CountyScore

Emmet County

Michigan · MI

#25 in Michigan
71.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Emmet County, Michigan

Well above national livability benchmark

Emmet County's composite score of 69.3 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 39%, placing it among stronger-performing counties nationwide. The county combines reasonable housing costs with the lowest tax burden in the entire cohort.

Exceeds Michigan's state average

At 69.3, Emmet County ranks above Michigan's state average of 68.7, positioning it in the upper tier statewide. The county delivers competitive livability on a state-level basis.

Best tax efficiency in the group

Emmet County leads with a tax score of 76.8 and the lowest effective tax rate of 0.905%, the best in this entire cohort. The income score of 31.5 with median household income of $73,724 provides solid earning power for the region.

Premium home prices offset affordability

The cost score of 73.2 is moderate, reflecting the highest median home value of $275,300 among these eight counties and rent at $1,033 per month. Data on safety, health, schools, and environment remain unavailable for complete assessment.

Ideal for affluent retirees and professionals

Emmet County appeals to affluent retirees and successful professionals seeking lower tax burdens, moderate housing markets relative to income, and premium waterfront or resort community living. The county rewards high earners prioritizing tax efficiency in an upscale Northern Michigan setting.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.8Cost73.2SafetyComing SoonHealth79.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.5Risk61.9WaterComing Soon
🏛76.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡61.9
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 Emmet County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Barbour County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,290
Marengo County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,205
Clark County
Arkansas
71.3
Median income: $50,985
Jefferson County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $56,984
Lafayette County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $60,692

Deep Dives

Emmet County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Emmet County

via TaxByCounty

Emmet has the nation's lowest tax rate

Emmet County's effective tax rate of 0.905% ranks among the lowest in the nation, far below the national median of 1.73%. Despite higher home values, the median property tax of $2,492 stays well below the nation's $2,690, reflecting exceptional tax efficiency.

Michigan's lowest effective tax rate

Emmet County's 0.905% rate dramatically undercuts Michigan's state average of 1.166%, positioning it as the most tax-friendly county in the state. The median tax of $2,492 remains below the state median of $2,102 despite substantially higher property values.

Region's lowest rate by far

Emmet County's 0.905% stands well below all regional peers, including Crawford County's 1.093% and Clare County's 1.181%. Only Emmet residents enjoy this exceptional low-tax advantage across the region.

Emmet pays just $2,492 median tax

On the county median home value of $275,300—the region's highest—owners pay only $2,492 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged homes average $2,383; those owned outright average $2,663.

Even low assessments deserve review

Emmet County's minimal tax rate doesn't guarantee perfect assessments—overvaluation can still occur even in the state's lowest-tax county. Review your assessment annually and appeal if your home's value exceeds comparable recent sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Emmet County

via CostByCounty

Emmet's Premium Housing Reflects Waterfront Appeal

Emmet County residents spend 16.8% of household income on rent, just above the national average, but face the highest median home values ($275,300) among all profiled Michigan counties. With a median household income of $73,724—just below the national average—Emmet's elevated property values reflect its desirable lakefront location and seasonal tourism economy.

Michigan's Most Expensive Market by Home Value

Emmet County ranks highest in Michigan's profiled counties for median home values ($275,300) and boasts a 16.8% rent-to-income ratio just above the state average of 16.3%, with rents of $1,033 exceeding Michigan's median by 18%. This premium pricing reflects the county's Northern Michigan location and recreational appeal.

Highest Values, Mid-Range Rents

Emmet County's $275,300 median home value significantly exceeds neighboring Clinton ($243,700) and Eaton ($206,700) counties, yet its $1,033 monthly rent sits between Eaton ($1,042) and Dickinson ($744). This creates a paradox: highest home values but not highest rents, reflecting a market driven by vacation properties and wealthy retirees.

Ownership Premium Reflects Resort Market Dynamics

Emmet County homeowners pay $1,081 monthly compared to renters' $1,033, a modest $48 difference that belies the county's elevated home values of $275,300. The gap reflects a market where seasonal tourism and vacation home purchases drive up property values faster than local income growth.

