countyscore
55.5
County Score
Cost of Living 86.8Disaster Risk 74.4Health 71

County Report Card

About Gogebic County, Michigan

High ranking in national context

Gogebic County achieves a composite score of 55.5, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high quality of life compared to the majority of U.S. counties.

A regional leader in Michigan

Surpassing the Michigan average of 47.1 by more than eight points, Gogebic is one of the state's stronger performers. Its balance of safety and low costs helps it stand out in the Upper Peninsula.

Unmatched cost of living

A cost score of 86.8 is anchored by a remarkably low median home value of $99,700 and rent of $577. The county also excels in environmental safety with a risk score of 74.4.

Tax and income hurdles

The county faces significant pressure from a 1.492% effective tax rate, resulting in a tax score of 13.1. Additionally, the income score of 13.8 reflects a lower median household income of $49,672.

Perfect for low-overhead lifestyles

This county is a premier choice for those seeking to maximize their purchasing power while enjoying high safety and health metrics. It is especially attractive to those with portable incomes who can navigate the high local tax rate.

Score breakdown

Tax13.1Cost86.8Safety67.8Health71Schools34Income13.8Risk74.4Water56.6Weather49.9
🏛13.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡67.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧56.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.1
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

Iron County
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65.4
Ontonagon County
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63.5
Ashland County
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Vilas County
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Oneida County
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Price County
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Bayfield County
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Deep Dives

Gogebic County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gogebic County

via TaxByCounty

Gogebic has Michigan's steepest rates

At 1.492%, Gogebic County has the highest effective tax rate among the eight counties profiled here and sits in the 78th percentile nationally. However, its median home value of $99,700 is the lowest in the group, keeping the actual tax bill manageable at $1,488 annually.

Among Michigan's priciest tax rates

Gogebic's 1.492% effective rate ranks in Michigan's top quartile, exceeding the state average of 1.166% by a significant margin. This western Upper Peninsula county's median property tax of $1,488 reflects high rates applied to lower property values.

Highest rate in the Upper Peninsula

Gogebic's 1.492% rate substantially exceeds neighboring Houghton County (1.269%) and Ontonagon County peers. Only Genesee County in the Lower Peninsula comes close, making Gogebic an outlier in the region.

What a typical home costs

On a median home valued at $99,700, Gogebic homeowners pay roughly $1,488 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure climbs to about $1,866 annually; without one, it drops to approximately $1,290.

Challenge your assessment

Gogebic's high tax rate makes reassessment appeals particularly valuable—even a small reduction compounds significantly. Contact the county assessor to compare your assessed value against recent comparable sales in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gogebic County

via CostByCounty

Bargain rents, modest incomes align well

Gogebic County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% is among the nation's most affordable, as renters spend significantly less of their income on housing than the U.S. average. With a median household income of $49,672—the lowest of these eight counties—the low rent environment ($577/month) makes the housing market genuinely accessible.

Michigan's affordability standout

Gogebic ranks well below Michigan's state rent-to-income average of 16.3%, making it one of the state's most affordable rental markets. The median rent of $577 is nearly $300 cheaper than the state average of $873, a gap that compounds savings over a year.

The most affordable option by far

Gogebic's $577 rent is dramatically lower than all comparable counties—Gladwin ($689), Gratiot ($808), and far below Grand Traverse ($1,215). Even accounting for lower incomes here, housing represents the smallest burden relative to earnings in this entire comparison group.

Housing takes just 13.9% of income

Renters spend $577 monthly and homeowners $660, both remarkably light loads against the $49,672 median household income. This county achieves genuine affordability by holding both sides of the housing market—rents and ownership costs—proportional to what residents actually earn.

Maximum affordability, real community tradeoffs

Gogebic County is unbeatable on housing cost, making it ideal for remote workers or retirees on fixed incomes seeking Midwest living. Be aware that lower incomes and an aging population reflect limited job growth, so remote work or other income sources are essential considerations.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gogebic County

via IncomeByCounty

Gogebic County faces a steep income gap

Gogebic County's median household income of $49,672 falls about $25,000 below the national median of $74,755—a striking 33.5% gap. This ranks among the lowest-earning counties in the nation.

Gogebic lags all Michigan counties significantly

At $49,672, Gogebic's median household income ranks among the lowest statewide, falling $14,600 short of Michigan's state average of $64,304. The per capita income of $34,085 also sits below the state average of $35,451.

Gogebic's income lowest among peer counties

Gogebic's $49,672 median household income trails every comparable county in the dataset, including Houghton ($56,573), Gladwin ($55,576), and Huron ($56,963). The county faces distinct economic headwinds relative to its regional peers.

Affordable housing offsets lower earnings

Gogebic's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio is among the nation's best, and the median home value of just $99,700 makes homeownership highly accessible. These favorable housing costs provide critical financial breathing room for lower-income households.

