countyscore
52.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 73.7Safety 70.3Soil Quality 67.3

County Report Card

About Chippewa County, Michigan

Chippewa Outpaces the National Median

With a composite score of 52.8, Chippewa County performs slightly better than the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the top half of all U.S. counties for overall livability.

A Top Performer in Michigan

Chippewa County significantly exceeds the Michigan state average composite score of 47.1. Its balanced profile makes it one of the more competitive options in the Upper Peninsula region.

High Safety and Low Environmental Risk

The county excels in stability, boasting a risk score of 73.7 and a safety score of 70.3. Residents benefit from a secure environment and a relatively high health score of 63.6.

Tax Burdens and School Ratings

The tax score of 21.3 is a weak point, reflecting an effective tax rate of 1.288% that weighs on local finances. Additionally, the school score of 37.9 suggests room for improvement in educational outcomes.

Ideal for Secure Rural Living

Chippewa County is best suited for families or retirees who prioritize safety and low natural disaster risk over educational rankings. The median home value of $153,100 offers a budget-friendly entry point into a stable community.

Score breakdown

Tax21.3Cost59.4Safety70.3Health63.6Schools37.9Income41Risk73.7Water63Weather50.6
🏛21.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧63
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.6
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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Nearby counties

Mackinac County
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45.9
Cheboygan County
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Emmet County
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Presque Isle County
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Deep Dives

Chippewa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chippewa County

via TaxByCounty

Chippewa's taxes rank below national average

At 1.288%, Chippewa County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.73%, placing the county in the lower half nationally. Homeowners here pay $1,972 annually in median property tax—a 27% savings compared to the national median of $2,690.

Above average for Michigan

Chippewa County ranks above Michigan's state average effective rate of 1.166%, meaning local taxes run slightly higher than typical across the state. The county's median tax of $1,972 exceeds the state median of $2,102 in absolute terms, though the lower home values keep the rate elevated.

Moderate taxes among regional peers

Chippewa County's 1.288% rate falls between nearby Crawford County (1.093%) and Dickinson County (1.471%). Compared to Emmet County's notably low 0.905%, Chippewa residents pay modestly more per dollar of home value.

Typical Chippewa home costs $1,972 yearly

On the county median home value of $153,100, a homeowner pays approximately $1,972 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,143; without one, it drops to $1,797.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Many Michigan homeowners discover their properties are assessed above fair market value, triggering unnecessary tax bills. If you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its true worth, filing an appeal with your local assessor could reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chippewa County

via CostByCounty

Chippewa's Rent-to-Income Ratio Beats National Average

Chippewa County residents spend 15.7% of their household income on rent, which is well below the national benchmark and indicates strong rental affordability. With a median household income of $60,631—below the national average of $74,755—this county still manages favorable rent conditions due to its median gross rent of just $793 per month.

More Affordable Than Most Michigan Counties

Chippewa County ranks favorably across Michigan, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% compared to the state average of 16.3%, and rents that are significantly lower than Michigan's median of $873 monthly. This positions the county as an attractive option for renters seeking affordability within the state.

Competitive Among Upper Michigan Counties

Chippewa County's $793 monthly rent sits between Delta County's $698 and Crawford County's $825, making it a middle-ground option in the Upper Peninsula region. When paired with its 15.7% rent-to-income ratio, Chippewa offers better affordability than Dickinson County (14.4% but higher rent at $744) for those with lower incomes.

Renters Get Better Deal Than Buyers Here

The typical Chippewa County renter pays $793 monthly while homeowners pay $805—nearly identical costs that reflect the county's affordable market across both housing types. With a median home value of $153,100 and median income of $60,631, residents dedicate roughly 15.7% of income to rental housing and face comparable affordability for ownership.

Consider Chippewa if Affordability Matters Most

Chippewa County delivers solid housing affordability with rents and ownership costs well-balanced against local incomes. If you're comparing Michigan counties and prioritize stretching your housing dollar, Chippewa's combination of low rents and stable home values deserves serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chippewa County

via IncomeByCounty

Chippewa trails the national income average

Chippewa County's median household income of $60,631 sits $14,124 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower half of American counties. This gap reflects both local economic conditions and broader rural Michigan income patterns that lag coastal and urban centers nationwide.

Below Michigan's county median

At $60,631, Chippewa County earns about 6% less than Michigan's average median household income of $64,304. Within the state's 83 counties, this positions Chippewa in the lower-middle tier of income earners.

Stronger than northern peers

Chippewa's $60,631 median outpaces Crawford County ($58,614) and Clare County ($49,805), but trails Dickinson County ($61,882) and Emmet County ($73,724) in the region. The variation across neighboring counties suggests that local industry and employment diversity significantly shape household earnings.

