countyscore
43.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 72.4Soil Quality 60.9

County Report Card

About Clare County, Michigan

Affordable but Below National Median

Clare County’s composite score of 43.1 falls below the national median of 50.0. While it offers high value in specific categories, its overall ranking reflects significant socioeconomic hurdles.

Trailing the Michigan Average

The county scores 43.1 against a state average of 47.1, indicating it lags behind many of its Michigan peers. Despite this, it remains a standout for housing affordability within the state.

Clean Water and High Affordability

Clare County shines with a water score of 86.0 and a cost score of 72.4. With a median home value of just $117,400 and rent at $743, it is one of the most affordable places to live in the region.

Income and Safety Struggles

The income score of 14.0 is among the lowest in the state, with a median household income of $49,805. A safety score of 35.0 and a school score of 23.8 represent the county's primary areas for growth.

A Choice for Budget-Conscious Households

This county is a strong match for those who prioritize low housing costs and natural resources over high-income career opportunities. It suits individuals looking for a quiet, low-cost lifestyle where the dollar stretches further.

Score breakdown

Tax26.5Cost72.4Safety35Health48Schools23.8Income14Risk52.6Water86Weather50.1
🏛26.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓23.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.5
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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43

Nearby counties

Roscommon County
Michigan
47.4
Osceola County
Michigan
51.2
Missaukee County
Michigan
50.2
Gladwin County
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49.4
Isabella County
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Mecosta County
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Midland County
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Ogemaw County
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Deep Dives

Clare County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clare County

via TaxByCounty

Clare County keeps taxes modest nationally

Clare County's effective tax rate of 1.181% ranks well below the national median of 1.73%, offering residents a tax advantage. The county's median property tax of $1,387 runs 48% lower than the nation's $2,690 median.

Right at Michigan's state average

Clare County's 1.181% effective rate nearly matches Michigan's statewide average of 1.166%, making it a typical tax environment for the state. The median tax of $1,387 falls notably below the state median of $2,102, reflecting lower home values.

Lowest taxes among nearby counties

At 1.181%, Clare County offers the lowest effective tax rate in its region—lower than Crawford County (1.093% effective on a higher-value home base) and well below Dickinson County (1.471%). Residents here benefit from both moderate rates and lower property values.

Clare's median tax: just $1,387 annually

On the county median home value of $117,400, owners pay around $1,387 in yearly property taxes. Mortgaged homes average $1,494; those owned outright average $1,272.

Appeal your assessment if it's inflated

Overassessment is common across Michigan, and Clare County homeowners are no exception. If your property's assessed value seems too high relative to recent sales in your area, file an appeal with your assessor to potentially lower your tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clare County

via CostByCounty

Clare's Housing Costs Strain Lower Incomes

Clare County residents spend 17.9% of their income on rent—notably higher than both the national and state averages—putting housing affordability at the edge of comfort for many renters. With a median household income of just $49,805 (well below the national average of $74,755), this gap creates real affordability challenges despite modest rents of $743 monthly.

Among Michigan's Least Affordable Counties

Clare County ranks among Michigan's least affordable for renters, with a 17.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average of 16.3% by 1.6 percentage points. The county's combination of lower-than-average incomes and higher-than-average rent burden reflects structural economic challenges across the region.

Affordability Pressures Across Rural North Michigan

Clare County's $743 rent is competitive regionally, but its 17.9% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among nearby Upper Peninsula counties, including Chippewa (15.7%), Crawford (16.9%), and Delta (15.3%). This reflects Clare's particularly low median income relative to its rental costs.

Homeownership Offers Slight Relief for Clare Residents

Renters in Clare County dedicate 17.9% of income to $743 monthly rent, while homeowners pay $706 per month for their mortgages—creating a rare case where ownership costs less than renting. Median home values of $117,400 make entry-level ownership more accessible than renting for many households.

Clare Works Better for Owner-Occupants

If you're relocating to Northern Michigan, Clare County offers lower home values ($117,400) and ownership costs ($706) that can offset its challenging rental market. Buyers in particular may find Clare's affordability advantage worth exploring compared to renting or purchasing in higher-cost neighboring counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clare County

via IncomeByCounty

Clare County income lags national average

Clare County's median household income of $49,805 falls $24,950 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-income counties in the country. This substantial gap reflects economic challenges common to rural Michigan communities dependent on declining manufacturing and timber sectors.

