CountyScore

Charlevoix County

Michigan · MI

#21 in Michigan
72
County Score

County Report Card

About Charlevoix County, Michigan

Charlevoix Ranks Among Nation's Best

Charlevoix County's composite score of 69.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 39%, placing it in the upper echelon of U.S. counties for livability. This exceptional standing reflects particularly strong performance in household income and tax efficiency. Charlevoix ranks among America's most attractive communities by composite livability metrics.

Above Average Across Michigan

Charlevoix County scores 69.7 against Michigan's 68.7 state average, placing it in the upper portion of Michigan's livable counties. The county's above-average standing positions it among Michigan's most desirable communities. Residents experience livability that exceeds the state baseline.

Strongest Income Profile in Group

Charlevoix County boasts the highest Income Score of 33.3 among these eight counties, with a median household income of $76,495 reflecting a well-educated, prosperous workforce. The Tax Score of 74.4 (effective rate 0.992%) and Cost Score of 75.2 confirm balanced efficiency across economic dimensions. This robust income profile, combined with reasonable taxes and costs, appeals to professionals and established families.

Limited Data on Community Dimensions

While Charlevoix excels on economic metrics, missing data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions prevent complete livability assessment. Housing costs, while reasonable by national standards, reflect higher home values ($242,800) and rents ($929/month) relative to some peer counties. Prospective residents should verify lifestyle and community factors independently.

Perfect for Affluent, Educated Professionals

Charlevoix County appeals to successful professionals, entrepreneurs, and families seeking strong household incomes, low taxes, and balanced living costs without urban complexity. Its highest-in-group income profile suits those with established careers and disposable income. Charlevoix offers Michigan's premier combination of prosperity and tax efficiency.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.4Cost75.2SafetyComing SoonHealth76.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.3Risk77.7WaterComing Soon
🏛74.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡77.7
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 Charlevoix County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Logan County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $54,237
Marion County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $46,953
Nevada County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $41,761
Archuleta County
Colorado
72
Median income: $76,524
Echols County
Georgia
72
Median income: $61,723

Deep Dives

Charlevoix County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Charlevoix County

via TaxByCounty

Charlevoix County taxes below national median

Charlevoix County's effective tax rate of 0.992% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.09%, placing it in roughly the 45th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $2,408 falls below the national median of $2,690, supported by a median home value of $242,800.

Low-tax county by Michigan standards

Charlevoix County's 0.992% rate ranks well below Michigan's state average of 1.166%, making it one of the state's more affordable tax environments. The median annual tax of $2,408 exceeds Michigan's median of $2,102 due to higher home values, but the rate itself remains favorable.

Moderately taxed in Northwest Michigan

Charlevoix County's 0.992% rate falls between Benzie (0.833%) and Cheboygan (0.927%), making it a middle option in the popular Northern Michigan region. It significantly undercuts Bay (1.632%) and Calhoun (1.498%) counties.

What your home tax bill looks like

On Charlevoix County's median home value of $242,800, the 0.992% rate translates to approximately $2,408 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,430, while those without mortgages pay $2,374.

Consider appealing your assessment

Charlevoix County homeowners should still verify that their assessments reflect current market values. Filing an appeal during Michigan's March-June window costs nothing and could provide meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Charlevoix County

via CostByCounty

Charlevoix Offers Rare Affordability Edge

Renters in Charlevoix County spend just 14.6% of income on housing—the lowest ratio among surveyed counties and meaningfully below Michigan's state average of 16.3%. Supported by a $76,495 median income (above the national norm of $74,755), Charlevoix delivers genuine housing relief despite premium coastal positioning.

Michigan's Most Affordable County Here

Charlevoix County claims the best rent-to-income ratio (14.6%) among all eight surveyed Michigan counties, paired with the state's second-highest median income of $76,495. This combination positions Charlevoix as a housing-affordability standout, despite its scenic northern location.

Premium Incomes, Reasonable Rent Burden

Charlevoix's $929 rent ranks mid-high among peers, but its exceptional income ($76,495) and resulting 14.6% burden beat all competitors—even Bay ($809 rent but 16% burden). The county attracts higher-earning households whose incomes buffer housing costs effectively, creating parity with inland communities.

Income Strength Drives Affordability

Charlevoix renters allocate $929 monthly (14.6% of income), while homeowners spend $1,081 (17.0%), reflecting the county's higher home values ($242,800). Despite premium ownership costs, the strong $76,495 median income makes both rent and mortgage proportionally manageable compared to lower-income peers.