Emmet Suits Those Prioritizing Location

Emmet County demands premium prices ($275,300 median home values) but offers Northern Michigan's coveted lakefront communities and recreational lifestyle. Consider Emmet if you value waterfront access and year-round resort amenities enough to stretch your housing budget beyond pure affordability metrics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Emmet County

via IncomeByCounty

Emmet County near national income average

Emmet County's median household income of $73,724 sits just $1,031 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among average-earning counties nationwide. This proximity to the national benchmark reflects a stable, diversified economy anchored by tourism, healthcare, and light manufacturing.

Above Michigan state average

At $73,724, Emmet County exceeds Michigan's state median of $64,304 by $9,420, ranking among the state's stronger-income counties. This advantage reflects stronger-than-average employment opportunities and workforce compensation in the region.

Strong earner among regional peers

Emmet's $73,724 trails only Clinton County ($85,928) and Eaton County ($78,025) in the regional comparison, outperforming all other northern Michigan counties. This performance reflects Emmet's robust tourism infrastructure and healthcare sector.

Housing premium reflects desirability

At 16.8%, Emmet's rent-to-income ratio is moderate despite median home values of $275,300—the highest among all eight counties. The premium reflects Emmet's coastal appeal and tourism draw, which elevate property values and housing costs relative to inland counties.

Balance lifestyle and long-term wealth

Emmet households earning $73,724 should allocate 20% of income—roughly $14,700 annually—to retirement accounts and investments while enjoying the region's quality of life. Coastal living commands a premium; ensure investments keep pace with higher local costs to preserve long-term purchasing power.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Emmet County

via HealthByCounty

Emmet County leads on national longevity

At 78.7 years, Emmet County residents live 2.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and only 12.6% report poor or fair health—well below the national average of 17.5%. Emmet ranks among America's healthier communities.

One of Michigan's longest-living communities

Emmet's 78.7-year life expectancy is 2.4 years above Michigan's state average of 76.3 years, placing it in the state's top tier for longevity. At 6.5% uninsured, Emmet is nearly at the state average, indicating strong community insurance participation.

Outstanding longevity and mental health resources

Emmet's 78.7-year life expectancy trails only Clinton (79.9) regionally, while its 460 mental health providers per 100K is the highest among all peer counties. With 117 primary care providers per 100K, Emmet leads primary care access across the region.

Exceptional provider infrastructure county-wide

Emmet's 117 primary care providers per 100K is among Michigan's highest, ensuring residents can readily access routine medical care without significant waits. At 6.5% uninsured, about 1 in 15 residents lack coverage, leaving room to improve community protection.

Complete Emmet's health security

While 93.5% of Emmet residents have health insurance, if you're among the 6.5% uninsured, your county's exceptional provider network makes coverage essential to use. Explore Michigan's marketplace or Medicaid to secure your access to Emmet's abundant healthcare resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Emmet County

via RiskByCounty

Emmet County ranks among safer regions

Emmet County's composite risk score of 38.14 with a 'Very Low' rating sits well below Michigan's 49.56 state average. This favorable position places Emmet residents in relatively low-risk territory compared to national disaster exposure patterns.

Below-average risk for Michigan

At 38.14, Emmet ranks below Michigan's state average of 49.56, positioning it firmly in the state's safer half. The county's very low composite rating reflects its location in northern Michigan's geographically stable zone.

Safer than Eaton and Dickinson peers

Emmet's 38.14 score outperforms higher-risk counties like Eaton (67.62) and Dickinson (59.29) but sits above Crawford County (18.03) and Chippewa County (26.30). This positions Emmet in Michigan's mid-to-lower-risk geography.

Flooding and tornadoes pose main threats

Emmet faces flood risk of 53.15—slightly above state average—due to its location near lakes and seasonal precipitation, particularly around Burt Lake and Mullett Lake. Tornado risk of 28.12 adds a secondary concern during spring severe weather season, though below statewide averages.

Cover water and storm damage risks

Emmet residents near lakes and low-lying areas should secure flood insurance through the NFIP, as standard policies exclude water damage. Ensure your homeowner's policy includes adequate tornado and wind coverage to protect against the county's seasonal severe weather threats.

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.