countyscore
52.8
County Score
Health 78Lawn Care 78Disaster Risk 77.3

County Report Card

About Benzie County, Michigan

Outperforming the national median

Benzie County secures a composite score of 52.8, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This ranking positions the county in the top half of the country for overall quality of life.

A top-tier Michigan performer

Benzie's score of 52.8 significantly exceeds the Michigan state average of 47.1. It stands out as a high-performing region, particularly in categories related to income and personal safety.

Elite health and income profile

The county excels in health with a score of 78.0 and environmental safety with a risk score of 77.3. Residents also enjoy strong economic stability, evidenced by an income score of 72.9 and a median household income of $72,603.

Water and cost concerns persist

The water score of 14.7 is the county's primary weakness, pointing toward significant infrastructure or quality issues. Affordability is also a challenge, as the cost score of 29.8 reflects a higher median home value of $254,400.

Ideal for high-earning nature lovers

Benzie County is perfect for professionals seeking a safe, healthy environment with lower tax burdens at 0.833%. Potential residents should budget for higher entry-level housing costs and investigate local water quality.

2040608010050.229.864.77838.772.977.314.757.5Tax50.2Cost29.8Safety64.7Health78Schools38.7Income72.9Risk77.3Water14.7Weather57.552.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Benzie County DNA

Foverall

How Benzie County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Benzie County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (77.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (14.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
50.2
Cost
29.8-18.2
Safety
64.7+9.700000000000003
Health
78+28
Schools
38.7-15.299999999999997
Income
72.9+21.900000000000006
Risk
77.3+30.299999999999997
Water
14.7-43.3
Weather
57.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$254,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$974/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$254,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,603/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.0

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 Benzie County with Lincoln County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Manistee County
Michigan
41.9
Leelanau County
Michigan
60.9
Grand Traverse County
Michigan
50.7
Wexford County
Michigan
36.8
Lake County
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55.2
Kalkaska County
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46.2
Antrim County
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54.7
Mason County
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52

Deep Dives

Benzie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Benzie County

via TaxByCounty

Benzie County taxes well below national median

At 0.833%, Benzie County's effective tax rate is among the lowest in the nation, roughly 25% below the national median of 1.09%. The median annual tax of $2,119 falls below the national median of $2,690, making this a relatively affordable county for property owners despite above-average home values.

Second-lowest tax rate in Michigan

Benzie County ranks near the bottom of Michigan's property tax scale with an effective rate of 0.833%, well below the state average of 1.166%. This positions homeowners here among Michigan's most tax-advantaged, paying a median of $2,119 versus the state median of $2,102.

Among region's most tax-friendly

Benzie County's 0.833% rate competes with Charlevoix (0.992%) and Cheboygan (0.927%) as the most affordable in Northwest Michigan. The county significantly undercuts Bay (1.632%) and Calhoun (1.498%), offering meaningful savings for residents in this popular resort and retirement region.

What your home tax bill looks like

On Benzie County's median home value of $254,400, the 0.833% rate yields approximately $2,119 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,025, while those without mortgages pay $2,278.

Consider appealing your assessment

Even in low-tax counties like Benzie, many homeowners remain overassessed relative to recent comparable sales. A property tax appeal filed during Michigan's March-June window could still reduce your bill at no upfront cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Benzie County

via CostByCounty

Benzie Rents Rise Above National Norms

Renters in Benzie County spend 16.1% of income on housing—nearly matching Michigan's 16.3% state average and well below the national burden. However, at $974 monthly rent on a $72,603 median income, Benzie's absolute costs run higher than the nation's norm, reflecting its more affluent demographic.

Upper-Income County, Upper-Range Rents

Benzie County ranks among Michigan's more affordable counties by rent-to-income ratio at 16.1%, but its $974 median rent exceeds the state average of $873 by $101. This premium reflects Benzie's higher household income ($72,603) and its attractive position along Michigan's northwest coast.

Premium Pricing in Resort Country

Benzie's $974 rent sits second-highest among northern peers—only Berrien County ($923) comes close, while Bay and Cheboygan hover around $810. Benzie's median home value of $254,400 is the region's priciest, making it a destination market for affluent buyers and remote workers seeking lakefront access.

Higher Income Supports Higher Housing

Benzie renters pay $974 monthly while homeowners commit $1,035, both costs supported by the county's $72,603 median household income. At 16.1% of income, rent remains affordable by state measure; ownership climbs to 17.1%, still within reasonable bounds for a prosperous coastal community.

Benzie Rewards Higher Earners

If your income exceeds $70,000 and you value quality-of-life amenities, Benzie's coastal location and relatively low housing burden (16.1%) justify the premium rent. Compare Benzie's $974 rent against Bay's $809 to decide if access to recreation and natural beauty warrants the $165 monthly premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Benzie County

via IncomeByCounty

Benzie County slightly below national median

Benzie County's median household income of $72,603 falls just $2,152 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This near-parity places Benzie in the upper-middle range nationally.