Among Michigan's lowest-earning counties

At $49,805, Clare County ranks significantly below Michigan's state average of $64,304—a gap of $14,499. Within the state's 83 counties, Clare places in the bottom quartile for household income.

Lowest earner in the region

Clare County's $49,805 median is notably lower than all comparable northern Michigan neighbors, including Crawford ($58,614), Chippewa ($60,631), and Dickinson ($61,882). This positions Clare as the most economically challenged county among its peers, suggesting limited local job growth and higher unemployment.

Housing costs stretch budgets

Clare's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% is the highest among the counties reviewed, signaling tighter housing affordability despite modest median home values of $117,400. For median earners, housing consumes a larger share of income than state and national best practices suggest, leaving less room for savings and other essentials.

Prioritize emergency savings in Clare

With lower median income and tighter affordability, Clare County households should focus first on building a 3-month emergency fund before aggressive investing. Even small contributions—$100–$200 monthly—compound significantly over time and provide crucial stability against unexpected expenses.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clare County

via CrimeByCounty

Clare County Remains Safer Than National Average

Clare County earns a safety score of 97.6, indicating a generally secure environment. Its total crime rate of 1,509.7 per 100,000 residents stays well below the national mark of 2,385.5.

Consistent Performance with State Averages

The county's safety score of 97.6 sits just nearly level with the Michigan state average of 97.8. However, its total crime rate is slightly higher than the state-wide average of 1,371.8.

Comparing Clare to Its Northern Neighbors

Clare County’s crime rate of 1,509.7 is higher than Crawford County’s rate of 1,151.8. It reflects a busier activity level for local law enforcement compared to more rural surrounding areas.

Higher Property Crime Rates Relative to Violence

Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 1,071.0 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate of 438.7 is higher than the state average but remains moderate on a national scale.

Proactive Security for Property Owners

Because property crime is the primary concern here, basic home security measures go a long way. Installing motion-activated lights and securing outbuildings helps deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clare County

via HealthByCounty

Clare lags national health benchmarks

At 73.7 years, Clare County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average by nearly 3 years, and 18.7% of residents report poor or fair health—above the national average. These figures suggest Clare faces meaningful health challenges compared to the rest of the nation.

Among Michigan's shortest life spans

Clare's 73.7-year life expectancy ranks well below Michigan's state average of 76.3 years, placing it in the lower tier of the state's 83 counties. The uninsured rate of 8.3% also exceeds the state average of 6.4%, adding financial barriers to care.

Health outcomes significantly lag nearby counties

Clare's life expectancy is 3.5 years shorter than Chippewa County (77.2 years) and 6.2 years shorter than Clinton County (79.9 years). With only 29 primary care providers and 125 mental health providers per 100K, Clare has the lowest provider density among its regional peers.

Limited care access compounds health gaps

Clare's 29 primary care providers per 100K is roughly half the regional average, creating real delays in accessing routine medical care. With 8.3% uninsured—the highest among peer counties—affordability barriers worsen the problem.

Health coverage is your starting point

If you're uninsured in Clare County, getting covered through Medicaid or marketplace insurance is critical for accessing the primary care doctors your county needs. Coverage opens the door to preventive services that can help extend and improve your life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clare County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Districts Support Central Michigan

Clare County operates 13 public schools across four districts, serving a total of 3,922 students. The landscape is evenly distributed among three elementary, three middle, and five high schools. This structure focuses on traditional public education, as there are currently no charter schools operating within the county.

Improving Outcomes Through Focused Local Resources

The county reports a graduation rate of 78.8%, which sits below the state average of 82.5%. Educators work with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,010, trailing both the state average and the $13,000 national benchmark. Despite these challenges, the composite school score of 47.7 reflects a dedicated effort to maintain quality across its rural and town-based campuses.

Clare and Harrison Lead the Way

Clare Public Schools is the largest provider in the area, enrolling 1,605 students across four facilities. Harrison Community Schools follows closely, serving 1,260 students and managing the 606-student Robert M Larson Elementary. Farwell Area Schools rounds out the major districts, providing vital services to over 1,000 students in the region.

