countyscore
49.4
County Score
Cost of Living 71.6Disaster Risk 59.8Health 56.6

County Report Card

About Gladwin County, Michigan

Competitive on the national stage

Gladwin County scores a 49.4, nearly matching the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a standard of living that is consistent with the middle tier of American counties.

Outperforming the Michigan average

With a score of 49.4, Gladwin exceeds the Michigan state average of 47.1. It offers a more balanced profile than many of its more industrial neighbors.

Exceptional housing affordability

The county shines in housing costs with a score of 71.6 and a median rent of just $689 per month. Homeowners benefit from a median home value of $153,200, making it a standout for affordability.

Limited economic upward mobility

The income score is a low 26.7, reflecting a median household income of $55,576. Water quality also lags behind other dimensions with a score of 30.6.

Ideal for budget-conscious retirees

Gladwin is a great fit for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low monthly costs and safety over local high-wage employment. The combination of affordable housing and moderate risk makes it a stable, quiet choice.

Score breakdown

Tax26.3Cost71.6Safety55Health56.6Schools36.8Income26.7Risk59.8Water30.6Weather50.5
🏛26.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧30.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.5
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

Midland County
Michigan
52.4
Clare County
Michigan
43.1
Ogemaw County
Michigan
41.7
Arenac County
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Roscommon County
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Bay County
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Isabella County
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Saginaw County
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Deep Dives

Gladwin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gladwin County

via TaxByCounty

Gladwin taxes stay moderate nationally

Gladwin County's effective tax rate of 1.183% sits just slightly above the national median of 1.098%, placing it right around the 54th percentile. This means the typical Gladwin homeowner pays closer to average American property taxes than most other Michigan counties.

Right in Michigan's middle

At 1.183%, Gladwin's effective rate is nearly identical to Michigan's state average of 1.166%, putting it squarely in the middle of the pack among 83 counties. Its median property tax of $1,813 runs about 14% below the state median of $2,102.

Among the lowest in the region

Gladwin's 1.183% rate makes it one of the more affordable counties in central Michigan, below Genesee (1.398%) and Gratiot (1.271%). Only Hillsdale County to the south offers comparable tax relief.

What a typical home costs

On a median home valued at $153,200, Gladwin homeowners pay approximately $1,813 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay roughly $1,859 annually, while outright owners pay about $1,755.

Review your assessment

Even in lower-tax counties, some homeowners find themselves overassessed compared to recent comparable sales. Filing an appeal with Gladwin County's assessor could potentially reduce your tax burden further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gladwin County

via CostByCounty

Rent relief in Michigan's heartland

Gladwin County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% sits comfortably below the national average, meaning renters here keep more of their paycheck than typical Americans. Though the median household income of $55,576 falls below the national median of $74,755, housing costs are proportionally lighter.

Below-average rents, strong affordability

Gladwin ranks well against Michigan's state rent-to-income average of 16.3%, offering better housing affordability than most of the state. At $689 per month, median rent undercuts the state average by $184, giving renters meaningful monthly savings.

Cheapest rents in this comparison

Gladwin's $689 median rent is the lowest among these eight counties, offering tenants genuine relief compared to Genesee ($936) or Grand Traverse ($1,215). The trade-off: median household income here is also below regional neighbors, averaging $55,576.

Just 14.9% of income toward rent

Renters spend $689 monthly while homeowners pay $794, both well-positioned within the $55,576 median household income. This county stands out for keeping housing costs modest relative to earnings—a rare advantage in today's market.

Affordability seekers, look here first

Gladwin County delivers some of Michigan's lowest rents without sacrificing community stability or homeownership opportunity. If cost of living is your deciding factor, Gladwin outperforms almost every county in this comparison.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gladwin County

via IncomeByCounty

Gladwin households earn well below national average

Gladwin County's median household income of $55,576 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $19,200—a significant 25.7% shortfall. This places Gladwin among the lower-earning counties nationally.

Gladwin ranks below Michigan's state average

At $55,576, Gladwin's median household income falls notably below Michigan's state average of $64,304, a difference of almost $8,700. The county's per capita income of $32,413 also lags the state average of $35,451.

Gladwin among the lower earners in the region

Gladwin's $55,576 median household income trails most comparable Michigan counties, ranking below Genesee ($60,673), Gratiot ($61,128), and Huron ($56,963). Only Gogebic County ($49,672) and Houghton County ($56,573) approach Gladwin's income level.

Housing costs remain favorable in Gladwin

Gladwin's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in the dataset, meaning housing consumes less than 15% of median earnings. With a median home value of $153,200, the county offers relatively affordable homeownership compared to its income levels.

