countyscore
54.7
County Score
Health 86.1Disaster Risk 74.3Income & Jobs 69.9

County Report Card

About Antrim County, Michigan

Strong National Standing

Antrim County’s composite score of 54.7 places it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of wellness and economic stability.

Ranking High Among MI Counties

The county’s 54.7 composite score is well above the Michigan average of 47.1. It stands out as a healthy, active community compared to many of its state neighbors.

Top-Tier Health and Safety

The county boasts a remarkable Health Score of 86.1, supported by a solid Safety Score of 61.7. Residents also benefit from a low-risk environment, with a Risk Score of 74.3.

Cost and Water Challenges

Affordability is a growing issue, as seen in a Cost Score of 37.0 and median home values of $222,500. Additionally, the Water Score of 40.8 indicates potential concerns regarding local water quality or infrastructure.

Best for Healthy Families

Antrim County is a great match for families prioritizing health and physical safety. While the cost of living is higher than average, the median household income of $71,421 helps offset the expense.

Score breakdown

Tax44.3Cost37Safety61.7Health86.1Schools41Income69.9Risk74.3Water40.8Weather52.8
🏛44.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠37
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼69.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤86.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧40.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Grand Traverse County
Michigan
50.7
Kalkaska County
Michigan
46.2
Leelanau County
Michigan
60.9
Charlevoix County
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Otsego County
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Crawford County
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Emmet County
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Wexford County
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Deep Dives

Antrim County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Antrim County

via CrimeByCounty

Antrim County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

With a total crime rate of 883.2 per 100K, Antrim County is nearly three times safer than the national average. This performance results in an excellent safety score of 98.6. It remains a premier choice for those prioritizing a secure living environment.

Surpassing State Safety Benchmarks

Antrim County's safety score of 98.6 is higher than Michigan’s state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 883.2 is also significantly lower than the state-wide average of 1,371.8. It consistently ranks as one of the safer jurisdictions in Michigan.

Competitive Safety in Northwest Michigan

Antrim County’s crime rate of 883.2 is better than Alpena’s 1,151.8 and similar to Alger’s 891.0. This makes it a regional leader in public safety for the northwestern Lower Peninsula. Local law enforcement maintains a high level of security across the county.

A Closer Look at Antrim's Crime Mix

The county reports 232.4 violent crimes and 650.8 property crimes per 100K residents. Both figures are well below the national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7 respectively. Crime in this area is rare and typically involves minor property issues.

Protect Your Home and Community

Maintaining home security through smart locks and cameras is a great way to deter property theft. While crime rates are low, these precautions help keep the community safe and discourage opportunistic behavior. Security awareness is the key to preserving Antrim's peaceful atmosphere.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Antrim County

via SchoolsByCounty

Quality Education Across 13 Public Schools

Antrim County provides a diverse educational landscape for 2,840 students across 13 schools and seven districts. The system includes a high ratio of secondary options, with four high schools and two middle schools.

Academic Excellence Near Traverse Bay

Antrim County’s 88.2% graduation rate surpasses both the Michigan and national averages of 82.5% and 87%, respectively. This performance is achieved with per-pupil spending of $7,119, which is just below the state average.

Elk Rapids and Local School Choice

Elk Rapids Schools is the largest district, serving 1,222 students across five separate campuses. For families seeking alternatives, the Bay City Academy operates as the county's charter school, serving over 500 students.

Exclusively Rural Learning Environments

All 13 schools in Antrim County are classified as rural, offering a consistent small-town educational experience. Enrollment ranges from 380 students at Elk Rapids High School down to smaller, more specialized programs.

Coastal Living with Top-Tier Schools

Families moving to Antrim County enjoy some of the highest graduation rates in the region. Explore real estate in Elk Rapids or Mancelona to secure a spot in these high-performing rural school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Antrim County

via SoilByCounty

Extremely Acidic Northern Landscapes

Antrim County has a notably low average pH of 3.83, making it one of the most acidic counties in the state. This is significantly lower than the Michigan average of 5.30 and the national median of 6.5. Such intense acidity requires significant lime treatment for traditional vegetable gardens.

Sand-Driven with Minimal Clay

The soil is comprised of 49.1% sand and only 5.8% clay, creating a very light and porous texture. Silt makes up 11.7%, though a large portion of the profile remains unidentified in standard texture tests. This composition suggests a soil that is very easy to dig but poor at retaining minerals.

High Organic Matter Buffers the Sand

Antrim County boasts a high organic matter content of 31.74%, well above the state average. This organic richness helps achieve an available water capacity of 0.187 in/in, which is close to the state benchmark. This organic 'sponge' is critical for keeping plants hydrated in such a sandy environment.

Fast Drainage for Acid-Loving Species

The high sand content and low clay imply rapid drainage, even though formal drainage classes are not provided. Water likely moves through the soil quickly, preventing saturation but potentially leaching nutrients away. Managing water flow will be a key task for local land managers.

A Haven for Blueberries in 5b

Hardiness Zone 5b offers a moderate growing window for Antrim County residents. The naturally low pH is ideal for acid-loving crops like blueberries and rhododendrons without needing much amendment. Start with these native-aligned species to see immediate success in your Antrim garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Antrim County

via LawnByCounty

Antrim leads the state in lawn ease

Antrim County boasts a 62.3 lawn difficulty score, making it one of the easier places in Michigan to maintain a healthy lawn. The Hardiness Zone 5b designation suggests a slightly milder winter than many of its northern neighbors.

Gentle climate supports consistent growth

Lawns benefit from 32.2 inches of annual precipitation and only 7 days of extreme heat. These moderate conditions prevent the common summer dormant brown-out often seen in hotter, drier regions of the country.

Extreme acidity is a major hurdle

Antrim's soil pH of 3.83 is exceptionally low, posing a significant challenge for nutrient uptake in traditional grasses. While the 49.1% sand content provides decent structure, heavy liming is mandatory to move toward a healthy 6.0 pH.

Zero drought weeks in Antrim

The county enjoyed a year with zero weeks in drought, and currently, 0% of the area is abnormally dry. This natural moisture reliability makes it an ideal location for maintaining green space with minimal supplemental watering.

Choose acid-tolerant grass varieties

Because of the unique soil chemistry, selecting acid-tolerant Fine Fescues is a smart move for Zone 5b. While specific local frost data is limited, mid-May is generally the safest time to start new growth in this region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Antrim County's county score?
Antrim County, Michigan has a composite county score of 54.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Antrim County rank among counties in Michigan?
Antrim County ranks #17 among all counties in Michigan on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Antrim County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Antrim County is $2,033, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Antrim County a tax score of 44.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Antrim County?
The median household income in Antrim County, Michigan is $71,421 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Antrim County earns an income score of 69.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Antrim County, Michigan a good place to live?
Antrim County scores 54.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Antrim County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Antrim County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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