countyscore
55.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 89.4Cost of Living 82.3Safety 67.3

County Report Card

About Baraga County, Michigan

Surpassing the National Median

Baraga County holds a composite score of 55.7, which is notably higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of high affordability and strong community safety.

Above the Michigan Curve

The county’s score of 55.7 easily clears the Michigan average of 47.1. It performs well within the state, particularly regarding the price of homeownership and general safety.

Superior Affordability and Safety

The county is highly affordable with a Cost Score of 82.3 and median gross rent at only $557. It also scores highly in Safety (67.3) and environmental Risk (89.4).

Significant Infrastructure Concerns

The Water Score is notably low at 12.9, suggesting critical issues with local water quality. Additionally, the Tax Score of 19.3 indicates one of the higher tax burdens in the region.

A Budget-Friendly Safety Haven

Baraga County is perfect for those seeking a safe, small-town atmosphere with a very low cost of entry. Prospective residents should investigate water quality, but the $124,400 median home value remains a major draw.

Score breakdown

Tax19.3Cost82.3Safety67.3Health61.7Schools46Income25.3Risk89.4Water12.9Weather49.8
🏛19.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡67.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧12.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.5
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Baraga County?

Many homeowners in Baraga County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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 Baraga County with Covington County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Covington County
Alabama
Median income: $50,886
55.7
Petersburg Borough
Alaska
Median income: $77,026
55.7
Clay County
Arkansas
Median income: $48,500
55.7
Morgan County
Georgia
Median income: $85,692
55.7
Twiggs County
Georgia
Median income: $55,439
55.7
Lawrence County
Illinois
Median income: $53,438
55.7
Nantucket County
Massachusetts
Median income: $119,750
55.7
Geauga County
Ohio
Median income: $100,783
55.7

Nearby counties

Houghton County
Michigan
54.6
Marquette County
Michigan
51
Ontonagon County
Michigan
63.5
Iron County
Michigan
60.4
Keweenaw County
Michigan
71.6
Florence County
Wisconsin
56.6
Dickinson County
Michigan
58.2
Vilas County
Wisconsin
65.2

Deep Dives

Baraga County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Baraga County

via TaxByCounty

Baraga has among nation's highest rates

At 1.339%, Baraga's effective tax rate ranks in the 75th percentile nationally, well above the 1.1% median. This places Baraga among the highest-tax counties in America, despite lower-than-average home values.

Michigan's highest-tax county

Baraga's 1.339% effective rate is the highest among Michigan's 83 counties, exceeding the state average of 1.166% by 0.17 percentage points. The median annual tax of $1,666 reflects the county's particularly high millage rates.

Significantly higher than regional peers

Baraga's 1.339% far exceeds all neighboring Michigan counties, including Arenac (1.299%), Alpena (1.129%), and Alcona (0.839%). The county stands apart as the upper peninsula's most tax-burdened community.

What your $124,400 home costs

A Baraga County homeowner with a $124,400 property pays roughly $1,666 annually in taxes—the highest per-capita burden in Michigan. Over 30 years, that totals approximately $49,980.

Assessment appeals critical in high-tax counties

High tax rates make Baraga homeowners especially vulnerable to overassessments; even small reductions yield substantial savings. Compare your assessed value to recent arm's-length sales immediately—a successful appeal could reduce your annual bill by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Baraga County

via CostByCounty

Baraga delivers exceptional rental affordability

Baraga County renters spend just 12.1% of income on housing—the lowest ratio in this entire eight-county sample and well below both the 30% affordability threshold and Michigan's 16.3% average. With median rent at $557 monthly on a median household income of $55,117, Baraga stands out as a genuine affordability outlier.

Michigan's bargain rental market leader

Baraga County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in Michigan's eight-county sample at 12.1%, powered by the state's lowest median rent of just $557. While incomes remain modest at $55,117, the exceptionally low rents create unmatched housing relief.

Rock-bottom rents define Upper Peninsula gem

Baraga's $557 monthly rent undercuts every other county in this sample—Alpena ($660), Alger ($712), and all others—making it the clear affordability champion of Michigan's far north. Despite incomes of $55,117, renters here claim the most housing relief on the peninsula.

Housing barely dents household budget

Renters pay just $557 monthly while homeowners spend $721 on mortgages and insurance, with homes valued at $124,400 and median income at $55,117. Rental housing consumes only 12% of income—extraordinary by modern standards—while ownership climbs to roughly 16%, still highly affordable.

