Cheboygan County's composite score of 72.3 is the highest in this eight-county group and exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 45%, confirming exceptional livability by U.S. standards. This strong showing reflects particularly impressive housing affordability relative to national norms. Cheboygan ranks among America's most attractive communities for value-conscious residents.
2 / 5
Michigan's Top Performer in This Group
Cheboygan County scores 72.3 against Michigan's 68.7 state average, ranking it in the upper tier of Michigan's most livable counties. The county's above-average standing places it among Michigan's most sought-after communities. Residents enjoy livability conditions that exceed the state median.
3 / 5
Unmatched Affordability and Tax Efficiency
Cheboygan County delivers the group's highest Cost Score of 81.6, with exceptionally affordable housing: median home values of $175,200 and the lowest rents at $822/month. The Tax Score of 76.2 (effective rate 0.927%) provides superior tax efficiency for households. This combination of ultra-low housing costs and minimal tax burden creates unmatched affordability value.
4 / 5
Income Growth Remains Limited
Cheboygan County's Income Score of 23.6 reflects a median household income of $61,619, the second-lowest in this eight-county group. Missing data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions leaves important livability questions unanswered. Prospective residents should independently verify these factors and assess local job market prospects.
5 / 5
Best for Budget-Maximizing Homebuyers
Cheboygan County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families for whom ultra-low housing costs and exceptional tax efficiency represent the highest priority. Its best-in-group affordability makes it Michigan's premier value destination for those with stable, external income. Cheboygan maximizes housing purchasing power for budget-first decision makers.
Cheboygan County's composite score of 72.3 is the highest in this eight-county group and exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 45%, confirming exceptional livability by U.S. standards. This strong showing reflects particularly impressive housing affordability relative to national norms. Cheboygan ranks among America's most attractive communities for value-conscious residents.
Michigan's Top Performer in This Group
Cheboygan County scores 72.3 against Michigan's 68.7 state average, ranking it in the upper tier of Michigan's most livable counties. The county's above-average standing places it among Michigan's most sought-after communities. Residents enjoy livability conditions that exceed the state median.
Unmatched Affordability and Tax Efficiency
Cheboygan County delivers the group's highest Cost Score of 81.6, with exceptionally affordable housing: median home values of $175,200 and the lowest rents at $822/month. The Tax Score of 76.2 (effective rate 0.927%) provides superior tax efficiency for households. This combination of ultra-low housing costs and minimal tax burden creates unmatched affordability value.
Income Growth Remains Limited
Cheboygan County's Income Score of 23.6 reflects a median household income of $61,619, the second-lowest in this eight-county group. Missing data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions leaves important livability questions unanswered. Prospective residents should independently verify these factors and assess local job market prospects.
Best for Budget-Maximizing Homebuyers
Cheboygan County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families for whom ultra-low housing costs and exceptional tax efficiency represent the highest priority. Its best-in-group affordability makes it Michigan's premier value destination for those with stable, external income. Cheboygan maximizes housing purchasing power for budget-first decision makers.
Score breakdown
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🏛76.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Cheboygan County's effective tax rate of 0.927% sits below the national median of 1.09%, placing it in roughly the 35th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $1,625 is among the lowest in the nation, reflecting both a low tax rate and a moderate median home value of $175,200.
Among Michigan's lowest-taxed counties
Cheboygan County ranks in Michigan's lowest tier with an effective rate of 0.927%, about 20% below the state average of 1.166%. The median annual tax of $1,625 significantly undercuts Michigan's median of $2,102, offering substantial tax advantages.
Very favorable in Northern Michigan
Cheboygan County's 0.927% rate competes with Benzie (0.833%) and Charlevoix (0.992%) as one of the region's most tax-friendly counties. It dramatically undercuts Bay (1.632%), Calhoun (1.498%), and Branch (1.229%).
What your home tax bill looks like
On Cheboygan County's median home value of $175,200, the 0.927% rate yields approximately $1,625 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,632, while those without mortgages pay $1,614.
Consider appealing your assessment
Even low-tax counties see some overassessments, and Cheboygan residents should verify their assessments. File an appeal during Michigan's March-June window at no cost—it takes minimal effort and could provide extra savings.
Renters in Cheboygan County spend 16.0% of income on housing, matching Michigan's state average of 16.3% and signaling typical affordability conditions. At $822 monthly rent on a $61,619 median income, Cheboygan delivers solid value for renters seeking balance between cost and income constraints.
Solid Affordability Within Michigan
Cheboygan County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks comfortably near the Michigan state median, while its $822 median rent undercuts the state average of $873 by 5.8%. This positioning places Cheboygan among the more accessible counties for renters statewide.
