countyscore
55.5
County Score
Soil Quality 75.4Cost of Living 74.1Health 69.1

County Report Card

About Huron County, Michigan

Leading the national median

Huron County earns an impressive composite score of 55.5, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This indicates a very high level of overall livability relative to the rest of the country.

One of Michigan's best

Scoring nearly 10 points higher than the Michigan average of 47.1, Huron is a standout in the state. Its balanced profile provides a high quality of life for its residents.

Affordable coastal living

The county excels with a cost score of 74.1, featuring a median home value of $141,300 and rent of $743. Health and safety are also strong, with scores of 69.1 and 63.6, respectively.

Economic and tax constraints

Taxation is the main drawback with a score of 23.8, while the income score is a modest 30.2. Despite these hurdles, the county maintains a solid risk score of 41.0.

Great for families and retirees

Huron County is a premier destination for those seeking an affordable, safe, and healthy community. It is particularly well-suited for families who value its strong school score of 49.7 and low-cost housing.

Score breakdown

Tax23.8Cost74.1Safety63.6Health69.1Schools49.7Income30.2Risk41Water60.4Weather54.6
🏛23.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡41
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧60.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨75.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.1
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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Counties with similar scores

Franklin County
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Wakulla County
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Habersham County
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Clark County
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Pottawatomie County
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Gogebic County
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Median income: $49,672
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Dent County
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Schuyler County
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Nearby counties

Tuscola County
Michigan
46.5
Sanilac County
Michigan
51.8
Arenac County
Michigan
51.9
Iosco County
Michigan
50.3
Bay County
Michigan
39.4
Lapeer County
Michigan
49.4
Saginaw County
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31.8
Alcona County
Michigan
62.1

Deep Dives

Huron County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Huron County

via TaxByCounty

Huron taxes sit slightly above average

Huron County's 1.241% effective tax rate runs above the national median of 1.098%, placing it in the 58th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,754 comes in 35% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Michigan's more modest home values.

Above Michigan's state average

At 1.241%, Huron's effective rate exceeds Michigan's state average of 1.166% by about 6%, positioning it in the upper-middle range among 83 counties. Its median property tax of $1,754 falls below the state median of $2,102.

Moderate costs for the thumb

Huron's 1.241% rate sits between Gladwin (1.183%) and Genesee (1.398%), offering a middle-ground option for Michigan's Thumb region. Gratiot County at 1.271% is nearly identical.

What a typical home costs

On a median home valued at $141,300, Huron homeowners pay approximately $1,754 per year in property taxes. Mortgaged homes run about $1,804 annually; mortgage-free homes cost roughly $1,724.

Appeal may reduce your tax bill

Huron County residents should verify their assessed values match current market conditions, especially if recent comparable sales suggest overvaluation. Filing an appeal with the county assessor could lower your annual property tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Huron County

via CostByCounty

Below-average rental burden

Huron County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% sits comfortably below the national average, enabling renters to retain more earnings than typical Americans. With a median household income of $56,963 and median rent of $743, the county achieves solid affordability in Michigan's Thumb region.

Better affordability than state average

Huron ranks below Michigan's state rent-to-income average of 16.3%, placing it among the state's more affordable rental markets. The median rent of $743 undercuts the state average of $873 by $130, delivering substantial monthly savings for tenants.

Rural affordability in the Thumb

Huron's $743 rent is the second-lowest in this comparison, topped only by Gogebic ($577) and undercutting Gratiot ($808) and Hillsdale ($801). The median household income of $56,963 clusters with other rural counties, reflecting agriculture-based economic patterns.

Just 15.7% of earnings toward housing

Renters spend $743 monthly while homeowners pay $688—making Huron one of the few counties where ownership costs run below rental costs. Against the $56,963 median household income, both pathways to housing remain accessible for working families.

Thumb region affordability standout

Huron County offers genuine housing affordability combined with rural Michigan living, ideal for remote workers or those seeking agricultural community roots. If you're comparing rural Michigan options, Huron balances costs better than Genesee while offering more job diversity than Gogebic.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Huron County

via IncomeByCounty

Huron County below the national income bar

Huron County's median household income of $56,963 falls about $17,800 short of the national median of $74,755—a 23.8% gap. The county ranks in the lower-earnings range nationally.

Huron trails Michigan's state income average

At $56,963, Huron's median household income sits notably below Michigan's state average of $64,304, a shortfall of about $7,300. The per capita income of $33,855 also underperforms the state average of $35,451.

Huron near Gladwin and Houghton in rankings

Huron's $56,963 median household income ranks just above Gladwin ($55,576) and Houghton ($56,573), but trails Genesee ($60,673) and Gratiot ($61,128). The county occupies the lower-middle tier among comparable Michigan counties.