Above Michigan's county average

At $72,603, Benzie County exceeds Michigan's county median of $64,304 by over $8,000, or 13%. This positions Benzie among Michigan's stronger-earning counties.

Benzie leads its northern peers

Benzie County's $72,603 outpaces Cheboygan County ($61,619) by $10,984 and ranks second only to Charlevoix County ($76,495) in the northern region. This leadership in household income reflects Benzie's relative economic strength.

Rents are reasonable despite high home values

Although Benzie's median home value of $254,400 is notably high, the rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% remains healthy and sustainable. Households have room to cover mortgages, utilities, and other living costs comfortably.

Your income supports long-term investing

Benzie County's above-average income of $72,603 positions households well for retirement contributions and investment diversification. Capturing home appreciation while maintaining financial flexibility builds meaningful household wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Benzie County

via CrimeByCounty

One of the Nation’s Safest Counties

Benzie County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.7, far exceeding national norms. Its total crime rate of 825.1 per 100,000 is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outpacing the Michigan Safety Average

The county is significantly safer than the average Michigan community, which typically sees 1,371.8 crimes per 100,000 residents. Its safety score of 98.7 easily beats the state average of 97.8.

Benzie Matches Region’s Lowest Crime Profiles

Benzie County mirrors the low-crime environment of Charlevoix County, both hovering around 800 incidents per 100,000 people. It remains much more peaceful than nearby Bay County to the east.

Violent Crime is Rarely Reported

With only 132.9 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, the risk of physical harm is extremely low. Property crimes stand at 692.2, which is still well below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Maintain Peace with Basic Vigilance

While risks are low, installing a video doorbell can help preserve this county's high safety standing. Small investments in security keep Benzie among the safest places to live in Michigan.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Benzie County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Benzie County

Benzie County maintains a focused education system with just seven public schools serving a total of 1,571 students. These facilities are divided between two districts, consisting of three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

Strong Graduation Rates and Local Investment

Benzie County outperforms the state average with an 85.4% graduation rate, nearing the national target of 87.0%. Educational investment is healthy for the region, with per-pupil spending at $7,495, slightly exceeding Michigan’s state average of $7,394.

Focusing on Local District Strengths

Benzie County Central Schools is the primary district, managing six schools and 1,230 students. Unlike many neighboring areas, Benzie County operates no charter schools, keeping its entire student population within traditional public district boundaries.

A Purely Rural Educational Environment

All seven schools in the county are classified as rural, reflecting the area's natural landscape and tight-knit community feel. Learning environments are intimate, with an average school size of only 224 students, ranging from Lake Ann Elementary to the 348-student Benzie Central Senior High.

Discovering Rural Quality in Benzie

Benzie County is an ideal choice for buyers seeking high-performing rural schools and a small-town atmosphere. Explore homes in Frankfort or Lake Ann to enjoy a community where the schools serve as central social and academic hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Benzie County

via RiskByCounty

Benzie County: Very Low Risk

Benzie County's composite risk score of 22.71 places it among the safest counties in the nation, well below the national average. The Very Low risk rating reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards, particularly earthquakes (5.31) and hurricanes (8.68). This favorable positioning makes Benzie one of Michigan's most disaster-resistant communities.

Michigan's Safest Counties

At 22.71, Benzie County's risk score is less than half of Michigan's state average of 49.56, ranking among the lowest-risk counties statewide. Few Michigan communities enjoy this level of natural disaster protection. Residents benefit from geographic and climatic conditions that minimize exposure to severe weather and seismic activity.

Safest in the Region

Benzie County (22.71) ranks significantly safer than neighboring Manistee County and most other Michigan counties in its region. Only Charlevoix County (22.33) rivals Benzie's low-risk status among nearby communities. This shared geographic advantage reflects the northwestern Michigan location and favorable natural hazard patterns.

Minimal but Real Hazards

Flood risk is Benzie's highest concern at 37.18, though still well below state averages, reflecting some vulnerability to heavy rainfall events near water bodies. Tornado risk (17.30) remains low but not zero—severe weather can strike anywhere. These modest risks require basic awareness but not extensive preparation compared to other Michigan counties.

Maintain Basic Preparedness

While Benzie County faces low natural disaster risk, homeowners should still maintain standard homeowners insurance and review coverage annually. Keep a family emergency kit and weather radio on hand for the occasional severe storm season. Your low-risk status should not breed complacency—preparedness is always prudent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Benzie County

via WaterByCounty

Benzie County Faces High Drinking Water Violations

The county receives an F grade due to 8 health violations over a five-year period. Its violation rate of 203.3 per 100,000 people is more than five times higher than the Michigan state average.

Benzie Watersheds Await Federal Assessment

Local water bodies are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment cycle. Because these streams and lakes remain unassessed, no specific impairment causes are currently listed in federal records.

Intensive Monitoring Tracks Local PCBs

Researchers maintain 40 monitoring sites that have generated 19,099 results over the last five years. Key focus areas for these measurements include physical characteristics, organics, and PCBs.