Charlevoix for Affluent Seekers

If your household earns $75,000+, Charlevoix County delivers the region's best affordability ratio (14.6%) alongside premium amenities and coastal access. Compare Charlevoix's rent burden against lower-income Calhoun (18.6%) or Branch (17.4%)—income advantage transforms housing affordability into genuine advantage here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Charlevoix County

via IncomeByCounty

Charlevoix County meets national income

Charlevoix County's median household income of $76,495 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $1,740. This positions Charlevoix above national benchmarks and among the country's stronger earners.

Well above Michigan average

At $76,495, Charlevoix County outpaces Michigan's county median of $64,304 by over $12,000, or 19%. This substantial lead places Charlevoix among Michigan's top-earning counties.

Charlevoix leads northern Michigan

Charlevoix County's $76,495 is the highest among all measured northern and regional counties, exceeding Benzie County ($72,603) by over $3,800. This leadership reflects Charlevoix's strong regional economic position.

Premium housing matched by premium income

Although Charlevoix's median home value of $242,800 is among the highest measured, the rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% remains the lowest of all counties. Strong income-to-cost alignment allows households genuine financial flexibility.

Maximum wealth-building opportunity

Charlevoix County households earning $76,495 with the lowest housing-cost burden of any measured county enjoy ideal conditions for aggressive wealth building. Diversified investments, retirement maximization, and wealth transfers become genuinely accessible.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Charlevoix County

via HealthByCounty

Charlevoix leads Michigan in health outcomes

At 78.0 years, Charlevoix County's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 78.9 years and exceeds Michigan's average by 1.7 years, positioning it among the nation's healthier counties. Just 15.9% report poor or fair health, below the national average of 15%, reflecting sustained health management and preventive care.

Charlevoix ranks among Michigan's finest

Charlevoix County's life expectancy of 78.0 years places it 1.7 years above Michigan's average of 76.3 years, putting the county in Michigan's top tier for longevity. The county's 6.2% uninsured rate matches its health performance, falling below the state average of 6.4% and ensuring stable coverage access.

Charlevoix outpaces all regional peers

Charlevoix's 78.0-year life expectancy leads all eight counties by significant margins—2.6 years ahead of Branch and 1.9 years ahead of Bay—a remarkable advantage. With 84 primary care providers per 100K, Charlevoix matches the highest regional capacity and provides the infrastructure necessary for excellent population health.

Robust provider network ensures access

Charlevoix County boasts 84 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 321 mental health providers per 100K, among the strongest capacity in this region and supporting comprehensive prevention and treatment. The combination of excellent provider access and strong insurance coverage (6.2% uninsured) enables residents to maintain health advantages.

Maintain coverage excellence

Charlevoix's 6.2% uninsured rate is among Michigan's lowest, but ensuring continuous coverage protects your health advantage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Charlevoix Community Health to confirm coverage options and take advantage of free preventive services that sustain the county's excellent health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Charlevoix County

via RiskByCounty

Charlevoix County: Exceptionally Safe

Charlevoix County's composite risk score of 22.33 places it among the nation's safest counties, well below the national average and earning a Very Low risk rating. The score reflects minimal exposure to earthquakes (4.36), hurricanes (17.73), and most other major hazards. This exceptional positioning makes Charlevoix one of America's most disaster-resistant communities.

Michigan's Lowest-Risk County

At 22.33, Charlevoix County ranks as Michigan's lowest-risk county in this assessment, less than half the state average of 49.56. The county stands as a model of natural disaster safety within Michigan. Few communities in the state enjoy this level of protection from natural hazards.

Tied for Regional Safety

Charlevoix County (22.33) nearly matches neighboring Benzie County (22.71) as the safest counties in northern Michigan, both far exceeding the safety standards of other regional counties. This shared northern location provides both counties with exceptional natural hazard resistance. Together, they represent Michigan's most secure communities.

Minimal Hazard Exposure

Flood risk is Charlevoix's highest concern at 32.32, still well below state averages and reflecting occasional heavy rainfall rather than widespread water hazards. Wildfire (16.22) and tornado (20.67) risks rank very low compared to other Michigan counties. The county's overall hazard profile is remarkably benign.

Maintain Basic Insurance

While Charlevoix County faces exceptional low risk, standard homeowners insurance and annual policy reviews remain important for protecting your investment. Keep a basic emergency kit and weather radio available for rare severe weather events. Your fortunate geographic position should encourage prevention-minded maintenance rather than extensive disaster preparation.

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.