Low housing costs support affordability

Huron's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio is among the most favorable in the dataset, keeping housing costs well under the 30% threshold. With a median home value of $141,300, homeownership remains accessible for families earning the county median.

Build savings with Huron's favorable housing

Huron households earning the median $56,963 retain over 84% of income after housing costs, creating meaningful opportunities for savings and investment. Establishing automatic transfers to savings accounts and exploring low-cost retirement options compounds wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Huron County

via CrimeByCounty

Huron County: A Safe Place to Call Home

Huron County reports a total crime rate of 845.5 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county holds an impressive safety score of 98.7. It stands out as one of the safer regions in the country.

Surpassing State Safety Norms

Huron County’s safety score of 98.7 is much higher than the Michigan state average of 97.8. Its crime rate of 845.5 is also well below the statewide average of 1,371.8. Thirteen different reporting agencies work together to maintain this peaceful environment.

Comparing Huron to its Neighbors

Huron County is safer than regional neighbors like Gladwin or Gratiot. It has a total crime rate roughly 40% lower than the Michigan state average. These figures establish Huron as a primary destination for those prioritizing public safety.

Breakdown of Local Crime Statistics

Violent crime in Huron County is just 146.2 per 100,000, less than half the national average. Property crime is also low at 699.3, compared to 2,015.7 nationwide. The data shows that crime is both infrequent and largely non-violent.

Simple Steps for Home Safety

Even in very safe areas, home security remains a wise investment. Motion-sensing lights and updated door locks are simple ways to deter property crime. Staying engaged with one of the 13 local reporting agencies helps keep the entire county safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Huron County

via HealthByCounty

Huron trails U.S. health benchmarks

Huron County's life expectancy of 76.6 years falls 2.3 years short of the U.S. average of 78.9. With 16.8% of residents in poor or fair health—matching Gladwin and above the national 12% benchmark—Huron reflects regional disease burden patterns.

Slightly above Michigan's state average

Huron's 76.6-year life expectancy marginally exceeds Michigan's 76.3-year state average by 0.3 years, placing it in the middle tier. The 7.0% uninsured rate edges slightly above Michigan's 6.4% average, suggesting modest cost barriers to care.

Mixed outcomes among regional peers

Huron's 76.6-year life expectancy matches Gogebic but trails Gratiot (75.5) and Houghton (77.6) in this cohort. Its 58 primary care providers per 100,000 falls below Grand Traverse but exceeds Gladwin and Hillsdale, indicating moderate access to foundational care.

Moderate access with coverage gaps

Huron's 58 primary care providers and 158 mental health providers per 100,000 residents provide baseline access, though below state leaders. The 7.0% uninsured rate suggests approximately 4,200 county residents lack coverage, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Close Huron's coverage gap

Huron's above-average uninsured rate of 7.0% means thousands of residents face healthcare affordability challenges. Explore Michigan Medicaid eligibility, marketplace subsidies, or community health centers at healthcare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to find affordable coverage options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Huron County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive District Network in the Thumb

Huron County operates a high number of districts (14) relative to its student population of 4,435. This network includes 26 public schools, with a strong emphasis on elementary education through 12 dedicated schools.

Leading the State in Investment and Results

Huron County stands out with an 88.7% graduation rate and the highest per-pupil spending in this group at $7,703. These investments translate to a superior school score of 54.4, well above state and national averages.

Laker and Bad Axe Public Schools

Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker Schools is the largest district with 936 students, while Bad Axe Public Schools serves 887. All 26 schools are traditional public institutions, as there are currently no charter schools in the county.

Deeply Rural and Exceptionally Small

With 22 of 26 schools located in rural areas, the average school size is a mere 177 students. This creates one of the most intimate educational environments in Michigan, where even the largest school, Bad Axe High, has only 413 students.

Invest in a High-Performing Rural Area

For buyers seeking top-tier school performance in a quiet, rural setting, Huron County is a standout choice. Focus your home search near Bad Axe or Pigeon to benefit from some of the highest-rated schools in the state.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Huron County

via RiskByCounty

Huron faces above-average risk nationally

Huron County's composite risk score of 59.03 places it in the "Relatively Low" category, exceeding Michigan's state average of 49.56 by roughly 10 points. The county's exposure is driven by flooding and hurricane risk, reflecting its position on Michigan's eastern Lake Huron shore. This above-average profile warrants thoughtful preparation and insurance planning.

Upper-third risk ranking in Michigan

Huron ranks in the upper third of Michigan's 83 counties for natural disaster risk, with its 59.03 score substantially above the state average. Several coastal and central Michigan counties exceed Huron's risk, while most upper-peninsula and western counties fall below it. Huron's position reflects its Great Lakes exposure and location in a moderate tornado zone.

