countyscore
49.5
County Score
Health 77.8Soil Quality 73.4Cost of Living 73

County Report Card

About Delta County, Michigan

Consistent with National Medians

Delta County earns a 49.5 composite score, placing it nearly exactly on par with the national median of 50.0. This indicates a standard of living that is competitive on a nationwide scale.

Stronger Than the State Average

Exceeding the Michigan average of 47.1, Delta County is a reliable choice for residents within the state. It combines regional affordability with better-than-average health outcomes.

Affordable Living and Great Health

The county features a strong health score of 77.8 and a cost score of 73.0. Rent is particularly affordable at a median of $698 per month, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets.

Water Infrastructure and Low Incomes

A water score of 23.1 is the primary concern, indicating a need for infrastructure investment. Furthermore, the income score of 24.7 reflects a median household income of $54,829, which is below national norms.

A Value Pick for Healthy Living

Delta County is a great fit for retirees or remote workers looking for extremely low housing costs and high-quality healthcare. Those moving here should simply be mindful of local water quality reports.

Score breakdown

Tax29.1Cost73Safety47.3Health77.8Schools27.4Income24.7Risk47Water23.1Weather50.5
🏛29.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡47.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤77.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧23.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.1
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

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55.6
Menominee County
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Dickinson County
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Deep Dives

Delta County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Delta County

via TaxByCounty

Delta County taxes run below national norm

Delta County's effective tax rate of 1.129% sits below the national median of 1.73%, providing residents with below-average tax burdens. The median property tax of $1,658 represents a 38% savings versus the nation's $2,690 median.

Slightly below Michigan's state average

Delta County's 1.129% effective rate runs marginally below Michigan's 1.166% state average, positioning it as a fairly typical Michigan county. The median tax of $1,658 falls substantially below the state median of $2,102.

Moderate taxes among regional peers

Delta County's 1.129% sits comfortably in the middle of its regional cohort, below Dickinson County (1.471%) and Chippewa County (1.288%), but above Crawford County (1.093%). It offers balanced tax treatment compared to neighboring counties.

Delta's median tax is $1,658 annually

On the county median home value of $146,800, owners pay approximately $1,658 in yearly property taxes. Mortgaged homes average $1,769; those owned outright average $1,535.

Challenge inflated assessments to save

Even in moderate-tax counties like Delta, property overassessments drain homeowner wallets unnecessarily. If your assessment exceeds comparable recent sales in your area, file an appeal with your local assessor to potentially reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Delta County

via CostByCounty

Delta Delivers Lowest Rents Among Profiled Counties

Delta County boasts the lowest monthly rent across all profiled Michigan counties at just $698, with residents spending 15.3% of household income on housing—well below the national average. Despite a median household income of $54,829 (below the national average of $74,755), Delta's rock-bottom rents create exceptional affordability for renters.

Michigan's Most Affordable Rental Market

Delta County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Michigan's best, and its $698 median rent is the lowest in the state profile—representing substantial savings compared to Michigan's median rent of $873. This county delivers genuine affordability advantages for budget-conscious renters.

Unbeaten Rents in Upper Peninsula

Delta County's $698 monthly rent undercuts every comparable Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula county profiled, beating even Chippewa ($793) and Clare ($743) by significant margins. Its 15.3% rent-to-income ratio places it among the most affordable options for any Michigan renter.

Homeownership Nearly as Affordable as Renting

Delta County renters pay $698 monthly while homeowners pay $762—a modest $64 difference that makes both pathways remarkably affordable relative to the $54,829 median income. Median home values of $146,800 position ownership within reach for many households seeking to build equity.

Delta County for Maximum Affordability

If stretching your housing dollar is the top priority, Delta County delivers Michigan's most affordable rental market with $698 monthly rents that consume just 15.3% of household income. Consider Delta if you're relocating on a tight budget and value unbeatable housing costs over proximity to larger metros.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Delta County

via IncomeByCounty

Delta income significantly below U.S. average

Delta County's median household income of $54,829 lags the national median of $74,755 by $19,926, reflecting the economic strain on this Upper Michigan community. The gap underscores dependence on declining mining and manufacturing sectors with limited new job creation.

Lower-income county in Michigan

At $54,829, Delta County ranks below Michigan's state median of $64,304 by nearly $10,000. Within the state's 83 counties, Delta places in the lower quartile for household income.