Maximize limited savings in Gladwin County

Gladwin households at the median $55,576 benefit from low housing costs, freeing up roughly 85% of income for other needs and savings. Prioritizing even small contributions to savings accounts builds financial resilience and opens pathways to future investment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gladwin County

via CrimeByCounty

Gladwin County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Gladwin County boasts a total crime rate of 1,025.1 per 100,000 residents, less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive performance earns the county a safety score of 98.4. Residents enjoy a environment significantly more secure than the typical American community.

A Leader in Michigan Safety

Gladwin County ranks high for safety in Michigan, with its 98.4 score exceeding the state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,025.1 is also lower than the Michigan average of 1,371.8. This indicates that Gladwin is one of the more tranquil counties in the state.

Comparing Gladwin to its Neighbors

Gladwin is considerably safer than neighboring Genesee County, where crime rates are twice as high. It also maintains a lower total crime rate than Gratiot County’s 1,418.1. These numbers establish Gladwin as a regional leader in public safety.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

The county reports 247.4 violent crimes and 777.7 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Both figures are well below the national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7, respectively. The data shows that property theft is the most common concern, though it remains rare compared to national trends.

Maintaining a Secure Home

Even in safe areas like Gladwin, basic security measures like locking doors and windows are essential. Consider joining a local neighborhood watch to support the four reporting agencies that keep the county safe. Simple precautions ensure that Gladwin’s low property crime rate stays that way.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gladwin County

via HealthByCounty

Gladwin's health at national crossroads

Life expectancy in Gladwin County reaches 74.0 years, roughly 4.9 years below the U.S. average of 78.9. With 16.8% of residents in poor or fair health—well above the national 12% benchmark—Gladwin faces significant health challenges.

Gladwin ranks in lower third statewide

At 74.0 years, Gladwin's life expectancy falls below Michigan's 76.3-year state average, placing it among the weaker-performing counties. The county's 7.7% uninsured rate also exceeds Michigan's 6.4% average, adding financial barriers to healthcare access.

Struggling compared to surrounding areas

Gladwin's 74.0-year life expectancy trails most neighboring counties, including Genesee (73.1), Gratiot (75.5), and Saginaw County. The county's primary care provider shortage—just 16 per 100,000—is among the state's lowest, creating access challenges.

Provider shortages hamper daily care

With only 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Gladwin residents face significant travel or wait times for basic care. Mental health support is limited too at 151 providers per 100,000, and a 7.7% uninsured rate means many forgo preventive care entirely.

Close the coverage gap in Gladwin

Gladwin's higher-than-average uninsured rate means more neighbors struggle to afford care. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Michigan's Medicaid office to explore coverage options—many qualify for low-cost or free plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gladwin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Mid-Michigan

Gladwin County maintains a focused education system consisting of just 7 public schools across two primary districts. These schools serve a total of 2,534 students, primarily within elementary and high school settings.

Strong Graduation Rates Outpace the State

The county boasts an 87.0% graduation rate, which matches the national average and significantly exceeds the Michigan state average of 82.5%. With a school score of 52.1, the county provides solid academic results despite per-pupil spending of $7,055 being lower than the state average.

Gladwin and Beaverton Community Districts

Gladwin Community Schools is the larger district with 1,605 students across five schools, followed by Beaverton Schools with 929 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning education is managed entirely by these two traditional districts.

A Mix of Town and Rural Settings

Education here feels personal, with an average school size of 362 students spread across four town-based and three rural schools. Gladwin High School and Beaverton Elementary are the largest campuses, each serving roughly 495 students.

Settling in a High-Performing Community

Families often choose Gladwin County for its impressive graduation rates and tight-knit school communities. Consider looking for a home in the Gladwin or Beaverton areas to take advantage of these successful local districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gladwin County

via RiskByCounty

Gladwin's risk remains below national norms

Gladwin County's composite risk score of 40.27 ranks it as "Very Low" nationally, well below Michigan's state average of 49.56. This favorable rating places Gladwin among the safer counties in the Midwest, though some specific hazards warrant attention. The low overall risk reflects balanced, moderate exposure across multiple hazard categories.

Middle-of-the-pack safety in Michigan

Gladwin ranks toward the safer half of Michigan's 83 counties, with its 40.27 score placing it comfortably below the state average. Counties like Gogebic and Houghton are even lower-risk, while Genesee dramatically outpaces Gladwin in overall exposure. This positioning suggests Gladwin residents face manageable—though not negligible—natural disaster risks.