Lowest Rents, Balanced Burden
Cheboygan's $822 rent matches Bay County ($809) as the region's most economical, while its 16.0% burden sits slightly below state average. At a $175,200 median home value, Cheboygan homes fall mid-range, offering accessible entry-level pricing for homebuyers in northern Michigan.
Minimal Rent-to-Ownership Premium
Cheboygan renters pay $822 monthly (16.0% of income), while homeowners commit $793 (15.4%), one of the few counties where ownership undercuts rental costs. At a $175,200 median home value, this ownership advantage makes Cheboygan compelling for households ready to transition from renting.
Cheboygan Rewards Homebuying Intent
If homeownership is near-term priority, Cheboygan County's $822 rent and $793 ownership cost create a rare savings opportunity—buy and save $29 monthly. Compare Cheboygan's $175,200 home value against Bay's $135,100 or Calhoun's $151,500 to find your target price point in Michigan's most efficient rental-to-ownership market.
Cheboygan County's median household income of $61,619 falls $13,136 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, an 18% gap. This deficit reflects economic headwinds affecting Northeast Michigan.
Slightly below Michigan average
At $61,619, Cheboygan County earns about 4% less than Michigan's county median of $64,304. Among Michigan's 83 counties, Cheboygan ranks in the lower-middle tier.
Cheboygan ranks below northern peers
Cheboygan County's $61,619 trails both Benzie County ($72,603) and Charlevoix County ($76,495), falling nearly $15,000 behind the regional leader. This gap underscores economic disparity within Northern Michigan.
Housing costs remain reasonable
Cheboygan County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% is healthy and sustainable, allowing households to allocate income to other needs beyond shelter. This affordability provides a modest financial cushion despite lower incomes.
Build steadily through consistent planning
Cheboygan County households earning $61,619 with manageable housing costs should establish automatic savings transfers and explore employer retirement plans. Consistent, modest contributions over decades create meaningful long-term wealth.
Cheboygan County's life expectancy of 75.4 years falls 3.5 years behind the U.S. average of 78.9 years, reflecting sustained health disadvantages. One in six residents (17.4%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 15% and indicating elevated chronic disease burden.
Cheboygan lags Michigan's health average
Cheboygan County's life expectancy of 75.4 years trails Michigan's average of 76.3 years by 0.9 years, while its 17.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average. The county's 7.5% uninsured rate ranks among Michigan's highest, outpacing the state average of 6.4% and indicating coverage access barriers.
Cheboygan faces multiple health challenges
Cheboygan's 75.4-year life expectancy falls below Branch (76.1) and Cass (76.1), while trailing Charlevoix by 2.6 years—a substantial disadvantage. With 54 primary care providers per 100K, Cheboygan offers moderate access, but the 7.5% uninsured rate (highest in this group) suggests financial barriers compound access problems.
Coverage gaps limit healthcare engagement
Cheboygan County has 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, offering moderate capacity, but 7.5% uninsured rate—the highest among these eight counties—leaves roughly 2,100 residents without reliable health access. Mental health capacity at 142 per 100K trails stronger peers, limiting behavioral health options.
Secure health coverage immediately
Cheboygan's 7.5% uninsured rate is among Michigan's highest, leaving thousands vulnerable to health crises and delays in care. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Cheboygan Area School District Health Services to explore Medicaid, subsidized marketplace plans, and local health centers offering affordable care now.
Cheboygan County's composite risk score of 59.48 sits above the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating while reflecting moderate exposure to floods and some other hazards. The score indicates manageable but genuine disaster risk that residents should understand and prepare for. This positioning places Cheboygan in the middle range of U.S. county risk profiles.
Above Michigan's Average
Cheboygan County's composite risk of 59.48 exceeds Michigan's state average of 49.56, making it one of the state's more hazard-exposed counties. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier of Michigan's risk spectrum. This elevated exposure reflects particular vulnerability to flooding and some other hazards.
More Hazardous Than Northern Peers
Cheboygan County (59.48) faces higher composite risk than nearby Charlevoix County (22.33) and Benzie County (22.71), making it notably more hazard-prone than its northern Michigan neighbors. The county's position relative to the Great Lakes and different geographic features create elevated risk. This contrast highlights how location dramatically influences natural disaster exposure.
Flood and Wildfire Concerns
Flood risk dominates at 77.89, reflecting Cheboygan's proximity to water bodies and vulnerability to heavy precipitation events—the highest hazard the county faces. Wildfire risk (25.32) presents a secondary but meaningful concern during dry seasons. These two hazards together account for most of Cheboygan's composite risk.
Prioritize Flood Preparedness
Obtain a detailed flood map from FEMA and consider flood insurance immediately if you live in or near flood-prone zones—standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Clear gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water damage, and consider grading improvements that direct water away from your foundation. Review your evacuation route and maintain an emergency kit with supplies for at least three days.