Struggles compared to regional peers

Delta's $54,829 median trails Dickinson County ($61,882), Chippewa ($60,631), and Crawford ($58,614), though it outperforms Clare ($49,805). The gap suggests Delta faces steeper employment challenges than most neighboring counties despite proximity to similar industries.

Rent remains affordable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.3%, Delta County maintains solid housing affordability despite lower median incomes. A median home value of $146,800 translates to manageable housing costs for local earners, offering financial breathing room.

Leverage employer benefits and tax credits

Delta households earning $54,829 should explore employer-sponsored retirement plans, Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC), and low-cost index funds to build wealth incrementally. Even $100 monthly into a Roth IRA or automatic savings account creates compounding benefits over 30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Delta County

via CrimeByCounty

Delta County Maintains Strong Security Profile

Delta County earns a safety score of 98.1, reflecting a safe community for families. Its total crime rate of 1,183.5 per 100,000 residents is roughly 50% lower than the national average.

Exceeding the Michigan State Safety Mark

The county's safety score of 98.1 beats the state average of 97.8. Local crime rates are also better than the Michigan average of 1,371.8 per 100,000 people.

Comparative Safety in the Upper Peninsula

Delta County’s crime rate of 1,183.5 is higher than Chippewa County’s 700.8. Despite this, it remains a very safe choice compared to the vast majority of counties in the lower peninsula.

Low Violent Crime Risk for Residents

The violent crime rate stands at just 260.6, well below the national mark. Property crime represents 922.9 incidents per 100,000, which accounts for the majority of police calls.

Practical Steps for Home Safety

Since most local crime is property-related, residents should focus on securing valuables and outdoor equipment. Simple deterrents like motion sensors can significantly reduce the risk of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Delta County

via HealthByCounty

Delta matches U.S. life expectancy targets

At 76.5 years, Delta County aligns nearly perfectly with the U.S. average of 76.4 years, though 14.5% report poor or fair health—below the national average of 17.5%. Delta's residents enjoy better daily health than the national typical.

Slightly above Michigan baseline

Delta's 76.5-year life expectancy edges above Michigan's state average of 76.3 years, and its 6.3% uninsured rate is nearly identical to the state average of 6.4%. Delta performs solidly by Michigan standards on both measures.

Balanced health profile in Upper Peninsula

Delta's 76.5-year life expectancy sits between Crawford (76.6) and Dickinson (76.8), reflecting consistent health outcomes across the Upper Peninsula region. With 82 primary care providers per 100K, Delta has strong primary care access, ranking above most regional peers.

Strong primary care, competitive coverage

Delta's 82 primary care providers per 100K puts it well ahead of state supply levels, ensuring residents can access basic care relatively easily. At 6.3% uninsured—nearly matching the state average—most Delta residents have health insurance coverage.

Delta's coverage is nearly universal

With 6.3% uninsured, Delta has strong health insurance participation—but if you're in that small gap, now's the time to act. Explore Michigan's marketplace or local Medicaid eligibility to join your neighbors in covered care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Delta County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Educational Foundation in the U.P.

Delta County operates 15 public schools across six districts, supporting a total enrollment of 4,368 students. The system is well-balanced with five elementary schools and five high schools, ensuring students have clear pathways from early childhood through graduation. The infrastructure is entirely traditional public schools, with no charter options currently present.

Outperforming State Averages in Graduation

Delta County excels in student outcomes, boasting an 84.8% graduation rate that significantly beats the Michigan average of 82.5%. These results are achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,745, highlighting a high level of efficiency. The county's school score of 50.2 mirrors the state average, indicating a reliable quality of education.

Escanaba and Gladstone Anchor the County

Escanaba Area Public Schools is the largest district, serving 2,129 students across five schools. Gladstone Area Schools also plays a major role, managing four schools and 1,490 students. Together, these two districts provide the vast majority of educational services for the county's coastal communities.

Town-Based Learning with a Personal Touch

With ten schools located in town settings, Delta County offers a structured, accessible educational experience. The average school size is 312 students, though Escanaba JuniorSenior High stands out as a major regional hub with 1,100 students. This mix allows for both intimate elementary settings and a robust, high-activity secondary experience.

Relocate to a Top-Graduating District

If graduation rates are your top priority, Delta County’s performance makes it a standout choice in the Upper Peninsula. Homes in Escanaba and Gladstone offer families proximity to high-performing schools and a strong sense of community. Research local properties to find your place in this high-achieving educational landscape.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Delta County

via RiskByCounty

Delta County faces moderate disaster risk

Delta County's composite risk score of 53.05 with a 'Relatively Low' rating sits above Michigan's 49.56 state average. This positioning reflects moderate but manageable hazard exposure when compared to national standards.