Housing costs manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.7%, Chippewa County keeps housing expenses well below the warning threshold of 30%, indicating solid affordability. A median home value of $153,100 requires roughly $24,500 annually in mortgage payments, or about 40% of median household income—reasonable for this market.

Build financial security in Chippewa

Chippewa households earning $60,631 annually have meaningful capacity to invest and save after covering basic costs. Financial advisors recommend directing 15–20% of household income toward retirement and emergency funds; at your income level, that's $9,000–$12,000 yearly toward long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chippewa County

via CrimeByCounty

Chippewa County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Chippewa County maintains an impressive safety score of 98.9 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 700.8 per 100,000 residents is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top-Tier Safety Rank in Michigan

The county's safety score exceeds the Michigan state average of 97.8. With a total crime rate significantly lower than the state average of 1,371.8, it remains one of the more secure regions in the state.

Leading the Region in Public Safety

Chippewa County’s crime rate of 700.8 is considerably lower than Delta County's rate of 1,183.5. It also sits just slightly above the exceptionally low rates seen in Emmet County.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 242.7 per 100,000, while property crime is also low at 458.1. These figures indicate that residents face a much lower risk of theft or assault compared to most Americans.

Maintaining a Secure Community Environment

While rates are low, localized property crime still accounts for the majority of incidents. Residents can further enhance community safety by investing in smart home monitoring and lighting.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chippewa County

via HealthByCounty

Chippewa's life expectancy edges above the curve

At 77.2 years, Chippewa County residents live nearly a year longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, a meaningful advantage in longevity. However, 18.8% report poor or fair health—slightly above the national average of 17.5%—suggesting that extra years don't guarantee robust daily health.

One year ahead of Michigan

Chippewa ranks above Michigan's state average life expectancy of 76.3 years, placing it in the stronger half of Michigan counties. The uninsured rate of 7.5% exceeds the state average of 6.4%, indicating some residents still lack coverage despite relatively good longevity outcomes.

Outpacing most regional peers

Chippewa's 77.2-year life expectancy beats nearby Clare County (73.7 years) by 3.5 years and exceeds Crawford County (76.6 years). Its mental health provider density of 450 per 100K is particularly strong—far above Crawford's 192 and nearly double Clare's 125.

Provider access holds steady

With 71 primary care providers per 100K population, Chippewa has better-than-average access to basic care, though specialist availability remains a consideration. At 7.5% uninsured, roughly 1 in 13 residents lack health coverage, creating gaps in preventive and emergency care.

Make sure you're covered

If you're among Chippewa's 7.5% uninsured residents, now is the time to explore options through Michigan's health insurance marketplace or Medicaid. Having coverage improves access to preventive care that keeps you healthier longer.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chippewa County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Network Serving the Eastern Upper Peninsula

Chippewa County maintains an extensive educational infrastructure with 21 public schools managed by 12 different districts. The system serves 4,653 students through a mix of five elementary, one middle, and eight high schools. This decentralized model ensures coverage across a large geographic area, providing localized learning environments for northern Michigan families.

Steady Academic Scores Amid Localized Investment

The county earns a 51.0 school score, slightly outperforming the Michigan state average of 50.3. While the graduation rate of 80.9% trails the national average of 87%, local investment remains high. The per-pupil expenditure of $8,031 exceeds the state average of $7,394, though it remains below the national benchmark of $13,000.

Sault Ste. Marie Leads a Diverse District Mix

Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools serves as the county's primary district, educating 1,935 students across six schools. Charter schools play a significant role here, representing 19% of all local schools. The Joseph K Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe Academy is a major charter institution, providing primary education to 596 students.

Small Classes in a Distinctly Rural Setting

With 16 of its 21 schools located in rural settings, education here feels personal and close-knit. Schools average just 259 students each, far smaller than typical suburban campuses. Facilities range from the 716-student Sault Area High School to tiny remote campuses like DeTour Area Schools.

Find Your Home Near Top-Performing Schools

Families moving to Chippewa County often seek homes near Sault Ste. Marie for easy access to larger regional high schools. Those looking for smaller, rural settings can find community-focused districts like Rudyard or Pickford. Explore local real estate to find a home that matches your family's educational priorities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chippewa County

via RiskByCounty

Chippewa ranks among safest counties

With a composite risk score of 26.30 and a 'Very Low' rating, Chippewa County sits well below the national average, making it one of Michigan's lower-risk communities. Most U.S. counties experience significantly higher overall disaster exposure, giving Chippewa residents notably better odds of avoiding major natural hazards.

