countyscore
58.2
County Score
Safety 89.8Water Quality 86Health 83

County Report Card

About Dickinson County, Michigan

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Dickinson County earns an impressive composite score of 58.2, well above the national median of 50.0. This score ranks it as one of the higher-quality living environments in the country.

A Leader Among Michigan Counties

With a 58.2 score, Dickinson far outpaces the Michigan state average of 47.1. It stands out as a premier destination in the Upper Peninsula for both safety and health.

Superior Safety and Clean Water

Dickinson County boasts an elite safety score of 89.8 and a water score of 86.0. Combined with a health score of 83.0, the county provides an exceptionally high standard of physical well-being.

High Tax Burden and Schools

The tax score of 14.2 is the county's lowest mark, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.471%. Educational metrics also lag, with a school score of 26.5 that trails its other high-performing dimensions.

Perfect for Safety-Conscious Families

This county is a top choice for anyone prioritizing low crime and a healthy environment. While taxes are higher, the median home value of $130,300 makes the overall cost of entry very manageable.

Score breakdown

Tax14.2Cost69.2Safety89.8Health83Schools26.5Income44.9Risk40.7Water86Weather47.5
🏛14.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡89.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓26.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.3
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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Nearby counties

Florence County
Wisconsin
56.6
Menominee County
Michigan
56
Marinette County
Wisconsin
49.9
Iron County
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Forest County
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Marquette County
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Delta County
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Oconto County
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Deep Dives

Dickinson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dickinson County

via TaxByCounty

Dickinson's tax rate exceeds national average

Dickinson County's effective tax rate of 1.471% ranks above the national median of 1.73% on a normalized basis, making it a higher-tax jurisdiction nationally. The median property tax of $1,917 falls below the nation's $2,690, reflecting lower home valuations in the county.

Highest rate among Michigan counties

Dickinson County's 1.471% effective rate significantly exceeds Michigan's state average of 1.166%, ranking among the state's highest-tax counties. The median tax of $1,917 modestly exceeds the state median of $2,102.

Highest tax rate in the region

Dickinson County's 1.471% represents the highest effective rate in its region, substantially above Crawford County (1.093%), Clare County (1.181%), and Chippewa County (1.288%). Residents here shoulder the region's heaviest tax burden per dollar of home value.

Dickinson residents pay $1,917 median

On the county median home value of $130,300, owners pay approximately $1,917 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages average $2,084; those without average $1,726.

Appeal to challenge high assessments

Dickinson County's elevated tax rate makes overassessment especially costly—even small reductions yield meaningful savings. Review your assessment carefully and appeal if you believe your property is valued above fair market rates.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dickinson County

via CostByCounty

Dickinson Delivers Strong Rental Affordability

Dickinson County residents spend 14.4% of their household income on rent—tied with Clinton County for the lowest ratio among profiled Michigan counties and well below the national average. With a median household income of $61,882 and monthly rents of $744, Dickinson offers compelling affordability for renters across income levels.

Among Michigan's Most Affordable Counties

Dickinson County ranks second in Michigan rental affordability with a 14.4% rent-to-income ratio, beating the state average of 16.3% and offering rents 15% below Michigan's median of $873. This combination positions Dickinson as one of the state's strongest housing markets for renters.

Upper Peninsula's Sweetest Rental Deal

Dickinson County's $744 rent and 14.4% ratio beat or match most regional peers—only Delta ($698) offers lower absolute rent, but Dickinson's higher income-to-cost ratio and lower median home value ($130,300) create superior overall affordability. For renters valuing both low costs and ownership potential, Dickinson outperforms its neighbors.

Ownership Costs Nearly Mirror Renting

Dickinson County renters and homeowners pay nearly identical monthly costs—$744 for rent versus $750 for mortgages—creating genuine flexibility between housing pathways. The median home value of $130,300 makes ownership achievable for many households earning the county's $61,882 median income.

Dickinson Rivals Michigan's Best Affordability

Dickinson County joins Michigan's top-tier affordable counties with a 14.4% rent-to-income ratio and balanced rents and ownership costs around $750 monthly. If you're comparing Michigan relocations and value both rental and ownership affordability, Dickinson delivers competitive fundamentals without Delta's isolation or Clinton's premium pricing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dickinson County

via IncomeByCounty

Dickinson income moderately below national

Dickinson County's median household income of $61,882 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,873, placing it solidly in the middle range of U.S. counties. This performance reflects a stable but not highly dynamic local economy centered on healthcare and small manufacturing.

Slightly above Michigan state average

At $61,882, Dickinson County sits nearly 4% below Michigan's state median of $64,304—nearly on par with the average. This positions Dickinson in the middle tier of Michigan's 83 counties for household earnings.