Above-average risk for Michigan

At 53.05, Delta ranks above the state average of 49.56, placing it in Michigan's moderate-to-higher tier. The county's risk profile is driven heavily by water-related hazards tied to its Lake Superior and Menominee River geography.

Higher risk than most UP neighbors

Delta's 53.05 score exceeds Crawford County (18.03) and Chippewa County (26.30) but sits below Dickinson County (59.29). Its position as a regional risk hub reflects its unique waterfront exposure along Lake Superior.

Flooding dominates, wildfire secondary

Delta faces flood risk of 60.40—well above state average—due to its location along Lake Superior and the Menominee River, making spring snowmelt and lake-effect precipitation major seasonal concerns. Wildfire risk of 49.75 also merits attention given the county's substantial forest coverage.

Prioritize flood insurance immediately

Delta residents, especially those near lakeshores or river valleys, must secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private carriers. Standard homeowner's policies exclude flood damage, making this critical for properties in Delta's flood-prone zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Delta County

via WeatherByCounty

A cold Upper Peninsula climate

Delta County averages 42.5°F annually, which is over 11 degrees colder than the national median. The proximity to Lake Michigan influences its weather, providing a distinct maritime-influenced continental climate.

Colder than the state average

The county's average temperature of 42.5°F falls well below the Michigan statewide average of 45.7°F. This gap highlights the significant climatic difference between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

Milder snow than western neighbors

Delta's 44.8 inches of snow is surprisingly lower than Dickinson County’s 61.0 inches to the west. However, both counties share similar sub-20°F winter averages that define the region.

Mild summers and steady freezes

Extreme heat is rare here, with only 3 days per year reaching 90°F. Winters are long and cold, with a January average of 17.2°F and roughly 45 inches of annual snow.

Winterize for the long haul

With a winter average of 19.8°F, residents must focus on home insulation and reliable heating sources. The low number of extreme heat days makes air conditioning less critical than in southern Michigan.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Delta County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Acidity in the Central U.P.

Delta County's average pH of 5.33 perfectly matches the state average, though it remains more acidic than the national 6.5 median. This level of acidity is typical for many Michigan forest and farm lands.

Sandy-Silt Mix with Low Clay

The soil is composed of 52.0% sand and 28.5% silt, with only 7.5% clay. This light texture prevents compaction and makes the ground very easy to dig and manage for gardening.

Healthy Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter is strong at 22.95%, beating the state average of 19.76%. An available water capacity of 0.214 in/in ensures that crops have a better-than-average reservoir of moisture during the summer.

Moderate Permeability for Land Use

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high sand and silt content suggest moderate to fast permeability. These traits generally favor agricultural use by reducing the risk of long-term saturated roots.

Productive Gardening in Zone 5a

Zone 5a supports a wide range of hardy Michigan staples, from root vegetables to orchards. The above-average fertility and solid water retention make Delta County an inviting spot for any new gardener.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Delta County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Delta Lawn Landscape

Delta County scores a 57.1 for lawn difficulty, which is slightly more challenging than the state average but better than the national median. Homeowners in this 5a zone benefit from a climate that is generally favorable for cool-season grasses.

Cooler Summers Benefit Turf

With only 3 days of extreme heat per year, grass stays green longer without the stress of high temperatures. Annual precipitation of 31.0 inches is sufficient, though it falls on the lower end of the ideal range.

Sandy Soils Require Amendments

The soil contains 52.0% sand and has an acidic pH of 5.33. You should test your soil regularly and apply lime to bring the pH closer to 6.5 for optimal nutrient uptake.

Low Drought Risk for Delta

The county only experienced 10 weeks of drought over the past year and currently shows no abnormal dryness. This stability allows for a consistent maintenance schedule without frequent emergency watering.

Successful Seeding in Zone 5a

Kentucky Bluegrass is a standard choice for this region's climate. The best window for growth starts after the May 16 frost and ends before the first fall frost on October 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Delta County's county score?
Delta County, Michigan has a composite county score of 49.5 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 Delta County rank among counties in Michigan?
Delta County ranks #41 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 Delta County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Delta County is $1,658, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Delta County a tax score of 29.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Delta County?
The median household income in Delta County, Michigan is $54,829 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Delta County earns an income score of 24.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Delta County, Michigan a good place to live?
Delta County scores 49.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Delta 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 Delta 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.