Slightly elevated compared to nearby counties

Gladwin's 40.27 score exceeds nearby Houghton County (24.30) and Gogebic County (25.60), but trails Grand Traverse County (65.65) to the north. This variance reflects Gladwin's modest but steady exposure to tornado, flood, and wildfire risks. The county's position suggests residents should prepare for storms and flooding more than extreme seismic or hurricane hazards.

Flooding and tornadoes are main concerns

Flood risk of 53.94 and tornado risk of 48.95 are Gladwin's two leading hazards, though neither approaches crisis levels. Wildfire risk of 38.90 is moderate and should not be dismissed, particularly in heavily forested areas. All three hazards occur frequently enough to justify standard precautions.

Standard coverage protects most homes here

Gladwin homeowners should prioritize flood insurance and ensure their policies cover wind and hail damage from severe thunderstorms. A basement sump pump and proper drainage around the foundation reduce flood vulnerability significantly. Storm-resistant garage doors and regular roof inspections are practical investments in a county with moderate tornado and wind exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gladwin County

via WeatherByCounty

The midpoint of Michigan weather

Gladwin County averages 45.7°F annually, which is about 8 degrees cooler than the national median. It serves as a transitional climate between the southern plains and northern forests.

Matching the Michigan state average

Gladwin’s 45.7°F average perfectly matches the Michigan statewide average. Its 34.0 inches of precipitation is also nearly identical to the state mean of 34.5 inches.

Colder than the southern tier

Gladwin is about two degrees cooler than Genesee County to the southeast. It sees more snow than Eaton but significantly less than the 88 inches found in Crawford to the north.

Balanced seasons with snowy peaks

The county experiences 8 days of extreme heat over 90°F during its 69.6°F July average. Winters feature 48.5 inches of snow and a January average of 20.9°F.

Prepare for typical Michigan winters

The 48.5-inch snow total requires standard winter maintenance like snow blowers and salt. A winter average of 23.4°F means heating systems should be serviced annually to ensure efficiency.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gladwin County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols and Loamy Landscapes

Gladwin County features Alfisols with a dominant loamy texture. The average pH is 5.30, which perfectly matches the state average but remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Easy Workability with High Sand

With 69.5% sand and 10.9% clay, this soil is exceptionally easy to till and work. The sand-heavy mix promotes rapid drainage, though the clay content provides necessary structural stability for roots.

Healthy Organic Levels Above National Benchmarks

Organic matter content is 12.83%, far exceeding the 2.0% national average. However, the available water capacity of 0.153 in/in is lower than the state benchmark, suggesting a need for consistent irrigation during dry spells.

Reliable Drainage for Stable Building

These soils are well drained and belong to hydrologic group C. This makes the land excellent for residential foundations and crops that cannot tolerate standing water.

Cool Season Success in Zone 5b

Falling in zone 5b, Gladwin County is perfect for cool-season crops like carrots and kale. The well-drained loam provides an excellent foundation for a productive home vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gladwin County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Turf Maintenance in Gladwin

With a lawn difficulty score of 47.5, Gladwin County sits below the national median and the Michigan state average of 60.1. Maintaining a green lawn in Hardiness Zone 5b requires more active management than in neighboring southern counties.

Cooler Climates and Steady Rainfall

The county receives 34.0 inches of precipitation, which is almost exactly the state average, but only sees 8 extreme heat days per year. While the 2,274 growing degree days support steady growth, the shorter season means a tighter window for repair and renovation.

Neutralizing Acidic Loam Soils

The local soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.30, which is well below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0 for healthy grass. Because the soil is well-drained loam with 69.5% sand, lime applications are essential to raise the pH and unlock nutrients for the turf.

Managing 100% Abnormally Dry Conditions

The entire county is currently classified as abnormally dry, following 41 weeks of drought over the past year. Homeowners must prioritize supplemental irrigation during these dry spells to prevent the sandy loam from drying out completely.

Hardy Grasses for Northern Climates

Target late May for seeding once the frost risk passes on May 9th, choosing cold-hardy Fine Fescues or Bluegrass blends. These varieties handle the Zone 5b winters and the early October frost dates better than more sensitive species.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gladwin County's county score?
Gladwin County, Michigan has a composite county score of 49.4 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 Gladwin County rank among counties in Michigan?
Gladwin County ranks #42 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 Gladwin County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Gladwin County is $1,813, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Gladwin County a tax score of 26.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gladwin County?
The median household income in Gladwin County, Michigan is $55,576 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gladwin County earns an income score of 26.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gladwin County, Michigan a good place to live?
Gladwin County scores 49.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Gladwin 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 Gladwin 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.