Low housing costs create savings opportunities

With housing consuming less than 14% of median income, Gogebic residents at $49,672 have substantial room to save beyond rent and mortgages. Building an emergency fund and exploring low-cost investment vehicles helps households work toward greater financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gogebic County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Gogebic County

Gogebic County is one of the safest regions in the country, with a total crime rate of just 753.6 per 100,000. This is nearly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an elite safety score of 98.8, reflecting its peaceful character.

A Safety Standard for Michigan

Gogebic’s safety score of 98.8 far exceeds the Michigan state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate is also roughly half of the statewide average of 1,371.8. Five dedicated reporting agencies work to maintain this high level of public security.

How Gogebic Compares Locally

Gogebic County maintains a very similar safety profile to its Upper Peninsula neighbor, Houghton County, which has a rate of 700.3. It is significantly safer than Lower Peninsula counties like Hillsdale or Gratiot. This regional safety is a hallmark of Michigan’s north country.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

Violent crime in Gogebic is remarkably low at 143.9 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime follows suit at 609.7, which is a fraction of the national 2,015.7 rate. Residents here face very low statistical risks for both person and property.

Protecting Your Peaceful Property

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but home security should never be ignored. Installing motion lighting or a simple doorbell camera can provide extra layers of protection. Staying connected with local law enforcement helps preserve the high safety standards Gogebic is known for.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gogebic County

via HealthByCounty

Gogebic holds slight national advantage

Gogebic County's life expectancy of 76.6 years sits just 2.3 years below the U.S. average of 78.9, a relatively strong showing. Yet 17.3% of residents report poor or fair health—the highest rate among these eight counties—signaling untreated disease or chronic conditions persist.

Slightly above Michigan baseline

Gogebic's 76.6-year life expectancy edges out Michigan's 76.3-year state average by a narrow 0.3 years, placing it in the middle tier of Michigan counties. With a 6.1% uninsured rate near the state average of 6.4%, healthcare access appears relatively balanced.

Mixed standing among regional peers

Gogebic's 76.6-year life expectancy outpaces Gladwin (74.0) but trails Grand Traverse (78.7) and Houghton (77.6). The county's 17.3% poor/fair health rate stands elevated against these neighbors, despite comparable provider availability.

Decent providers, poor reported health

Gogebic has 84 primary care providers and 225 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—solid numbers rivaling better-performing counties. The disconnect between provider supply and self-reported poor health suggests socioeconomic, lifestyle, or social determinant factors drive poor outcomes.

Ensure continuous coverage in Gogebic

Though Gogebic's uninsured rate matches state average, maintaining that coverage remains critical to improving health outcomes. Residents at 6.1% uninsured should verify their plans at healthcare.gov or contact their employer for open enrollment deadlines.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gogebic County

via SchoolsByCounty

Traditional Schooling in the Upper Peninsula

Gogebic County's education infrastructure serves 1,489 students through 6 public schools and 4 districts. The county relies heavily on 'Other' school configurations, with three schools offering combined K-12 or similar broad grade ranges.

Steady Academic Scores and Spending

The graduation rate stands at 83.8%, which is higher than the Michigan average of 82.5%. The county invests $7,372 per pupil, nearly matching the state average, resulting in a respectable composite school score of 51.1.

Ironwood Area and Bessemer Districts

Ironwood Area Schools of Gogebic County is the largest provider, serving 728 students, while Bessemer Area School District follows with 359 students. The county does not host any charter schools, maintaining a traditional public district model.

A Rural and Small-School Feel

With five of the six schools located in rural areas, students experience a small-town atmosphere and an average school size of 248. The Luther L Wright K12 School is the largest campus with 700 students, while Watersmeet Township School serves just 150.

Cozy Communities Near Local Schools

For those seeking a rural lifestyle with solid academic outcomes, Gogebic County offers unique opportunities. Explore homes in Ironwood or Bessemer to stay close to the county's primary educational centers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gogebic County

via RiskByCounty

Gogebic ranks among America's safest counties

Gogebic County's composite risk score of 25.60 places it in the "Very Low" category, significantly below both Michigan's state average of 49.56 and the national median. This upper-peninsula location benefits from geographic isolation and a hazard profile dominated by minimal earthquake and hurricane exposure. Residents here enjoy some of the lowest natural disaster risk in the entire Midwest.

Michigan's second-safest county

Gogebic ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Michigan, second only to a handful of similarly remote upper-peninsula locations. Its 25.60 score is less than half of Michigan's state average, reflecting remarkably low exposure across all major hazard categories. This positioning makes Gogebic one of the most disaster-resilient areas in the state.

