CountyScore

Gratiot County

Michigan · MI

#48 in Michigan
68.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Gratiot County, Michigan

Gratiot ranks solidly in top third nationally

With a score of 67.9, Gratiot County places in the 67th percentile across the United States, well above the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates above-average livability for a central Michigan county.

Marginally below Michigan's average

Gratiot's 67.9 score trails Michigan's state average of 68.7 by less than a point, placing it very near the state median. The county remains competitive among Michigan's 83 counties.

Strong affordability with balanced tax burden

Gratiot scores 80.0 on cost, offering affordable housing with median rents of $808/month and home values of $136,800. The tax score of 66.5 reflects a reasonable 1.271% effective rate, providing solid financial stability.

Modest incomes limit wealth-building potential

The income score of 23.3 corresponds to a median household income of $61,128, modest for supporting long-term wealth accumulation. Critical data on safety, health, and schools remain unavailable, requiring independent research before moving.

Suitable for working families seeking balance

Gratiot County appeals to working families prioritizing affordable housing and moderate taxes over premium local earning opportunities. Its balanced profile makes it a practical choice for those seeking stability and reasonable cost of living in central Michigan.

Score breakdown

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

Tax66.5Cost80SafetyComing SoonHealth76.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.3Risk45.9WaterComing Soon
🏛66.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡45.9
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 Gratiot County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Calhoun County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $55,826
Dallas County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $36,810
Houston County
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68.1
Median income: $57,531
Pope County
Arkansas
68.1
Median income: $54,606
Summit County
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68.1
Median income: $106,255

Deep Dives

Gratiot County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gratiot County

via TaxByCounty

Gratiot rates climb above average

Gratiot County's 1.271% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.098%, landing it in the 62nd percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,739 runs about 35% below the national median, reflecting lower home values in this central Michigan county.

Above Michigan's average rate

At 1.271%, Gratiot County runs 9% higher than Michigan's state average of 1.166%, placing it in the upper-middle range among 83 counties. Its median property tax of $1,739 tracks below the state median of $2,102.

Moderate compared to the region

Gratiot's 1.271% rate sits between nearby Genesee (1.398%) and Gladwin (1.183%), positioning it as a mid-range option in central Michigan. Houghton County matches it nearly exactly at 1.269%.

What a typical home costs

On a median home valued at $136,800, Gratiot homeowners pay roughly $1,739 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay about $1,810 annually; homeowners without mortgages pay approximately $1,605.

Appeal if overassessed

Gratiot County homeowners can challenge their assessments with the county assessor if recent property sales suggest overvaluation. A successful appeal could reduce your annual tax burden and free up cash for home improvements or other investments.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gratiot County

via CostByCounty

Modest rents, modest incomes balance fairly

Gratiot County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% sits slightly below the national average, offering reasonable affordability despite household incomes of $61,128 falling short of the national median of $74,755. At $808 per month, median rent reflects a working-class market that keeps housing proportional to earnings.

Below Michigan's rental average

Gratiot ranks below Michigan's state rent-to-income average of 16.3%, offering better affordability than most of the state. The median rent of $808 undercuts the state average of $873, delivering concrete monthly savings for tenants.

Middle ground among eight counties

Gratiot's $808 rent falls between Gladwin ($689) and Genesee ($936), positioning it as a moderate option for affordability-conscious renters. With the second-lowest median household income at $61,128, Gratiot balances costs and earnings comparably well against its neighbors.

15.9% of income covers rental housing

Renters spend $808 monthly while homeowners pay $912 in ownership costs, both reasonable loads against the $61,128 median household income. Gratiot achieves balance by keeping both rental and ownership housing aligned with what working families actually earn.

Stable affordability for working families

Gratiot County offers a pragmatic choice for families seeking affordable housing without sacrifice in community stability or homeownership opportunity. If you're choosing between Gladwin and Genesee, Gratiot splits the difference on both cost and income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gratiot County

via IncomeByCounty

Gratiot County trails the national income benchmark

Gratiot County's median household income of $61,128 falls about $13,600 below the national median of $74,755—an 18.2% shortfall. The county ranks in the lower-middle range nationally for household earnings.

