countyscore
51
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 60.5Lawn Care 58.3

County Report Card

About Cheboygan County, Michigan

Just above the national median

Cheboygan County earns a composite score of 51.0, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is better than the typical American county.

Outperforming Michigan averages

The county's score of 51.0 beats the Michigan state average of 47.1. Its combination of water quality and housing affordability helps it stand out as a hidden gem in Northern Michigan.

Pure water and affordable homes

The county features a remarkable water score of 86.0 and a strong cost score of 56.5. With median gross rents at $822, it is one of the more accessible counties for those seeking high environmental quality.

Environmental risks and income gaps

A risk score of 40.5 and an income score of 43.9 are the county's relative weak points. While these scores aren't critical, they suggest a need for more diversified economic growth and better disaster preparedness.

A haven for nature-focused families

Cheboygan County is an excellent fit for those who prioritize clean water and affordable living. It offers a balanced lifestyle with a low tax rate of 0.927% and strong school performance at 45.6.

Score breakdown

Tax43.4Cost56.5Safety46.5Health60.5Schools45.6Income43.9Risk40.5Water86Weather51.9
🏛43.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡46.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Cheboygan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cheboygan County

via TaxByCounty

Cheboygan County taxes below national median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cheboygan County

via CostByCounty

Cheboygan Matches State Affordability Norms

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cheboygan County

via IncomeByCounty

Cheboygan County trails national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cheboygan County

via CrimeByCounty

Excellent Safety Scores in Cheboygan County

Cheboygan County reports a crime rate of 1,201.9 per 100,000 residents, roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to an impressive safety score of 98.1.

Outperforming the Michigan Average

The county is safer than the state average, which has a safety score of 97.8 and a crime rate of 1,371.8. It remains a standout for safety in the northern part of the state.

Regional Safety in the Tip of the Mitt

Cheboygan sees slightly more activity than Charlevoix but remains one of the safest counties in Michigan. It is much more secure than more populated southern counties like Berrien.

Violent and Property Crime Below Averages

Violent crime is reported at 237.3 per 100,000, well below the national mark of 369.8. Property crime is also low at 964.6, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7.

Simple Deterrents Preserve Your Peace

Standard precautions like locking doors and using outdoor lighting effectively deter local property crimes. Maintaining these habits keeps Cheboygan safer than most other Michigan counties.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cheboygan County

via HealthByCounty

Cheboygan's health trails national benchmarks

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cheboygan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact Education in Northern Michigan

Cheboygan County maintains a streamlined educational system with 10 public schools serving 2,455 students across four districts. The landscape is primarily split between elementary and high schools, with no dedicated standalone middle schools reported.

Exceeding National Graduation Benchmarks

Cheboygan County boasts an impressive 89.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average and the 87.0% national benchmark. This high performance is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,304, very close to the Michigan state average.

Cheboygan Area Schools Lead the Way

Cheboygan Area Schools is the largest district by far, managing five schools and 1,505 students. The county does not host any charter schools, relying entirely on its four traditional public districts for all K-12 education.

Rural and Town Learning Traditions

The county's schools are located exclusively in rural and town settings, reflecting the region's northern character. Most schools are small and personalized, with an average enrollment of 246 students across the county's facilities.

Education as a Homebuying Advantage

The high graduation rates in Cheboygan County make it a top choice for families moving to Northern Michigan. Look for homes within the Inland Lakes or Cheboygan Area districts to take advantage of these successful, community-centered schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cheboygan County

via RiskByCounty

Cheboygan County: Moderate Risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cheboygan County

via WeatherByCounty

Crisp Weather at the Tip of the Mitt

Cheboygan County averages 43.7°F annually, which is more than 10 degrees cooler than the national median. It sits in a high-latitude zone where winters are long and summers are refreshing.

Colder Than the Michigan Norm

The county’s 43.7°F average is two degrees cooler than the statewide average of 45.7°F. It also receives 32.0 inches of precipitation, which is slightly drier than the rest of the state.

