countyscore
55.3
County Score
Health 87.2Income & Jobs 75Safety 74.2

County Report Card

About Emmet County, Michigan

Strong National Standing

Emmet County delivers a composite score of 55.3, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the upper tier of American counties for overall quality of life.

A Michigan High-Performer

Emmet’s score of 55.3 is much higher than the Michigan average of 47.1. It is frequently cited as one of the most desirable counties in the northern Lower Peninsula.

Low Taxes and Excellent Health

The county features an impressive health score of 87.2 and a very favorable tax score of 44.9. With an effective tax rate of just 0.905%, it is one of the most tax-efficient counties in the state.

High Housing Costs and Water Quality

A cost score of 25.4 reflects high real estate prices, with a median home value of $275,300. Additionally, the water score of 40.3 suggests that utility infrastructure is a secondary area for improvement.

Best for Affluent, Healthy Lifestyles

Emmet County is ideal for families and retirees with higher net worth who value low taxes and great health. It is a premium destination for those who can afford the higher-than-average housing prices.

Score breakdown

Tax44.9Cost25.4Safety74.2Health87.2Schools44.2Income75Risk61.9Water40.3Weather51.4
🏛44.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠25.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼75
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡74.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤87.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧40.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.6
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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Mackinac County
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Montmorency County
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Deep Dives

Emmet County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Emmet County

via CrimeByCounty

Emmet County Ranks High for Resident Safety

Emmet County earns an outstanding safety score of 99.0 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 613.4 per 100,000 is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Superior Performance in Michigan

With a safety score of 99.0, Emmet County sits comfortably above the Michigan state average of 97.8. It is one of the safest counties in the northern part of the state.

Leading the Region in Safety Metrics

Emmet’s crime rate of 613.4 is even lower than Chippewa County’s 700.8 and roughly half that of Crawford County. It remains a standout for safety in the upper lower peninsula.

Very Low Risk of Personal and Property Crime

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 228.9 per 100,000, while property crime is remarkably low at 384.5. Residents enjoy a peaceful environment with very few reported thefts or burglaries.

Keeping Your Home Secure

While crime is rare here, it is always wise to maintain basic home security and light up entry points. Keeping a watchful eye on seasonal properties helps maintain the county’s high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Emmet County

via SchoolsByCounty

Top-Tier Education in Northern Michigan

Emmet County operates 15 public schools serving 4,225 students across six school districts. The system includes seven elementary schools and three high schools, providing a focused academic path for local families. One charter school adds a layer of choice to this primarily traditional public school landscape.

High Investment Yields Top Scores

Emmet County leads the region with a school score of 52.7, surpassing the Michigan average of 50.3. This quality is backed by the highest per-pupil expenditure in this group at $8,832, well above the state average. While the 81.0% graduation rate is slightly below state levels, the overall quality metrics remain very strong.

Petoskey Leads the Way in Enrollment

The Public Schools of Petoskey is the county's educational cornerstone, serving 2,511 students across seven schools. Harbor Springs School District is another significant provider, managing three schools for 736 students. These districts are known for their strong community support and well-maintained facilities.

Small-Town Feel with High-Impact Schools

Education in Emmet County is split between rural and town settings, with an average school size of 282 students. Petoskey High School is the largest campus with 909 students, offering a comprehensive secondary experience. Smaller schools like those in the Pellston district provide a more intimate, neighborly learning environment.

Discover a Home Near Top-Rated Schools

With the highest school score in the region, Emmet County is a premier destination for education-focused homebuyers. Neighborhoods within the Petoskey and Harbor Springs districts offer access to some of the best-funded and highest-performing schools in the state. Explore the local real estate market to secure a home in these sought-after boundaries.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Emmet County

via WeatherByCounty

A northern lake-effect climate

Emmet County averages 43.3°F annually, placing it significantly below the 54°F national median. Its position at the tip of the Lower Peninsula subjects it to intense Great Lakes weather patterns.

Below average state temperatures

At 43.3°F, the county is cooler than the Michigan average of 45.7°F. Its temperature profile is nearly identical to Crawford County, though its proximity to water alters the feel.

The snow leader of the region

Emmet experiences a staggering 107.8 inches of snow, far surpassing the 48.5 inches in Gladwin County. It has the highest snowfall of the counties surveyed here.

Mild summers and heavy snow

Summer stays cool with a July average of 66.3°F and only 3 days of 90°F heat. Winter is dominated by lake-effect snow, totaling over 107 inches with a January average of 19.0°F.

Invest in heavy snow equipment

The 107.8 inches of annual snow makes professional-grade snow removal equipment a necessity. Homeowners should also focus on roof integrity to handle the significant winter snow loads.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Emmet County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate Acidity Near the Straits

Emmet County's soil pH of 5.11 is slightly below the state average of 5.30 and the national 6.5 median. This moderate acidity is common throughout the northern Lower Peninsula.

High Sand Content for Light Soil

The soil is dominated by 63.8% sand, with 15.9% silt and 9.7% clay. This high sand percentage makes the ground very light and easy to dig, though it may struggle to hold onto nutrients.

Lower Water Capacity in Sandy Ground

Organic matter stands at 16.95%, slightly below the Michigan average of 19.76%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.166 in/in, this soil is on the drier side and may need extra mulch.

Fast Drainage Prevents Root Rot

High sand percentages suggest very fast drainage across the county. While this is excellent for preventing root rot, it means that water and soluble nutrients can wash away more quickly than in heavier soils.

Hardy Options for a Zone 5b Climate

Zone 5b provides a solid range of planting options from spring bulbs to hardy vegetables. Use organic amendments to help your sandy Emmet County soil hold the moisture your plants need to flourish.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Emmet County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Ease in Emmet

Emmet County scores a 61.6 for lawn difficulty, outperforming the Michigan average of 60.1. Located in hardiness zone 5b, it offers a relatively hospitable environment for maintaining a healthy yard.

Abundant Moisture and Low Heat

With 33.5 inches of annual rain and only 3 days of extreme heat, your lawn stays cooler and more hydrated than in southern counties. This climate reduces the need for constant summer irrigation and minimizes turf dormancy.

Sandy Soil and pH Adjustment

Emmet's soil is 63.8% sand, which ensures excellent drainage but leads to rapid nutrient leaching. The pH of 5.11 is acidic, so regular fertilization and lime applications are key to maintaining a dense lawn.

Zero Drought Weeks in Emmet

The county experienced zero weeks of drought over the past year, maintaining a 0% dry area status today. This consistent moisture profile makes Emmet an ideal location for moisture-loving grass varieties.

Best Grasses for Northern Shores

Fine Fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are perfect for the 5b zone and sandy texture of Emmet County. Start your spring seeding after May 16 to avoid frost damage to young, vulnerable seedlings.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Emmet County's county score?
Emmet County, Michigan has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Emmet County rank among counties in Michigan?
Emmet County ranks #14 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 Emmet County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Emmet County is $2,492, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Emmet County a tax score of 44.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Emmet County?
The median household income in Emmet County, Michigan is $73,724 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Emmet County earns an income score of 75/100 on CountyScore.
Is Emmet County, Michigan a good place to live?
Emmet County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Emmet 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 Emmet 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.