Antrim County

Michigan · MI

#8 in Michigan
73.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Antrim County, Michigan

Antrim Outperforms 71% of U.S. Counties

Antrim County's composite score of 71.1 places it in the 71st percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates strong livability fundamentals compared to the broader American landscape.

Above State Average, Upper-Middle Tier

Antrim's 71.1 score exceeds Michigan's state average of 68.7, positioning the county in the upper-middle tier of Michigan's 83 counties. The county balances affordability, taxes, and modest income levels effectively.

Low Taxes and Balanced Costs

Antrim's tax score of 76.6 reflects an effective rate of just 0.914%, one of the state's lowest, while its cost score of 77.3 keeps housing manageable. Median home values of $222,500 and rents of $920/month offer reasonable accessibility for middle-income families.

Income Growth Lags Behind Needs

With a median household income of $71,421 and an income score of 30.0, Antrim shows moderate earning power but not exceptional opportunity. Missing data on health, safety, schools, and environmental conditions limits the full picture of livability.

Ideal for Middle-Class Families Seeking Balance

Antrim suits middle-class families and professionals seeking a balanced mix of reasonable taxes, modest housing costs, and small-town living near recreational amenities. Those wanting to maximize tax savings and affordability without sacrificing all income will thrive here.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax76.6Cost77.3SafetyComing SoonHealth79.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome30Risk74.3WaterComing Soon
🏛76.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠77.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼30
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
79.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
74.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Antrim County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Antrim County

via TaxByCounty

Antrim offers some of nation's lowest rates

At 0.914%, Antrim's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 20% nationally, well below the 1.1% median. This places the county among America's most tax-friendly communities for homeowners.

Michigan's lower-tax counties include Antrim

Antrim's 0.914% rate sits about 0.25 percentage points below Michigan's 1.166% average. The median tax of $2,033 remains $69 below the state median, despite higher home values in the county.

Best tax rate in the northern region

Antrim's 0.914% beats Alpena (1.129%), Arenac (1.299%), and Baraga (1.339%), making it the tax champion of northern Michigan. Only Alcona County (0.839%) offers lower rates in the broader region.

What your $222,500 home costs

The typical Antrim County homeowner with a $222,500 property pays roughly $2,033 per year in taxes. Over 30 years, that amounts to approximately $60,990—one of Michigan's best values.

Even low-tax counties benefit from appeals

Antrim's favorable tax climate doesn't mean assessments are always accurate; property reassessments happen regularly and errors occur. A simple comparison to recent comparable sales in your neighborhood could reveal an overassessment worth contesting.

Cost of Living in Antrim County

via CostByCounty

Antrim balances scenic appeal with affordability

Antrim County renters spend 15.5% of income on housing, below both the 30% affordability threshold and Michigan's 16.3% average. With a median household income of $71,421—close to but still below the national average—Antrim delivers solid housing affordability in a region known for natural beauty.

Consistently affordable across Michigan rankings

Antrim's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio places it squarely in Michigan's affordability sweet spot, beating the state average of 16.3% while maintaining median rents of $920. The county ranks favorably for balance: incomes exceed many rural peers while housing costs remain reasonable.

Moderate pricing among northern Michigan counties

Antrim's $920 monthly rent falls between Alpena ($660) and Allegan ($1,065), with a median home value of $222,500 that reflects its scenic location and small-town appeal. Incomes of $71,421 position Antrim households comfortably compared to most northern peers.

Housing claims reasonable share of income

Renters pay $920 monthly while homeowners spend $952 on mortgages and insurance, with homes valued at $222,500 and median income at $71,421. Together, housing consumes roughly 15–16% of income, leaving adequate resources for savings and discretionary spending.

Northern Michigan living without the premium

Antrim County combines small-town charm with solid income levels and reasonable housing costs—an attractive mix for professionals and families seeking northern Michigan without extreme price tags. The county's moderate rents and home values reward those prioritizing livability over pure affordability.

Income & Jobs in Antrim County

via IncomeByCounty

Antrim household income near national level

Antrim County's median household income of $71,421 approaches the U.S. median of $74,755, falling short by just $3,334—a modest 4% gap. The county's near-parity with national averages reflects a stable, mixed economy anchored by tourism and small business.

Above average for Michigan counties

At $71,421, Antrim exceeds Michigan's county average of $64,304 by $7,117, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The county's per capita income of $41,548 also surpasses the state average of $35,451, indicating strong individual earnings.

Strong performer in northern region

Antrim's $71,421 median income ranks among the region's strongest, outpacing Alpena ($51,909), Arenac ($56,989), and approaching Barry ($77,873). The county benefits from its Traverse City-area proximity and summer tourism economy.

Affordable housing strengthens purchasing power

Antrim's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% is well below the 30% affordability threshold, and its median home value of $222,500 remains accessible to median earners. This balance preserves household cash flow for other needs and savings.

Position for investment and wealth building

Antrim's above-average income and manageable housing costs create ideal conditions for aggressive saving and investing. Consider increasing IRA contributions, diversifying into real estate or business ventures, and planning a long-term wealth accumulation strategy.

Health in Antrim County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly above national

Antrim residents live to 78.8 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 80.1 years and demonstrating excellent longevity. Only 12.6% report poor or fair health—among the lowest rates nationally.

Top-tier Michigan health outcomes

Antrim's 78.8-year life expectancy far exceeds Michigan's state average of 76.3 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. The 12.6% poor/fair health rate is notably below the state average.

Healthiest in the regional peer group

Antrim's 78.8-year life expectancy leads nearby Alger County (78.9 years, nearly equal) and substantially exceeds Alcona County (75.1 years). Its strong health profile reflects excellent community wellness across the region.

Strong access to primary care

Antrim provides 67 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, approaching the national benchmark of 75 per 100,000. With only 6.8% uninsured and 62 mental health providers per 100,000, the county supports solid foundational healthcare access.

Maintain excellent coverage

Antrim's exceptional health outcomes reflect strong healthcare engagement; keeping coverage active ensures continuity of care. Confirm your enrollment at healthcare.gov and explore plan options annually.

Disaster Risk in Antrim County

via RiskByCounty

Antrim rates well below national average

Antrim County scores 25.76 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating significantly below the national average. The county experiences minimal to moderate disaster exposure across all hazard categories.

Well below Michigan's state average

Antrim's score of 25.76 sits well below Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing the county among the state's safer jurisdictions. The Very Low rating reflects solid protection from most major disasters.

Similar risk profile to nearby Alcona

Antrim scores 25.76, comparable to Alcona County at 17.75 and slightly lower than Alpena at 28.34. The county maintains a low-risk profile consistent with its northern Michigan location.

Flood and tornado warrant attention

Antrim's main hazards are flood risk at 38.65 and tornado risk at 26.81, both below state averages. Wildfire risk at 26.14 rounds out the county's modest exposure profile.

Standard homeowners policy suffices

A conventional homeowners policy provides adequate wind and tornado coverage for Antrim residents. Flood insurance is optional given the county's moderate flood risk of 38.65, though waterfront property owners should evaluate their specific exposure.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.