Strong performer among northern counties

Dickinson's $61,882 median exceeds Crawford ($58,614), Chippewa ($60,631), and Clare ($49,805), ranking among the stronger-earning northern Michigan communities. Only Emmet ($73,724) and Clinton ($85,928) outperform Dickinson significantly in the region.

Excellent housing affordability

At 14.4%, Dickinson's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all eight counties reviewed, signaling exceptional housing affordability. A median home value of $130,300 is highly accessible for local earners, leaving ample income for savings and other priorities.

Capitalize on stable, affordable living

Dickinson households benefit from low housing costs—save the difference between local and national affordability ratios by directing 10–15% of income to retirement accounts and investments. This disciplined approach can accelerate wealth building faster than higher-income counties with elevated housing burdens.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dickinson County

via CrimeByCounty

Dickinson County is One of America's Safest

With a near-perfect safety score of 99.7, Dickinson County is exceptionally secure. Its total crime rate of 212.0 per 100,000 is more than ten times lower than the national average.

Elite Status Among Michigan Counties

Dickinson County far exceeds the Michigan average safety score of 97.8. It ranks as a leader in public safety, reporting far fewer incidents than the state average of 1,371.8.

Unmatched Safety Compared to Neighbors

Dickinson’s total crime rate of 212.0 is over five times lower than neighbor Delta County’s rate of 1,183.5. It sets a very high standard for regional public safety.

Negligible Crime Rates Across the Board

The violent crime rate is a tiny 57.8 per 100,000, while property crime is also minimal at 154.2. These numbers mean that crime is a very rare occurrence for the local population.

Maintaining the Standard of Safety

In such a low-crime environment, community awareness and neighborly ties are your best defense. Standard locks and basic visibility are typically all that is needed to stay secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dickinson County

via HealthByCounty

Dickinson beats national health averages

At 76.8 years, Dickinson County exceeds the U.S. life expectancy average of 76.4 years, and only 14.5% report poor or fair health—well below the national average of 17.5%. Dickinson residents enjoy stronger health outcomes than the typical American.

Above Michigan's health benchmark

Dickinson's 76.8-year life expectancy surpasses Michigan's state average of 76.3 years, while its 5.1% uninsured rate ranks among the state's best—well below the 6.4% state average. Dickinson stands in Michigan's upper tier for both longevity and coverage.

Regional health leader with strong mental health capacity

Dickinson's 76.8-year life expectancy and 5.1% uninsured rate lead its Upper Peninsula peers, and its 389 mental health providers per 100K is among the region's highest. The combination of better insurance coverage and robust mental health infrastructure sets Dickinson apart.

Excellent mental health access, solid primary care

Dickinson's 389 mental health providers per 100K reflect exceptional access to behavioral health services—critical for communities navigating mental health challenges. With 74 primary care providers per 100K and 5.1% uninsured, Dickinson balances good care access with strong insurance coverage.

Dickinson's low uninsured rate reflects success

At 5.1% uninsured, Dickinson has achieved strong community coverage—but if you're among the few without insurance, the county's robust mental health resources are even more valuable to access. Check marketplace options to secure your health coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dickinson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Precision Education in Iron Mountain

Dickinson County manages 14 public schools across five districts, serving 3,636 students. The system is thoughtfully organized with three elementary, four middle, and four high schools. Like many of its neighbors, the county focuses on traditional public school districts without any charter school presence.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Efficiency

Dickinson County is a regional leader in success, with an 85.8% graduation rate that nears the 87% national benchmark. This achievement is notable given a per-pupil expenditure of only $6,519, which is well below both state and national averages. The 50.3 school score perfectly matches the Michigan state average.

Breitung Township Leads Regional Enrollment

Breitung Township School District is the largest in the county, educating 1,972 students across just three schools. Iron Mountain Public Schools also provides essential services, managing five schools for 756 students. Norway-Vulcan Area Schools serves the eastern portion of the county with an additional three campuses.

Town-Centered Schools with Large Primary Hubs

Most students attend school in town settings, as 10 of the 14 campuses are located in developed areas. The average school size is 280 students, providing a intimate feel for most grades. Woodland Elementary is the largest school in the county, serving 805 students in a centralized primary environment.

Invest in a High-Performing Community

With one of the highest graduation rates in the region, Dickinson County is an attractive destination for families. Homes within the Breitung Township or Iron Mountain districts put you close to the county's most robust academic and athletic facilities. Explore the local market to find a residence near these successful schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dickinson County

via RiskByCounty

Dickinson faces higher-than-average risk

Dickinson County's composite risk score of 59.29 with a 'Relatively Low' rating exceeds Michigan's 49.56 state average. While still manageable, Dickinson residents face notably higher disaster exposure than many U.S. counties.

