CountyScore

Gladwin County

Michigan · MI

#37 in Michigan
69.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Gladwin County, Michigan

Gladwin ranks in top 40% nationally

Gladwin County's score of 70.4 places it in the 70th percentile across the United States, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This strong performance positions the county as one of the more livable places in America.

Exceeds Michigan's statewide average

At 70.4, Gladwin edges out Michigan's state average of 68.7, ranking among the state's better-performing counties. The county demonstrates that smaller, rural Michigan communities can compete on livability metrics.

Outstanding affordability with moderate taxes

Gladwin shines with a cost score of 84.1, offering some of Michigan's most affordable housing at $689/month rent and $153,200 median home values. The tax score of 69.0 reflects a low 1.183% effective rate, making it a genuinely budget-friendly option.

Modest income levels limit economic opportunity

The income score of 19.7 indicates a median household income of $55,576, the lowest among these eight counties. Data gaps remain on safety, health, and schools, leaving important livability factors to be determined.

Perfect for retirees and remote workers

Gladwin County is ideal for people seeking maximum affordability and low tax burden, particularly retirees and remote workers unconcerned with local job markets. Its exceptional cost profile makes it one of Michigan's best values for those prioritizing financial flexibility.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69Cost84.1SafetyComing SoonHealth70.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.7Risk59.8WaterComing Soon
🏛69
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡59.8
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 Gladwin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Alaska
69.6
Median income: $89,155
Lawrence County
Arkansas
69.6
Median income: $44,164
Logan County
Colorado
69.6
Median income: $55,074
Jasper County
Georgia
69.6
Median income: $59,574
Pickens County
Georgia
69.6
Median income: $75,293

Deep Dives

Gladwin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.