CountyScore

Grand Traverse County

Michigan · MI

#55 in Michigan
67.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Grand Traverse County, Michigan

Grand Traverse outperforms national standards

Grand Traverse County scores 66.6, placing it in the 66th percentile nationally and substantially above the U.S. median of 50.0. This solid ranking reflects strong overall livability in a growing northern Michigan region.

Slightly below Michigan's average ranking

At 66.6, Grand Traverse falls just under Michigan's state average of 68.7, ranking slightly below the midpoint of state counties. Still, it remains well-positioned among Michigan's more livable communities.

Highest incomes drive economic strength

Grand Traverse leads this group with an income score of 35.3 and a median household income of $79,486, reflecting strong economic opportunity and growth. The tax score of 74.7 features the lowest effective rate at 0.979%, providing meaningful tax relief for higher earners.

Higher housing costs offset income advantages

The cost score of 68.4 reflects median rents of $1,215/month and home values of $296,200—significantly higher than peer counties. Safety, health, school, and other livability dimensions lack current data and should factor into any relocation decision.

Best for affluent professionals seeking amenities

Grand Traverse County suits higher-income professionals and established families drawn to northern Michigan's recreational and cultural amenities. Its premium pricing pairs with strong incomes and low taxes, making it ideal for those who can afford the elevated housing market.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.7Cost68.4SafetyComing SoonHealth80.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.3Risk34.4WaterComing Soon
🏛74.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡34.4
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 Grand Traverse County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Faulkner County
Arkansas
67.4
Median income: $65,071
Randolph County
Georgia
67.4
Median income: $25,425
Talbot County
Georgia
67.4
Median income: $45,098
Fayette County
Illinois
67.4
Median income: $57,113
Hancock County
Illinois
67.4
Median income: $65,044

Deep Dives

Grand Traverse County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Grand Traverse County

via TaxByCounty

Grand Traverse has the lowest rate

Grand Traverse County's effective tax rate of 0.979% ranks among the lowest in the nation, sitting in the 31st percentile and well below the national median of 1.098%. This northern Michigan resort county provides substantial tax relief despite median home values of $296,200—the highest in this group.

Michigan's most tax-friendly county

At 0.979%, Grand Traverse has the lowest effective tax rate among all eight profiled counties and runs 16% below Michigan's state average of 1.166%. Its median property tax of $2,900 reflects high property values rather than high rates.

Far more affordable than peers

Grand Traverse's 0.979% rate dramatically undercuts nearby Genesee (1.398%) and Gratiot (1.271%), offering significantly better tax value for upscale properties. Only Hillsdale County approaches its affordability at 0.964%.

What a typical home costs

On a median home valued at $296,200, Grand Traverse homeowners pay approximately $2,900 per year in property taxes—the highest nominal bill in this group, but the lowest rate. Mortgaged homes cost about $2,926 annually; mortgage-free homes, roughly $2,845.

Even low rates warrant review

Grand Traverse's attractive tax rate doesn't eliminate the possibility of overassessment, especially in a hot real estate market. Every homeowner should verify their assessed value against recent comparable sales—even modest savings add up on higher-value properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grand Traverse County

via CostByCounty

Premium resort market, above-average incomes

Grand Traverse County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% ranks above the national average, reflecting the county's appeal as a vacation and retirement destination. However, the median household income of $79,486 exceeds the national median of $74,755, giving residents more earning power to absorb higher housing costs.

Priciest rents in Michigan comparison

Grand Traverse's median rent of $1,215 far surpasses Michigan's state average of $873, making it the most expensive rental market among these eight counties. The rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% also exceeds the state average of 16.3%, reflecting this county's premium positioning.

Resort premium reflected in every price

Grand Traverse's $1,215 median rent towers over nearby Genesee ($936) and Gladwin ($689), driven by tourism, seasonal residents, and natural amenities. The median home value of $296,200 is nearly double Genesee's $172,900, positioning this as Michigan's most expensive housing market in this group.

Highest rents and home values statewide

Renters pay $1,215 monthly while homeowners face $1,170 in costs, both surpassing every other county here by wide margins. Against the $79,486 median income, these costs consume substantial earnings but remain manageable thanks to above-average household wealth.