Lowest risk in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Chippewa's score of 26.30 ranks it among the safest counties statewide—far below Michigan's 49.56 state average. The county's very low composite rating reflects consistently minimal exposure to the state's most common disaster threats.

Safer than nearby UP counties

Chippewa's 26.30 risk score significantly outperforms its Upper Peninsula neighbors: Delta County (53.05), Dickinson County (59.29), and Emmet County (38.14). This geographic advantage makes Chippewa one of the most secure areas in Michigan's northern region.

Wildfire and flooding demand attention

Despite overall low risk, Chippewa faces elevated wildfire risk at 75.41—among the highest in the state—due to extensive forest coverage and seasonal dry conditions. Flood risk of 49.90 also warrants preparedness, as spring snowmelt and intense summer storms can overwhelm local drainage systems.

Prepare for wildfire and water damage

Chippewa residents should secure comprehensive homeowner's insurance that covers wildfire and flood damage, especially those in forested areas or near waterways. Consider adding a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if your home is in a flood-prone zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chippewa County

via WeatherByCounty

Sub-Boreal Climate in the Upper Peninsula

Chippewa County is one of the coldest in the nation, with an average annual temperature of only 41.6°F. This is nearly 14 degrees colder than the national median.

A Cold Standard for Michigan

At 41.6°F, the county is significantly colder than the Michigan average of 45.7°F. Its precipitation of 34.7 inches is almost identical to the state average, but most of it falls as snow.

Massive Snowfall Near the Border

The county receives a staggering 113.7 inches of snow annually, the highest on this list. This heavy lake-effect snow defines the region's geography and lifestyle.

Extreme Cold and Rare Heat

Winter temperatures average a frigid 19.0°F, while January specifically drops to 16.1°F. Summers are very cool at 63.4°F, with only 2 days of 90°F heat per year.

Winterize for the Long Haul

Residents must plan for over 9 feet of snow with professional-grade removal equipment. Heating systems must be robust enough to handle months of sub-freezing temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chippewa County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils in the Upper Peninsula

Chippewa County features an average pH of 4.59, making it significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the low pH is a defining characteristic for local land management.

Silt-Heavy Composition for Easy Workability

The soil contains 59.1% silt and 22.5% sand, with a very low clay content of 6.6%. This high-silt mix makes the ground easy to work, though it requires care to prevent surface erosion.

Incredible Organic Matter and Water Storage

The organic matter content is an impressive 45.71%, more than double the Michigan average of 19.76%. This fuels a high available water capacity of 0.328 in/in, offering exceptional moisture retention for plants.

High Retention Despite Missing Drainage Data

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not available for this profile. However, the high organic content and silt levels suggest the soil stays moist much longer than sandier neighboring regions.

Cold-Hardy Gardening in Zone 4b

With a 4b hardiness zone, gardeners should focus on short-season crops and cold-tolerant berries. The naturally high fertility provides a massive head start for any northern garden project.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chippewa County

via LawnByCounty

Chippewa's Stable Lawn Growth Conditions

Chippewa County earns a 59.6 lawn difficulty score, placing it just slightly below the Michigan average of 60.1. While it sits in the cold 4b hardiness zone, it remains significantly easier to maintain a lawn here than the national median of 50.0.

Mild Summers and Sufficient Rain

Annual precipitation of 34.7 inches falls right within the ideal range for healthy turf growth. With only 2 extreme heat days per year, your grass faces very little summer stress compared to the state average of 7 days.

Managing Highly Acidic Soil

The soil is significantly acidic with a pH of 4.59, requiring lime treatments to reach the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. A low clay content of 6.6% suggests you should add organic matter to improve nutrient retention and soil structure.

A Year of Plentiful Water

Lawn owners enjoyed a drought-free year with zero weeks of water scarcity recorded across the county. You can maintain a lush yard without heavy restrictions, though monitoring moisture remains important for the thin, sandy soil.

Seeding for the Short North Season

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues thrive in zone 4b and should be seeded after the last frost on May 23. Aim to establish your lawn well before the first fall frost arrives on October 11 to ensure winter survival.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chippewa County's county score?
Chippewa 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 Chippewa County rank among counties in Michigan?
Chippewa County ranks #22 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 Chippewa County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Chippewa County is $1,972, with an effective tax rate of 1.29%. This earns Chippewa County a tax score of 21.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chippewa County?
The median household income in Chippewa County, Michigan is $60,631 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chippewa County earns an income score of 41/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chippewa County, Michigan a good place to live?
Chippewa County scores 52.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Chippewa 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 Chippewa County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.