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.

2040608010044.33761.786.14169.974.340.852.8Tax44.3Cost37Safety61.7Health86.1Schools41Income69.9Risk74.3Water40.8Weather52.854.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Antrim County DNA

Foverall

How Antrim County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Antrim County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (86.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (40.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.3
Cost
37-11
Safety
61.7
Health
86.1+36.099999999999994
Schools
41-13
Income
69.9+18.900000000000006
Risk
74.3+27.299999999999997
Water
40.8-17.200000000000003
Weather
52.8
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Antrim County

Whether buying or refinancing in Antrim County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$222,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$920/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$222,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,421/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

37.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Antrim County with Choctaw County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Choctaw County
Alabama
Median income: $44,483
54.7
Gulf County
Florida
Median income: $67,361
54.7
Oconee County
Georgia
Median income: $115,925
54.7
Turner County
Georgia
Median income: $39,565
54.7
Adams County
Illinois
Median income: $64,962
54.7
Rice County
Kansas
Median income: $63,947
54.7
Sagadahoc County
Maine
Median income: $82,080
54.7
Forest County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $50,061
54.7

Nearby counties

Grand Traverse County
Michigan
50.7
Kalkaska County
Michigan
46.2
Leelanau County
Michigan
60.9
Charlevoix County
Michigan
55.2
Otsego County
Michigan
50.8
Crawford County
Michigan
49.5
Emmet County
Michigan
55.3
Wexford County
Michigan
36.8

Deep Dives

Antrim County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

Water Quality in Antrim County

via WaterByCounty

Antrim County Receives Grade F

Antrim County struggles with drinking water compliance, earning a Grade F with three health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 31.1 per 100,000 residents is nearly equal to the Michigan average. These violations highlight significant risks in the local public water infrastructure.

Watershed Assessments Currently Missing

Local streams and lakes in Antrim County have not yet been assessed in the federal ATTAINS reporting cycle. There is currently no data on the percentage of water bodies that are impaired or meet Clean Water Act standards. The county lacks a formal §303(d) assessment for its unique inland water systems.

Limited Monitoring Data for Antrim

Only 16 monitoring sites are active in Antrim County, with just 763 measurements recorded over the last five years. Data collection focuses on microbiological and nutrient groups, but the overall volume of data is low compared to neighbors. This sparse record makes it difficult to detect subtle changes in water quality.

No Live Streamflow Data Available

The USGS gauge at the Clam Lake outlet to Torch Lake does not currently provide live flow or discharge data. Without active NWIS records, it is impossible to compare current streamflow against historical averages. This absence of data limits real-time monitoring of local water volume and runoff.

Heightened Caution for Tap Water

The Grade F compliance score is a strong signal for residents to use caution and request recent testing results from their utilities. Because both monitoring and streamflow data are limited, household-level filtration is a practical safeguard. Focus on systems that address microbiological contaminants, which are a primary monitoring concern locally.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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