Gratiot slightly above Michigan's state average

At $61,128, Gratiot's median household income exceeds Michigan's state average of $64,304 by a small margin, though the per capita income of $29,558 lags the state average of $35,451. The county shows mixed performance against statewide benchmarks.

Gratiot ranks in the middle of peer counties

Gratiot's $61,128 median household income exceeds Genesee ($60,673), Hillsdale ($60,869), and most other comparable counties but trails Grand Traverse ($79,486). Among central Michigan communities, Gratiot occupies a solid middle position.

Moderate housing costs support affordability

Gratiot's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio indicates housing consumes less than 16% of typical household earnings, well within the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $136,800, homeownership remains affordable for families earning the county median.

Build investments with Gratiot earnings

Gratiot residents earning the median $61,128 retain substantial income after housing costs at 15.9%, creating opportunities for savings and investment. Establishing retirement contributions and building diversified portfolios positions households for long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Gratiot County

via HealthByCounty

Gratiot slightly below U.S. average

Gratiot County's life expectancy of 75.5 years trails the U.S. average of 78.9 by 3.4 years, reflecting persistent health challenges. However, its 15.0% poor or fair health rate sits below the worst performers in these eight counties, suggesting relatively stable chronic disease management.

Below state average, solid coverage

Gratiot's 75.5-year life expectancy falls short of Michigan's 76.3-year state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier. The county's 5.1% uninsured rate—the lowest among the eight—beats Michigan's 6.4% average, indicating strong insurance penetration.

Mid-tier performance regionally

Gratiot's 75.5-year life expectancy ranks above Genesee (73.1) and Gladwin (74.0) but trails Houghton (77.6) and Saginaw County. Its 48 primary care providers per 100,000 falls below stronger-performing neighbors like Grand Traverse.

Limited primary care, adequate mental health

Gratiot has just 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, constraining access to preventive care and routine checkups. Mental health providers number 235 per 100,000—a reasonable supply—but gaps in primary care may delay diagnosis of treatable conditions.

Gratiot's coverage champion status

With Michigan's lowest uninsured rate at 5.1%, Gratiot residents demonstrate strong insurance commitment. To maintain this advantage, verify your coverage remains active at healthcare.gov and explore local federally qualified health centers for affordable primary care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gratiot County

via RiskByCounty

Gratiot's risk moderately exceeds national average

Gratiot County's composite risk score of 54.13 places it in the "Relatively Low" category, slightly above Michigan's state average of 49.56. The county's exposure is driven primarily by tornado risk, which significantly outpaces other hazards. While below the national median for high-risk counties, Gratiot residents should not underestimate preparation needs.

Middle-tier risk in Michigan

Gratiot ranks in the middle range of Michigan's 83 counties, with its 54.13 score sitting just slightly above the state average. Several central Michigan counties exceed Gratiot's risk, while many rural northern and western counties fall below it. Gratiot's position reflects its location in Michigan's tornado-prone central region.

Higher risk than nearby central Michigan counties

Gratiot's 54.13 score exceeds neighboring Gladwin County (40.27) and Hillsdale County (49.97), reflecting its central location in Michigan's tornado alley. Genesee County (92.18) far outpaces Gratiot despite sharing similar geography, suggesting localized exposure differences. The regional pattern shows that tornado risk increases predictably eastward across central Michigan.

Tornado risk dominates Gratiot's hazard profile

Tornado risk of 72.96 is exceptionally high and represents Gratiot's dominant natural hazard, far exceeding all other threats. Flood risk of 62.98 is secondary but still substantial, particularly during spring and after heavy rains. Wildfire and earthquake risks are minimal by comparison, making tornado and flood preparedness the priority.

Tornado safety and flood insurance critical

Gratiot residents must prepare tornado shelters or storm rooms and maintain awareness of community warning systems; a safe room can save lives. Flood insurance is essential given the 62.98 flood risk score, particularly for properties in flood-prone areas or near streams. Review your homeowners policy annually for wind and hail coverage, and ensure your home can withstand high winds.

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.