Highest-risk county in the thumb region

Huron's 59.03 score exceeds neighboring Sanilac County and significantly surpasses inland counties like Gratiot (54.13) and Gladwin (40.27). Only Grand Traverse County (65.65) among nearby northern counties ranks higher, reflecting Huron's unique exposure as an eastern shore county. The pattern shows that Lake Huron proximity amplifies both flood and wind-related hazards.

Hurricane and flood risks define the county

Hurricane risk of 58.24 is Huron's most distinctive hazard, reflecting lake-effect wind intensification and potential tropical storm impacts from distant Atlantic hurricanes. Flood risk of 64.12 ranks second and stems from precipitation, snowmelt, and storm surge during major weather events. Tornado risk of 52.77 is moderate and should not be dismissed.

Lake-specific insurance and wind protection essential

Huron residents should carry flood insurance and ensure their homeowners policy covers wind damage from hurricanes and severe thunderstorms. Reinforced garage doors, impact-resistant windows, and tree trimming significantly reduce wind damage vulnerability during major storms. Properties near the lake or in wetland areas face elevated flood risk and warrant additional precautions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Huron County

via WeatherByCounty

Lakeside Living in the Thumb

Huron County averages 45.9°F annually, which is slightly below the national median but typical for a coastal Great Lakes community. Its position on the peninsula means water temperatures heavily influence local weather.

A Representative Michigan Climate

Huron’s average temperature of 45.9°F almost perfectly mirrors the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. Its precipitation of 32.8 inches is also very close to the state's typical 34.5 inches.

Moderated by the Great Lakes

Huron experiences 47.2 inches of annual snowfall, which is lower than the lake-effect belts on Michigan's western coast. It benefits from more stable temperatures compared to landlocked central counties.

Temperate Summers and Snowy Winters

July averages a pleasant 68.7°F, and the county sees only 5 days of extreme heat per year. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging 22.5°F and consistent lake-influenced snowfall.

Prepare for Coastal Winds

Residents should prepare for seasonal snow removal totaling 47.2 inches and wind-resistant home exteriors. Cooling needs are minimal, as only 5 days per year typically require heavy air conditioning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Huron County

via SoilByCounty

Premier Soil Quality and Near-Ideal pH

Huron County boasts a superior soil score of 75.4, the highest in the region. Its pH of 6.37 is nearly ideal, sitting just below the national 6.5 median and far above the state average of 5.30.

The Gold Standard Soil Mix

The composition is 57.1% sand, 27.9% silt, and 15.0% clay. This mix offers the best of all worlds: easy workability from the sand and high nutrient-holding power from the clay and silt.

Balanced Fertility for High Yields

Organic matter is healthy at 11.58%, while the available water capacity of 0.170 in/in ensures crops have consistent access to moisture. This combination makes Huron some of the most productive land in the state.

High Versatility for Land Use

Specific drainage class data is limited, but the balanced texture indicates exceptional versatility. Whether for large-scale agriculture or home building, these soils provide a stable and high-performing foundation.

An Agricultural Powerhouse in Zone 6a

From sugar beets to backyard vegetable patches, almost anything temperate will thrive in these soils. In zone 6a, gardeners can expect high yields and healthy plants with minimal effort.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Huron County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Care in the Thumb

Huron County's lawn difficulty score of 58.1 is just under the Michigan average, making it a fairly typical environment for lawn care. This Zone 6a county benefits from a long growing season but faces specific moisture challenges.

Mild Heat and Below-Average Rain

The county sees only 5 extreme heat days, but the annual precipitation of 32.8 inches is lower than the state average. This combination results in 2,209 growing degree days, supporting a steady but manageable pace of mowing.

Ideal pH for Thick Turf

Huron County features an excellent soil pH of 6.37, placing it perfectly within the 6.0 to 7.0 range for optimal grass health. The soil is 57.1% sand and 15.0% clay, a mix that provides decent structure for root development.

Severe Drought Challenges

Huron is currently struggling with drought, as 40.3% of the county is in a severe D2+ stage. Following 53 weeks of drought over the past year, consistent irrigation is the single most important factor for lawn survival right now.

Extended Growing Opportunities

The frost-free season is long, lasting from May 5th until October 24th, giving plenty of time for new grass to take root. Drought-resistant Kentucky Bluegrass is a strong choice here to help the lawn withstand the county's frequent dry spells.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Huron County's county score?
Huron 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 Huron County rank among counties in Michigan?
Huron County ranks #13 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 Huron County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Huron County is $1,754, with an effective tax rate of 1.24%. This earns Huron County a tax score of 23.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Huron County?
The median household income in Huron County, Michigan is $56,963 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Huron County earns an income score of 30.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Huron County, Michigan a good place to live?
Huron County scores 55.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Huron 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 Huron 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.