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.

2040608010019.382.367.361.74625.389.412.949.8Tax19.3Cost82.3Safety67.3Health61.7Schools46Income25.3Risk89.4Water12.9Weather49.855.7/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Baraga County DNA

Foverall

How Baraga County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Baraga County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (89.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (12.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.3-32.7
Cost
82.3+34.3
Safety
67.3+12.299999999999997
Health
61.7+11.700000000000003
Schools
46-8
Income
25.3-25.7
Risk
89.4+42.400000000000006
Water
12.9-45.1
Weather
49.8
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Many homeowners in Baraga County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$124,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$557/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$124,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$22,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,117/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

48.5

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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54.6
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Ontonagon County
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Deep Dives

Baraga County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

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

Water Quality in Baraga County

via WaterByCounty

Critical Compliance Issues in Baraga

Baraga County receives a Grade F due to 11 health violations in the past five years. Its violation rate of 236.6 per 100,000 residents is more than six times higher than the state average. This signal indicates severe and recurring issues within the county's public water infrastructure.

Local Watersheds Await Federal Review

Arenac's water bodies have not yet been assessed under the federal §303(d) Clean Water Act standards. The ATTAINS database currently shows no impairment or attainment data for this county. Until assessments are completed, the share of impaired local waters remains officially unknown.

Extensive Site Network Across Baraga

Baraga County features a large network of 92 monitoring sites that have recorded 8,949 measurements recently. Researchers focus on metals, inorganics, and microbiological data in these Upper Peninsula waters. This high density of sites is critical for tracking potential environmental contaminants in a sensitive region.

Sturgeon River Slightly Above Average

The Sturgeon River near Alston is flowing at 474 cubic feet per second, representing 115% of its long-term mean. This stable, slightly elevated flow suggests a healthy water volume for the 346-square-mile drainage area. Current river conditions are within a normal seasonal range.

Immediate Attention to Tap Safety

The extremely high violation rate in Baraga County makes water safety a top priority for all residents. Given the focus on metals and microbiological monitoring, using a certified high-quality water filter is a recommended precaution. Stay informed by checking the specific violation types issued by your local water provider.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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

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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.