CountyScore

Dickinson County

Michigan · MI

#52 in Michigan
67.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Dickinson County, Michigan

Clearly above national average

Dickinson County's composite score of 67.7 beats the national median of 50.0 by 35%, reflecting above-average livability nationally. The county balances reasonable housing costs with competitive income levels for its region.

Slightly below Michigan average

At 67.7, Dickinson County falls just short of Michigan's state average of 68.7, placing it in the middle-lower range statewide. The modest gap reflects tax burden challenges relative to neighboring counties.

Solid income and housing combo

Dickinson County offers a reasonable income score of 23.8 with median household income of $61,882, and excellent housing affordability with a cost score of 83.7 and median home value of $130,300. The combination provides good value for working families.

Higher tax burden limits appeal

The tax score of 60.9 is the weakest in this cohort, with an effective rate of 1.471% that noticeably exceeds peers and constrains overall affordability. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, and environment remain incomplete.

Suited for working families trading taxes

Dickinson County appeals to working families willing to accept higher tax rates in exchange for decent wages and affordable housing. The county offers balance between income opportunity and cost of living, despite steeper tax obligations.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax60.9Cost83.7SafetyComing SoonHealth77.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.8Risk40.7WaterComing Soon
🏛60.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡40.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Dickinson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Taylor County
Florida
67.9
Median income: $44,985
Lumpkin County
Georgia
67.9
Median income: $72,388
Bonneville County
Idaho
67.9
Median income: $76,646
Bell County
Kentucky
67.9
Median income: $32,403
Franklin County
Kentucky
67.9
Median income: $66,470

Deep Dives

Dickinson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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