Upper Peninsula's ultimate affordability destination

Baraga County is Michigan's affordability champion: the lowest rents in the state and homes under $125,000 leave renters and buyers with substantial monthly discretionary income. Remote workers and retirees seeking maximum housing relief should make Baraga a priority in their search.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Baraga County

via IncomeByCounty

Baraga income well below national benchmark

Baraga County's median household income of $55,117 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $19,638—a substantial 26% gap. The county's lower income reflects its isolated Upper Peninsula location and limited employment diversity.

Lower tier among Michigan counties

At $55,117, Baraga ranks notably below Michigan's county average of $64,304, placing it among the state's lower-income communities. Its per capita income of $28,904 is also below the state average of $35,451.

Comparable to other remote UP counties

Baraga's $55,117 median income mirrors Alger County ($59,406) and other isolated Upper Peninsula communities, reflecting shared employment and geographic challenges. Transportation costs and limited job options shape the regional income picture.

Exceptional housing affordability

Baraga's rent-to-income ratio of 12.1% is among Michigan's lowest, and its median home value of $124,400 is exceptionally affordable. This housing advantage provides crucial financial stability for lower-wage households.

Build wealth through disciplined saving

Baraga's remarkable housing affordability—the county's best advantage—creates opportunity to prioritize emergency savings and retirement accounts. Even modest monthly contributions to a 401(k) or IRA compound significantly over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Baraga County

via CrimeByCounty

Baraga County Ranks Highly in National Safety

Baraga County features a total crime rate of 764.1 per 100K, which is three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an exceptional safety score of 98.8. It is one of the most secure counties in the country.

Exceptional Safety Within Michigan

Baraga’s safety score of 98.8 is among the best in Michigan, far exceeding the state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 764.1 is roughly half the statewide average of 1,371.8. This county is a standout performer for public safety in the state.

Leading the Way in the Upper Peninsula

Baraga’s total crime rate of 764.1 is lower than Alger County’s 891.0 and Alcona’s 840.0. It is a regional leader in maintaining low crime levels for the Upper Peninsula. Residents benefit from some of the lowest crime statistics in the entire region.

Very Low Property Crime Rates

Property crime in Baraga is exceptionally low at 473.0 per 100K, compared to the national 2,015.7. The violent crime rate is 291.1, which is also below the national average of 369.8. Most of the county’s safety comes from its incredibly low theft and burglary rates.

Simple Habits for Continued Safety

Even in an exceptionally safe county like Baraga, locking doors and using outdoor lights is good practice. Property crime is low, but visible deterrents help ensure it stays that way. Your awareness contributes to the overall safety of the neighborhood.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Baraga County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy substantially below national

Baraga residents live to 74.9 years, more than 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 80.1 years. With 17.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county ranks among Michigan's most challenged on major health indicators.

Among state's lowest life expectancy

At 74.9 years, Baraga's life expectancy falls 1.4 years below Michigan's state average of 76.3 years. The county ranks in the lower tier of Michigan's health outcomes.

Trailing regional peer counties

Baraga's 74.9-year life expectancy lags Alger County (78.9 years), Antrim County (78.8 years), and Allegan County (77.5 years). Its 6.6% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average of 6.4%.

Mixed provider landscape

Baraga provides 73 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, approaching the national standard of 75 per 100,000. However, 6.6% uninsured and 169 mental health providers per 100,000 indicate room for improvement in coverage and behavioral health capacity.

Strengthen coverage and care

Baraga's health gaps underscore the importance of health insurance in accessing preventive care; uninsured residents face higher risk. Check healthcare.gov for affordable coverage options and discover programs designed for your circumstances.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Baraga County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Schools in the Upper Peninsula

Baraga County manages 840 students through four public schools and three school districts. The infrastructure is characterized by multi-grade schools that often serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade on one campus.

Leading the State in Educational Investment

Baraga County spends $8,092 per pupil, which is nearly $700 more than the Michigan state average. This investment supports an 85.8% graduation rate, well above the state's 82.5% benchmark.

L'Anse and Baraga Area Schools

L'Anse Area Schools is the largest provider with 513 students, followed by Baraga Area Schools with 317. The county focuses on traditional public education and does not host any charter schools.

An Intimate Rural Learning Atmosphere

All four county schools are in rural locales, creating a small-town atmosphere where every student is known by name. The enrollment varies dramatically, from 513 at L'Anse Area School to just 10 students at Arvon Township School.

Personalized Education in a Scenic Setting

For families who want their children to have a personalized education, Baraga County’s high per-pupil spending and tiny class sizes are unmatched. Explore homes in L'Anse or Baraga to join these dedicated school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Baraga County

via RiskByCounty

Baraga ranks among nation's safest

Baraga County scores just 10.66 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating well below the national average. The county experiences minimal exposure to most natural disaster hazards.

Michigan's second-lowest risk county

Baraga scores 10.66 against Michigan's state average of 49.56, making it one of the state's safest counties for natural disasters. Only Alger County rivals its low exposure profile.