High Snow but Lower Rainfall

While it is drier than the state average in total moisture, Cheboygan still gets 87.6 inches of snow. This highlights a climate where winter precipitation dominates the annual cycle.

Bracing Winters and Gentle Summers

January temperatures drop to an average of 19.3°F, while July stays cool at 67.6°F. The county only experiences 3 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually.

Invest in High-Efficiency Heating

With winter averages of 22.0°F, reliable heating and thermal windows are top priorities for residents. Air conditioning is rarely a necessity given only 3 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cheboygan County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Northern Soils with High Organic Content

Cheboygan County has a very acidic average pH of 4.96, which is lower than the state average of 5.30. Its soil score of 50.3 reflects the challenges of farming in a cold, high-acid environment. These conditions are shaped by the county's northern latitude and dense forest history.

Sandy Texture with Minimal Silt

The soil is 63.5% sand and 10.9% clay, creating a porous and light texture that resists compaction. With only 15.6% silt, the soil has a gritty feel and drains rapidly after heavy snowmelt. This makes the ground very easy to dig, even with simple hand tools.

Deep Organic Reserves for Hardy Plants

The organic matter content is an impressive 17.59%, which is nearing the high Michigan state average. However, the available water capacity is lower at 0.168 in/in, as the sandy base doesn't hold moisture as well as clay-rich soils. This fertility is perfect for supporting the county's vast timber and forest lands.

Quick Drainage for a Short Growing Season

While specific drainage classes aren't provided, the 63.5% sand content ensures water doesn't linger on the surface. This is vital in the spring, allowing the soil to warm up as quickly as possible in a northern climate. Good drainage also helps protect perennials from ice damage during winter.

Resilient Growing in Hardiness Zone 4b

In the chilly 4b zone, gardeners should focus on hardy perennials and short-season vegetables. The highly acidic soil is an ideal natural home for wild blueberries and cranberries. Embrace the rugged northern landscape by planting a garden that loves acidic, well-drained ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cheboygan County

via LawnByCounty

Northern Challenges in Cheboygan County

Cheboygan County has a lawn difficulty score of 58.3, slightly more challenging than the state average of 60.1. As a USDA Hardiness Zone 4b region, your lawn faces some of the harshest winters in Michigan. Despite this, it remains easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0.

Cool Climate and Light Rainfall

The county receives 32.0 inches of precipitation annually, which is below the state average of 34.4 inches. You only face 3 extreme heat days per year and have a low 1,935 growing degree days. This cool, slightly drier climate means your grass grows more slowly and rarely suffers from heat exhaustion.

Highly Acidic and Sandy Soil

Your soil pH of 4.96 is one of the most acidic in the region, sitting far below the 6.0-7.0 target. The soil is 63.5% sand and 10.9% clay, which means nutrients wash away easily and the ground stays very acidic. Significant and regular lime applications are vital to making your lawn healthy and competitive against weeds.

Strong Resistance to Drought

Despite lower-than-average rainfall, the county has only spent 2 weeks in drought over the past year. Currently, 0% of the county is abnormally dry, suggesting that the cool temperatures help preserve what moisture is available. Your slow-growing lawn will generally survive on natural precipitation unless a rare heat wave strikes.

Prioritize Cold-Hardy Turf Varieties

In Zone 4b, you must use extremely cold-hardy grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Creeping Red Fescue. Your growing window is tight, starting after May 11th and often ending as early as October 11th. Start any new lawn projects in late summer so the grass has enough time to harden off before the early northern frosts.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheboygan County's county score?
Cheboygan County, Michigan has a composite county score of 51 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 Cheboygan County rank among counties in Michigan?
Cheboygan County ranks #31 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 Cheboygan County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Cheboygan County is $1,625, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Cheboygan County a tax score of 43.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cheboygan County?
The median household income in Cheboygan County, Michigan is $61,619 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cheboygan County earns an income score of 43.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cheboygan County, Michigan a good place to live?
Cheboygan County scores 51/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Cheboygan 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 Cheboygan County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.