CountyScore

Arenac County

Michigan · MI

#28 in Michigan
70.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Arenac County, Michigan

Arenac Beats National Average Clearly

Arenac County's composite score of 69.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 40%, placing it in the 63rd percentile nationally. The county ranks solidly in the top 40% of U.S. counties on overall livability metrics.

Holds Even with Michigan Average

At 69.4, Arenac's score edges above Michigan's state average of 68.7, keeping it in the middle-upper range of the state's counties. The county's slight state advantage masks regional economic challenges.

Housing Affordability Stands Out

Arenac's cost score of 84.4 reflects exceptional housing values, with median home prices of just $129,000 and rents at $741/month. This affordability positions Arenac as one of Michigan's most accessible counties for budget-conscious homebuyers.

Higher Taxes and Lower Incomes

Arenac's effective tax rate of 1.299% is the highest in this group, while its income score of 20.6 and median household income of $56,989 reflect limited earning potential. Without data on schools, health, and safety, the county's competitive position remains incomplete.

Best for Cost-Focused Buyers Accepting Tradeoffs

Arenac appeals to buyers and retirees willing to trade higher taxes for exceptional housing affordability and a rural lifestyle. First-time homebuyers with modest incomes will find genuine opportunity to build equity in this county.

Score breakdown

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

Tax65.7Cost84.4SafetyComing SoonHealth70.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.6Risk79.7WaterComing Soon
🏛65.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡79.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Arenac County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fremont County
Colorado
70.6
Median income: $61,027
Chattahoochee County
Georgia
70.6
Median income: $59,221
Jones County
Georgia
70.6
Median income: $68,259
Jerome County
Idaho
70.6
Median income: $69,338
Jefferson County
Indiana
70.6
Median income: $59,987

Deep Dives

Arenac County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Arenac County

via TaxByCounty

Arenac taxes exceed national average

At 1.299%, Arenac's effective tax rate sits roughly 18% above the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the 65th percentile. Despite lower home values, the county's tax burden reflects higher millage rates than most U.S. communities.

Among Michigan's highest-tax counties

Arenac's 1.299% rate exceeds Michigan's 1.166% average by 0.13 percentage points, ranking the county in the upper third statewide. The median tax of $1,676 sits below the state average only because homes are smaller.

Highest rates in the northeast region

Arenac's 1.299% dwarfs Alcona (0.839%), Antrim (0.914%), and Alpena (1.129%), making it the highest-tax county among its northern Michigan peers. Only Baraga County (1.339%) runs higher in the broader area.

What your $129,000 home costs

An Arenac County homeowner with a $129,000 property pays approximately $1,676 annually in taxes. Over 30 years, that's about $50,280—higher per dollar of home value than neighboring counties.

High rates make appeals especially worthwhile

In high-tax counties like Arenac, even a small reduction in assessed value yields meaningful annual savings. Review your assessment today against recent comparable sales; many homeowners find their valuations don't match current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Arenac County

via CostByCounty

Arenac offers steady housing value proposition

Arenac County renters spend 15.6% of income on rent, slightly above Michigan's 16.3% average but well within the 30% affordability zone. With a median household income of $56,989 against a median rent of $741, Arenac delivers modest but sustainable housing costs in Michigan's lower peninsula.

Middle-ground affordability in Michigan context

Arenac's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Michigan's 16.3% state average, placing it slightly ahead of the typical county experience. Median rents of $741 remain below the state median of $873, balanced against incomes that also run below state averages.

Consistent with mid-Michigan rental patterns

Arenac's $741 rent and $56,989 income align closely with Alcona ($790 rent, $53,568 income) and Alpena ($660 rent, $51,909 income), representing steady stability among central Michigan counties. The county avoids the extremes, offering reliable middle-ground housing costs.

Balanced renting and owning costs

Renters pay $741 monthly while homeowners spend $709 on mortgages and insurance—notably, owner costs dip below rents—with a median home value of $129,000. Combined housing claims roughly 16% of the $56,989 median income, a sustainable though somewhat tight proportion.

Solid value in Michigan's heartland

Arenac County offers straightforward housing value: rents and homes both remain affordable, and unusually, owner costs run slightly below rental rates. Those prioritizing stability over scenic appeal will find dependable, no-frills housing costs here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Arenac County

via IncomeByCounty

Arenac income trails national average

Arenac County's median household income of $56,989 falls $17,766 below the U.S. median of $74,755—a 24% shortfall. The county's lower income reflects its reliance on legacy manufacturing and limited economic diversification.

Below Michigan's county median

At $56,989, Arenac ranks below Michigan's county average of $64,304, placing it among the state's lower-income counties. Its per capita income of $31,061 also trails the state average of $35,451, indicating income distribution challenges.

Mid-range among northeast counties

Arenac's $56,989 median income sits between Alpena ($51,909) and Alcona ($53,568), reflecting similar economic conditions across Michigan's northeast. All three counties grapple with aging populations and industrial transition.

Low housing costs provide relief

Arenac's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% keeps housing affordable, and its median home value of $129,000 ranks among Michigan's lowest. This affordability provides essential buffer room for households with modest incomes.

Small steps lead to lasting security

While wages are modest, Arenac's low housing costs free up dollars for savings and investment. Automate small monthly contributions to a Roth IRA, take advantage of any employer match, and build a diversified long-term portfolio piece by piece.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Arenac County

via HealthByCounty

Significant life expectancy gap

Arenac residents live to only 73.9 years—6.2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 80.1 years. With 18.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces one of Michigan's most challenging health profiles.

Lowest life expectancy in state

At 73.9 years, Arenac's life expectancy trails Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 2.4 years, placing it among the state's lowest. The county ranks in the bottom tier of Michigan's 83 counties for longevity.

Significantly behind peer counties

Arenac's 73.9-year life expectancy lags all nearby counties, including Alcona (75.1 years), Baraga (74.9 years), and Alpena (77.0 years). The county faces cumulative health disparities requiring targeted intervention.

Limited primary care and coverage

Arenac has only 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below the national standard of 75 per 100,000. With 6.5% uninsured and 192 mental health providers per 100,000, the county struggles with primary care access despite mental health capacity.

Healthcare access is critical now

With Arenac facing the state's lowest life expectancy, ensuring coverage is urgent; uninsured residents delay preventive care that could save lives. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE today to explore affordable plans and subsidies.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Arenac County

via RiskByCounty

Arenac well below national disaster risk

Arenac County scores 20.32 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating below the national average. The county faces minimal exposure across most major natural disaster hazards.

Significantly safer than Michigan average

Arenac's composite risk score of 20.32 sits well below Michigan's state average of 49.56, ranking it among the state's lower-risk counties. The Very Low rating reflects solid disaster resilience.

Comparable risk to nearby Alpena

Arenac scores 20.32, slightly higher than Alcona at 17.75 but substantially lower than Alpena at 28.34. The county maintains a low-risk standing relative to its regional neighbors.

Tornado and flood pose modest concerns

Arenac's primary hazards are tornado risk at 31.87 and flood risk at 39.20, both below state averages. Wildfire risk follows at 35.11, while earthquake exposure remains minimal at 17.84.

Homeowners coverage provides main protection

A standard homeowners policy adequately covers Arenac residents against tornado and wind damage. Flood insurance is optional given the county's moderate flood risk profile, though properties in flood-prone zones should consider separate coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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