Premium living for higher earners

Grand Traverse County suits remote workers, retirees with substantial assets, or professionals seeking a resort community lifestyle near Traverse City. If you're relocating on a modest budget, the significantly lower costs in Gladwin, Gogebic, or Gratiot offer better value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grand Traverse County

via IncomeByCounty

Grand Traverse exceeds the national income standard

Grand Traverse County's median household income of $79,486 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $4,731—a 6.3% advantage. The county ranks solidly above the national average for household earnings.

Grand Traverse tops Michigan's income rankings

At $79,486, Grand Traverse's median household income significantly exceeds Michigan's state average of $64,304, outearning the state by nearly $15,000. The per capita income of $43,501 also ranks among the highest statewide, well above the state average of $35,451.

Grand Traverse dominates regional income rankings

Grand Traverse's $79,486 median household income substantially exceeds all comparable counties, outearning Genesee ($60,673) by $18,800 and Gratiot ($61,128) by $18,400. The county represents the regional income leader by a clear margin.

Higher incomes offset premium home values

Despite a median home value of $296,200—more than double most peer counties—Grand Traverse's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio remains within the healthy affordability range. Strong household earnings make even premium housing accessible relative to income.

Leverage Grand Traverse's earning power

Grand Traverse households earning the median $79,486 possess substantial capacity for investment and wealth building beyond basic housing costs. This positions residents to aggressively pursue retirement savings, diversified investments, and long-term financial goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Grand Traverse County

via HealthByCounty

Grand Traverse leads Michigan health

At 78.7 years, Grand Traverse County's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 78.9—a remarkable outcome. Just 12.6% of residents report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among these eight counties and below the national 12% average.

Michigan's health performance leader

Grand Traverse outpaces Michigan's 76.3-year state average by 2.4 years, ranking among the state's healthiest counties. Its 5.7% uninsured rate—the lowest among the eight—beats Michigan's 6.4% average and ensures broad healthcare access.

Far ahead of surrounding counties

Grand Traverse's 78.7-year life expectancy significantly exceeds all neighboring counties, including Houghton (77.6), Gogebic (76.6), and Manistee County. Its 12.6% poor/fair health rate stands well below regional peers, reflecting superior overall wellness.

Provider abundance fuels excellence

Grand Traverse boasts 133 primary care providers and 567 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest mental health capacity among all eight counties. This robust infrastructure, combined with just 5.7% uninsured, ensures residents access preventive and mental healthcare readily.

Maintain coverage excellence

Grand Traverse's low uninsured rate reflects strong healthcare engagement, but staying covered remains essential. Review your plan annually at healthcare.gov to ensure continuous protection and access to the region's excellent healthcare network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grand Traverse County

via RiskByCounty

Grand Traverse sits slightly above national average

Grand Traverse County's composite risk score of 65.65 places it in the "Relatively Low" category nationally, modestly above Michigan's state average of 49.56. The county faces meaningful but manageable exposure to floods, tornadoes, and wildfires. This profile is typical of northern Midwest counties with lakes and forest terrain.

Mid-range risk profile for Michigan

Grand Traverse ranks in the upper-middle tier of Michigan's 83 counties, with its 65.65 score exceeding the state average by about 16 points. Several counties like Genesee are far riskier, while many upper-peninsula and rural counties report lower exposure. Grand Traverse's position reflects its geography as a Great Lakes-region county with mixed hazard exposure.

Moderate risk in the northern Lower Peninsula

Grand Traverse's 65.65 score exceeds Gladwin County (40.27) and nearby Emmet County, but falls below Huron County (59.03) on the eastern shore. Regional variation reflects proximity to Lake Michigan and local topography; Grand Traverse's lakeside position creates unique flood and weather patterns. The county's risk profile is generally comparable to other northern Michigan lake communities.

Floods and tornadoes require attention

Flood risk of 57.95 and tornado risk of 43.03 are Grand Traverse's primary hazards, reflecting the county's exposure to spring runoff, lake-effect precipitation, and warm-season severe weather. Wildfire risk of 31.04 is moderate given the extensive forests in the region. All three hazards occur frequently enough to merit standard preparation and insurance.

Flood insurance and storm prep essential

Grand Traverse residents should carry separate flood insurance, particularly those in low-lying areas or near streams and the lakeshore. Ensure your homeowners policy covers wind and hail from thunderstorms, and consider reinforced garage doors if exposed to tornado-prone areas. Regular tree trimming around your home reduces wildfire and wind-damage risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.