Among Michigan's higher-risk counties

At 59.29, Dickinson ranks above Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it in the state's upper-risk tier. The county's composite score reflects multiple hazard types contributing to elevated overall exposure.

Riskier than most Upper Peninsula peers

Dickinson's 59.29 score surpasses Delta County (53.05), Chippewa County (26.30), and Crawford County (18.03), making it the Upper Peninsula's riskiest county. Only Eaton County statewide exceeds Dickinson's overall risk level.

Flooding is primary concern

Dickinson faces flood risk of 38.74, the county's dominant hazard, driven by its location along the Menominee River and exposure to snowmelt and heavy precipitation events. Multiple tornado risk of 25.80 and wildfire risk of 27.77 add secondary seasonal threats.

Secure comprehensive flood and storm coverage

Dickinson homeowners should obtain flood insurance through the NFIP, particularly those in river valleys or low-lying areas prone to seasonal inundation. Ensure your homeowner's policy includes adequate tornado and wind coverage for this Upper Peninsula county's moderate-to-high risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dickinson County

via WeatherByCounty

Chilly averages in the Northwoods

Dickinson County is one of the colder spots in the nation with an average annual temperature of 42.1°F. This is nearly 12 degrees colder than the national median, resulting in long, snowy winters.

Below the Michigan temperature mean

The average annual temperature of 42.1°F is well below the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It is also one of the drier counties in the state, receiving only 26.1 inches of precipitation annually.

Drier and colder than Delta

Dickinson is slightly colder than neighboring Delta County and sees about 5 inches less annual precipitation. However, it receives more snow, totaling 61 inches compared to Delta's 44.8.

Frigid Januaries and pleasant Junes

January is particularly harsh with an average temperature of 14.4°F. Summers are mild and pleasant, averaging 65.8°F, though the county still sees about 6 days of 90°F heat.

Prioritize heating and snow removal

Residents should prepare for a winter average of just 17.4°F with high-performance home heating systems. The 61 inches of snow requires reliable equipment and vehicle preparation for safe winter travel.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dickinson County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Forest Soils of the North

Dickinson County has a pH of 4.96, making it more acidic than the state average of 5.30 and the national median of 6.5. This acidity is a hallmark of the forested regions in the Upper Peninsula.

Predominantly Sandy Soil Texture

The soil is 54.5% sand with a very low 5.3% clay content. This texture ensures the ground doesn't become sticky or heavy, but it may require amendments to help retain vital nutrients.

Solid Organic Levels with Moderate Storage

At 21.01%, the organic matter is slightly higher than the state average of 19.76%. However, the available water capacity of 0.194 in/in is just below the state norm, reflecting the soil's sandy nature.

Quick Water Movement Through Sand

Specific drainage data is missing, but the high sand percentage typically indicates rapid water movement. This minimizes mud issues but means gardens will likely need more frequent watering during dry spells.

Cold-Hardy Selection for Zone 4b

The 4b hardiness zone requires plants that can handle a shorter, cooler growing season. Focus on cold-hardy greens and native shrubs that thrive in naturally acidic, sandy environments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dickinson County

via LawnByCounty

Dickinson's Moderate Lawn Difficulty

Dickinson County scores a 49.3 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it slightly more challenging than the national average. Gardeners in this 4b hardiness zone must work harder to overcome lower precipitation and colder winters.

Lower Precipitation and Moderate Heat

The annual precipitation of 26.1 inches is below the ideal 30-inch threshold, making supplemental irrigation a necessity. Despite the cold zone, the county still sees 6 days of extreme heat that can stress unwatered grass.

Sandy Foundation and Acidic pH

The soil is 54.5% sand and has an acidic pH of 4.96. You will need to add organic matter to improve the soil's ability to hold the 26.1 inches of rain that falls annually.

Current Dryness in the Region

While the county only saw 10 weeks of drought last year, 17.5% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep watering early in the morning to maximize every drop in this lower-rainfall area.

Growing in the Upper Peninsula

Hardy grasses like Creeping Red Fescue are ideal for zone 4b and sandy soils. Plan your seeding after the late spring frost on May 25 to ensure the soil is warm enough for germination.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dickinson County's county score?
Dickinson County, Michigan has a composite county score of 58.2 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 Dickinson County rank among counties in Michigan?
Dickinson County ranks #8 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 Dickinson County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Dickinson County is $1,917, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Dickinson County a tax score of 14.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dickinson County?
The median household income in Dickinson County, Michigan is $61,882 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dickinson County earns an income score of 44.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dickinson County, Michigan a good place to live?
Dickinson County scores 58.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Dickinson 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 Dickinson 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.