CountyScore

Benzie County

Michigan · MI

#10 in Michigan
72.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Benzie County, Michigan

Benzie Leads Michigan's Livability Pack

Benzie County's composite score of 70.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 42%, placing it firmly in the nation's top-performing counties. This strong showing reflects balanced strengths across tax burden, housing costs, and household income. Benzie ranks among Michigan's elite livability destinations by national standards.

Above Average Across Michigan

Benzie County scores 70.9 versus Michigan's 68.7 state average, ranking it in the upper tier of the state's 83 counties. The county's above-state-average performance places it among Michigan's most livable communities. Residents enjoy livability benchmarks that exceed most of their neighbors statewide.

Tax Efficiency and Strong Incomes

Benzie County shines with a Tax Score of 78.8—the lowest effective tax rate at 0.833%—and median household income of $72,603, reflecting a skilled workforce. Housing costs remain reasonable with median rents of $974/month and home values of $254,400. This combination of tax efficiency, solid incomes, and balanced costs creates an attractive lifestyle for professionals and established families.

Gaps in Health and Safety Data

While Benzie excels in economic metrics, complete livability assessment is limited by missing data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions. Prospective residents should independently verify these important quality-of-life factors. The incomplete picture shouldn't diminish confidence in Benzie's documented strengths.

Perfect for Affluent, Tax-Conscious Residents

Benzie County appeals to professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees seeking low taxes, reasonable housing, and above-average incomes without high cost-of-living. The county's balanced livability profile suits those who value economic efficiency and community stability. It's Michigan's answer for those wanting strong livability without urban complexity.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.8Cost75SafetyComing SoonHealth76.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.8Risk77.3WaterComing Soon
🏛78.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡77.3
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 Benzie County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Alpine County
California
72.8
Median income: $110,781
Modoc County
California
72.8
Median income: $56,648
Chickasaw County
Iowa
72.8
Median income: $73,421
Leslie County
Kentucky
72.8
Median income: $40,176
Cherry County
Nebraska
72.8
Median income: $63,750

Deep Dives

Benzie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Benzie County

via HealthByCounty

Benzie outpaces national health trends

Benzie County residents live to 77.1 years on average, nearly matching the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years and exceeding Michigan's state average of 76.3 years. With 14.6% reporting poor or fair health—just below the national average of 15%—the county demonstrates relatively strong health outcomes.

Benzie ranks among Michigan's healthier counties

At 77.1 years, Benzie County's life expectancy places it above the Michigan average of 76.3 years, reflecting consistent health management across the community. The county's 6.8% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 6.4%, indicating a small segment still without stable coverage.

Benzie leads regional health standings

Benzie's 77.1-year life expectancy edges ahead of Branch (76.1 years) and Cass (76.1 years), though trails nearby Charlevoix (78.0 years). The county's 60 primary care providers per 100K surpasses Cass (21 per 100K) and Branch (36 per 100K), providing better preventive care infrastructure.

Strong primary care, mental health gaps

Benzie offers 60 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, supporting routine check-ups and disease prevention across the county. Mental health capacity at 179 per 100K trails the strongest counties, potentially limiting specialized behavioral health services in rural areas.

Ensure continuous health protection

Benzie's 6.8% uninsured rate means roughly 1,400 residents lack regular health coverage. Explore affordable options at healthcare.gov or contact Benzie County Community Health Center to secure coverage that keeps your family protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.