Safer than surrounding upper-peninsula counties

Gogebic's 25.60 score places it slightly below Houghton County (24.30) and well below Grand Traverse County (65.65) in northern Michigan. Iron County and Marquette County, also in the upper peninsula, typically report similarly low-risk profiles. This consistent safety across the region reflects the upper peninsula's geographic distance from major storm and seismic zones.

Flooding is the only notable concern

Gogebic's flood risk of 30.18 is its highest hazard score; all other categories score below 20. Tornado, wildfire, earthquake, and hurricane risks are negligible by national standards. Snow and winter weather, while not captured in this risk model, remain the primary natural hazard residents should prepare for.

Basic precautions provide ample protection

Gogebic residents need standard homeowners insurance with attention to winter storm coverage rather than flood insurance or seismic reinforcement. Maintain gutters and proper drainage to prevent localized basement flooding during spring snowmelt and heavy rains. An annual roof inspection before winter will protect against snow-load damage, the primary weather threat in this region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gogebic County

via WeatherByCounty

A Northern Frontier Climate

Gogebic County records an average annual temperature of 40.2°F, placing it significantly below the U.S. national median. This continental climate remains far cooler than most of the country, reflecting its position at Michigan’s westernmost edge.

Colder Than the Michigan Average

The county's 40.2°F annual average sits well below Michigan’s state average of 45.7°F. It represents one of the coldest regions in the state, driven by its high latitude and Upper Peninsula location.

Leading the Region in Snowfall

With 185.5 inches of annual snow, Gogebic experiences far more accumulation than many of its Midwestern neighbors. It sees higher precipitation levels at 37.4 inches compared to the state average of 34.5 inches.

Severe Winters and Mild Summers

Winters are intense with a January average of 12.0°F, while summers remain cool with a July average of 66.1°F. The county only experiences 2 days of extreme heat per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F.

Prepare for Heavy Winter Impacts

Residents must invest in high-capacity snow removal equipment and heavy-duty winter gear to manage the 185.5 inches of annual snowfall. Heating systems are a critical year-round priority, while air conditioning is rarely needed given the mild summer highs.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gogebic County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply Acidic Northern Soils

Gogebic County presents highly acidic soil with a pH of 3.79, far below the national median of 6.5. This extreme level of acidity reflects a landscape often dominated by water and unique northern mineral compositions.

Silty Profile with High Saturation

The soil contains 35.8% silt but very little sand (11.2%) or clay (3.9%). Because much of the dominant texture is classified as water, the land stays highly saturated throughout the year.

Massive Organic Matter Reserves

Organic matter is a staggering 56.69%, dwarfing the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 19.76%. The available water capacity of 0.413 in/in is double the state average, creating a massive moisture reservoir.

Managing Saturated Northern Lands

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the extremely high organic content and water capacity suggest persistent dampness. Land management here focuses on moisture-tolerant systems and avoiding soil compaction.

Hardy Crops for Zone 4b

In cold zone 4b, growers should choose acid-loving plants like blueberries or cranberries. The rich organic soil rewards those who plant species adapted to wet, acidic conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gogebic County

via LawnByCounty

Resilient Lawns in the Far North

Gogebic County matches the Michigan state average lawn difficulty score of 60.1, making it surprisingly manageable despite its northern location. In Hardiness Zone 4b, the challenge is not heat, but the short growing season and extreme winter cold.

Brisk Summers and High Moisture

The county receives a generous 37.4 inches of precipitation annually, exceeding the state average of 34.4 inches. With only 2 days of extreme heat over 90°F, cool-season grasses thrive with very little heat stress throughout the summer.

Extreme Acidity in Forested Soil

The soil pH is a very low 3.79, making it among the most acidic in the state and far from the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Significant and repeated lime amendments are required to establish a traditional lawn in these conditions.

Abundant Natural Irrigation

Drought is rarely a concern here, with only 5 weeks of drought recorded in the past year. Current conditions show 0.0% of the area is dry, meaning natural rainfall usually covers all of the lawn's water requirements.

Timing the Short Growing Window

With a final spring frost on May 20th and a first fall frost on October 1st, the growing window is narrow. Perennial Ryegrass and Creeping Red Fescue are best suited for these Zone 4b conditions and should be seeded in early June.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gogebic County's county score?
Gogebic County, Michigan has a composite county score of 55.5 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 Gogebic County rank among counties in Michigan?
Gogebic County ranks #12 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 Gogebic County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Gogebic County is $1,488, with an effective tax rate of 1.49%. This earns Gogebic County a tax score of 13.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gogebic County?
The median household income in Gogebic County, Michigan is $49,672 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gogebic County earns an income score of 13.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gogebic County, Michigan a good place to live?
Gogebic County scores 55.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Gogebic 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 Gogebic County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.