A Town-Centric Education Experience

Ten of the county's 13 schools are located in town settings, giving the area a centralized, community-oriented feel. The average school size is 302 students, ensuring that teachers and administrators know their pupils well. Large primary schools like Clare Primary and Robert M Larson Elementary serve as major hubs for the county's youngest learners.

Settle Into a Community-Focused District

Prospective homeowners in Clare County benefit from consolidated town districts that serve as the heart of the local community. Neighborhoods in the Clare Public Schools boundary offer proximity to the county’s largest elementary and high schools. Focus your home search here if you value a traditional, town-based school environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clare County

via RiskByCounty

Clare's risk mirrors Michigan's state average

Clare County's composite risk score of 47.46 sits just slightly below Michigan's 49.56 state average, earning a 'Relatively Low' rating. While safer than many U.S. counties, Clare faces moderate disaster exposure compared to national standards.

Middle-of-the-road risk for Michigan

At 47.46, Clare ranks near the statewide average of 49.56, placing it in Michigan's moderate-risk tier. The county experiences a balanced mix of hazard types rather than domination by any single threat.

Slightly lower risk than surrounding counties

Clare's 47.46 score edges out nearby Crawford County (18.03) in overall risk but sits below Eaton County (67.62) and Dickinson County (59.29). This positioning reflects Clare's geographic location in central Michigan's relatively stable zone.

Tornado and flood risks dominate

Clare faces tornado risk of 58.05—well above state average—making severe thunderstorms its primary seasonal threat. Flood risk of 50.06 adds secondary concern, especially in areas near the Tobacco River and during heavy spring runoff periods.

Prioritize tornado and flood coverage

Clare homeowners should ensure their policies explicitly cover tornado damage and high winds, as standard homeowner's insurance may exclude some storm damage. Adding flood insurance through the NFIP is essential if your property sits in a flood zone or near local waterways.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Clare County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Acidic Mollisols of Central Michigan

Clare County is dominated by Mollisols with a pH of 4.40, which is well below the national median of 6.5. These soils are typically nutrient-rich but require lime to manage the high acidity for most crops.

A Balanced Loam with Sandy Roots

The soil is a loamy mix consisting of 53.3% sand and 11.2% clay. The 18.0% silt helps bridge the gap, creating a structure that is easy for roots to penetrate while maintaining some stability.

Strong Organic Content Above State Averages

At 25.98%, the organic matter content exceeds the state average of 19.76%. The available water capacity of 0.201 in/in sits right at the state baseline, indicating reliable water availability during the growing season.

Managing Saturated Ground and Runoff

Classified as poorly drained and belonging to hydrologic group B/D, this soil can stay soggy after heavy rains. Farmers and builders should plan for drainage solutions to prevent standing water issues.

Thriving in a Zone 5a Climate

The Zone 5a climate pairs well with Clare's high-organic Mollisols for growing perennials and cool-season vegetables. It is a great environment for a productive garden if you monitor soil moisture levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clare County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Challenges in Clare

Clare County faces significant challenges with a lawn difficulty score of 39.5, falling well below the state average of 60.1. Maintaining turf here in hardiness zone 5a requires more effort than 60% of the rest of the country.

Low Precipitation Impacts Mowing

The county receives 31.0 inches of annual precipitation, which sits at the lower end of the ideal range for grass. While heat stress is moderate at 6 days over 90°F, consistent watering is necessary to support steady growth throughout the summer.

Poor Drainage and Acidic Loam

The soil foundation is quite acidic at 4.40 pH and consists of poorly drained loam. You likely need lime to balance the acidity and core aeration to prevent waterlogged roots from damaging your lawn.

Battling Prolonged Dry Spells

Conditions have been harsh recently, with the county spending 41 weeks in drought over the past year. Currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry, making water conservation and deep, infrequent soakings essential for survival.

Choosing Resilient Grass Types

Cold-hardy species like Tall Fescue are best suited for zone 5a and provide better drought resistance. Since local frost data is limited, plan your seeding for late summer to ensure roots take hold before the ground freezes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clare County's county score?
Clare County, Michigan has a composite county score of 43.1 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 Clare County rank among counties in Michigan?
Clare County ranks #52 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 Clare County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Clare County is $1,387, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Clare County a tax score of 26.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clare County?
The median household income in Clare County, Michigan is $49,805 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clare County earns an income score of 14/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clare County, Michigan a good place to live?
Clare County scores 43.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Clare 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 Clare 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.