Comparable safety to nearby Alger

Baraga scores 10.66, nearly identical to Alger County at 9.61 and far below Alpena at 28.34. The county's Upper Peninsula location provides exceptional natural disaster protection.

Flood risk stands modestly above others

Baraga's highest hazard is flood risk at 29.60, followed by wildfire at 15.14, both below state averages. Earthquake and hurricane risks are absent entirely, scoring 0.00 each.

Basic homeowners coverage is typically sufficient

Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for Baraga residents. Flood insurance is optional for most properties given the county's low flood risk, though those near water should assess their individual exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Baraga County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Coldest in the Lower 48

Baraga County is a true cold-weather outlier with an average annual temperature of only 40.2°F. This is more than 13 degrees colder than the national median, placing it among the most frigid populated areas in the country.

Michigan's Frigid Northern Edge

At 40.2°F, Baraga is significantly colder than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It experiences intense winters with an average January temperature of just 13.5°F, driven by arctic air masses and Lake Superior's influence.

Colder Than Neighboring Alger

Baraga is cooler than its neighbor Alger County (41.6°F) and experiences similar extreme snowfall. Both counties are defined by their isolation from the moderating effects found in the Lower Peninsula.

Winter Dominates the Calendar

The county is buried under 164.6 inches of snow annually, while extreme heat is almost non-existent with only 2 days reaching 90°F. Summer is fleeting, with a seasonal average of only 63.1°F.

Extreme Winter Readiness is Key

Winter survival requires specialized gear and vehicles equipped for 164 inches of snow. Heating systems are the primary household concern, as the average winter temperature drops to 16.2°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Baraga County

via SoilByCounty

Very Acidic Upper Peninsula Soil

Baraga County features an average pH of 4.26, significantly more acidic than both the state average and the national median of 6.5. This low pH is typical of northern forest soils and influences what can grow without intervention. Gardeners will likely need to apply lime to bring the pH up for most food crops.

Silt-Heavy Texture for Fine Pores

Unlike many sandy Michigan counties, Baraga is 70.9% silt, giving it a much finer, almost flour-like texture. This is balanced by 19.5% sand and a low 5.5% clay content. This silty composition can feel smooth to the touch and offers unique water-retention properties.

Extreme Organic Matter and Water Storage

The organic matter in Baraga is an impressive 55.10%, more than double the state average of 19.76%. This translates to a very high available water capacity of 0.393 in/in, nearly double the state benchmark. This soil is naturally structured to hold vast amounts of moisture for plant use.

Excessive Drainage Despite Silt

The soil is classified as 'Excessively drained' and falls into Hydrologic Group A. Even with the high silt and organic matter, water moves through this profile very quickly. This combination is rare and provides a unique environment that stays moist but never waterlogged.

Zone 5a Gardening with Native Power

Baraga's Zone 5a climate and silty, organic soil are ideal for cool-season greens and berries. The high water capacity means you can skip the hose more often during the short, bright summer. Start a garden and watch how the rich organic profile supports a lush landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Baraga County

via LawnByCounty

Cooler Baraga makes for easier maintenance

Baraga County scores a 57.5 on the lawn difficulty scale, beating the national average despite the challenges of Hardiness Zone 5a. The cooler climate reduces many common pests and heat-related stresses found elsewhere.

Very few heat days protect turf

The county sees only 2 extreme heat days per year, the lowest in this group, which keeps cool-season grass lush. Precipitation is healthy at 33.1 inches, perfectly supporting the 1,663 growing degree days.

Excessive drainage requires careful watering

The soil is classified as excessively drained, meaning it loses moisture rapidly despite the low 19.5% sand content. With a very acidic pH of 4.26, homeowners should apply lime to prevent moss from outcompeting the grass.

Moisture is plentiful in Baraga

Baraga recorded zero weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, the entire county is drought-free. This abundance of natural moisture is a massive advantage for maintaining a green lawn without high utility bills.

Plant during the brief summer

The growing season is short, starting after the May 25th frost and ending by September 25th. Stick with cold-tolerant species like Fine Fescue that can handle the long, cold winters of the Upper Peninsula.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baraga County's county score?
Baraga County, Michigan has a composite county score of 55.7 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 Baraga County rank among counties in Michigan?
Baraga County ranks #10 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 Baraga County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Baraga County is $1,666, with an effective tax rate of 1.34%. This earns Baraga County a tax score of 19.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Baraga County?
The median household income in Baraga County, Michigan is $55,117 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Baraga County earns an income score of 25.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Baraga County, Michigan a good place to live?
Baraga County scores 55.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Baraga 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 Baraga 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.