more in first-year tax on a $300,000 home at the local homestead millage. We build your payment on that post-sale number.
In Samantha's words
In Michigan, don't just look at the current tax bill. Understand what could happen after ownership changes.
Local resources
Check Clio records yourself
The official offices behind the tax and school details on this page.
- City of Clio Assessor, for parcel records and current taxable value
- Clio Area Schools, for district boundaries and enrollment
- Genesee County Equalization Department, for county property tax records
What our clients say
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Individual experiences. Results vary.
Clio mortgage questions
If yours is not here, ask it on the call. There are no dumb questions.
What is the typical home price in Clio, MI 48420?
As of 2026, the median home price in the city of Clio is around $249,900, while the surrounding Vienna Township median sale price is closer to $230,000. Older brick and vinyl ranch homes commonly run $215,000-$260,000, and newer four-bedroom builds in subdivisions like Pheasant Run start in the low $300,000s.
How fast do homes sell in Clio?
Homes in Clio sell relatively quickly for the area, on average about 43 days on market, compared with a national average closer to 58 days. Well-priced, move-in-ready homes in desirable subdivisions can go faster.
What are property taxes like in Clio, Michigan?
Clio’s effective property tax rate is roughly 0.53%, lower than the Genesee County median (~0.88%) and the national median (~1.02%). Michigan also offers the Principal Residence Exemption, which removes about 18 mills of school operating tax on your primary home. Always confirm the current millage with the City of Clio or Genesee County treasurer before buying.
How much income do I need to buy a median-priced home in Clio?
Plan on roughly $70,000-$80,000 in household income to comfortably afford the ~$250,000 median home with about 10% down at current rates, estimated total monthly payment in the $1,700-$1,900 range including taxes and insurance. Putting more money down or carrying no other debt lowers the income you need. The Clio median household income is about $52,500, so many buyers stretch the budget with a co-borrower or a larger down payment.
Which school district serves Clio 48420?
Clio is served by Clio Area Schools, which covers the city plus most of Thetford and Vienna townships and parts of Flushing, Montrose, and Mount Morris townships. The district runs about seven schools serving roughly 2,500 students and is part of the Genesee Intermediate School District.
Is Clio a good spot for commuters?
Clio sits right on I-75 in northern Genesee County, making it convenient for commuters to Flint (about 15-20 minutes south) and Saginaw to the north. Downtown Detroit is about 83 miles, roughly a 90-minute drive, so Clio works best as a Flint/Saginaw-area community rather than a daily Detroit commute. The affordable prices, low tax rate, and small-town feel, anchored by the Clio Area Amphitheater and City Park, make it popular with first-time buyers and families.
Talk with a local mortgage expert
Tell Samantha what you are trying to do in Clio and she will tell you what actually matters for your situation, including whether the timing is right.
- 1
Tell us what you are trying to do
Not what product you want. What you are actually trying to accomplish.
- 2
We look at your situation
A licensed Align loan officer works out what matters most for you specifically.
- 3
You leave with a plan
Your options, the tradeoffs, and your next step. No obligation to go further.
Align Lending LLC, NMLS #2041154. Samantha Shelton, NMLS 1647301. Equal Housing Opportunity. Licensed in Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana and Texas. Figures on this page are market research for orientation, not a quote. This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a credit decision, a preapproval, a commitment to lend, or an offer of credit.