Platte River Flows Above Long-Term Mean

The Platte River at Honor currently discharges 168 cfs, which represents 132% of its typical seasonal flow. This robust streamflow indicates healthy water volume moving through the drainage area.

Action Needed for High Violation Rate

Given the Grade F compliance status and high violation rate, residents should consider professional water testing and certified filtration. Monitoring for PCBs in the area remains a high priority for local health officials.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Benzie County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Shoreline Living on Lake Michigan

Benzie County maintains an average annual temperature of 46.5°F, which sits nearly 8 degrees below the national median. This northern climate reflects its position along the Great Lakes, where water influences local weather patterns year-round.

Just Above the Michigan Temperature Average

While northern in latitude, the county stays slightly warmer than the statewide average of 45.7°F. This lake-moderated climate prevents the more extreme cold dips found in inland Michigan counties.

A Snowy Leader in the Northwest Region

Benzie receives 35.3 inches of annual precipitation, slightly outpacing the state average of 34.5 inches. Its massive 92.7-inch annual snowfall makes it significantly more winter-heavy than central Michigan neighbors.

Short Summers and Deep Snowfall

July brings a mild 69.1°F average, and the county sees only 2 extreme heat days over 90°F annually. In contrast, winter averages hover around 25.5°F with nearly 8 feet of total seasonal snow.

Winter Preparedness is Part of Life

Residents prioritize heavy-duty snow removal equipment and high-performance insulation to handle the 92.7 inches of snow. While summer cooling needs remain low, winter heating systems must reliably maintain a 40-degree delta from outdoor temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Benzie County

via SoilByCounty

A Coastal Landscape with Unique Characteristics

Benzie County features a varied landscape where specific taxonomic data and pH levels are currently unrecorded. While the soil score and regional averages are unavailable, its location suggests a composition influenced by Lake Michigan. Local growers typically work with the lighter, sandier soils common to the northwestern coast.

Awaiting Detailed Composition Data

Exact percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently documented for this specific county. However, neighboring coastal regions often feature high sand content that provides rapid drainage. Understanding your specific plot's texture remains the first step for local gardeners.

Organic Potential Near the Lake

While specific organic matter percentages are missing, the county's lush forests suggest significant natural fertility. Local gardeners often find success by supplementing soil to match the state's high organic matter average of 19.76%. Monitoring moisture is vital as available water capacity varies across this hilly terrain.

Natural Hydrology and Coastal Drainage

The county's drainage class is not officially classified in this dataset, but the sloping topography aids water movement. Effective drainage is a hallmark of the region, preventing standing water in the orchards that define the area. Building on higher ground remains a standard practice for residential projects.

Lakeside Growing in Hardiness Zone 6b

Benzie County sits in hardiness zone 6b, benefiting from the lake effect to grow sensitive crops like cherries and apples. This mild climate offers a longer growing season than many inland Michigan counties. Start your orchard or perennial garden to take advantage of this unique microclimate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Benzie County

via LawnByCounty

One of Michigan's Easiest Counties for Lawns

Benzie County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 78.0, far surpassing the state average of 60.1. Residing in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, homeowners here find lawn maintenance significantly simpler than the national median of 50.0. The mild climate provides an excellent foundation for lush, green turf.

Cool Summers and Ample Rainfall

With 35.3 inches of annual precipitation, Benzie County exceeds the state average for rainfall, keeping lawns naturally hydrated. The county records only 2 extreme heat days per year, protecting cool-season grasses from the summer stress common elsewhere. A total of 2,289 growing degree days ensures a healthy, manageable pace for your mowing schedule.

A Clean Slate for Soil Testing

Specific soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for Benzie County. Local gardeners should conduct a private soil test to determine if their lawn needs amendments like lime or sulfur. Knowing your soil's specific makeup is the first step toward optimizing nutrient uptake for your grass.

Exceptional Drought Resilience

Benzie County is currently 0% abnormally dry, showing much better resilience than the rest of the state. Over the past year, the area only spent 3 weeks in drought conditions, meaning natural rainfall does most of the work for you. You can maintain a healthy lawn with minimal supplemental watering compared to southern Michigan neighbors.

Leverage a Long Growing Season

The mild 6b hardiness zone is perfect for Fine Fescue or Perennial Ryegrass, which stay green longer into the fall. Your growing window opens after the May 7th frost and remains active until the first fall frost on October 26th. Take advantage of this long season to establish a deep, resilient root system.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benzie County's county score?
Benzie County, Michigan has a composite county score of 52.8 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 Benzie County rank among counties in Michigan?
Benzie County ranks #21 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 Benzie County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Benzie County is $2,119, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Benzie County a tax score of 50.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Benzie County?
The median household income in Benzie County, Michigan is $72,603 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Benzie County earns an income score of 72.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Benzie County, Michigan a good place to live?
Benzie County scores 52.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Benzie 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 Benzie 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.