countyscore
50.3
County Score
Cost of Living 85.7Disaster Risk 62.3Safety 58.8

County Report Card

About Iosco County, Michigan

Matching National Quality Levels

Iosco County earns a composite score of 50.3, placing it right at the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is very typical of the American experience.

Competitive Within Michigan

Iosco outperforms the state average of 47.1 by more than three points. It stands as a more affordable and stable alternative to Michigan's more urbanized regions.

Exceptional Housing Affordability

The county shines with a cost score of 85.7, driven by low median home values of $122,900. Renters also find relief here, with median gross rents averaging just $659 per month.

Low Incomes and School Scores

Economic opportunity is the main hurdle, reflected in an income score of 10.7 and a median income of $47,777. The school score of 16.1 also suggests a need for educational investment.

Ideal for Retirees or Remote Workers

Low housing costs and a solid risk score make Iosco a haven for those with outside income sources. It is less suited for families dependent on local high-paying jobs or premium school districts.

Score breakdown

Tax33.7Cost85.7Safety58.8Health54.5Schools16.1Income10.7Risk62.3Water39.3Weather52
🏛33.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓16.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡62.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨52.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.5
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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Deep Dives

Iosco County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Iosco County

via TaxByCounty

Iosco among America's lowest-taxed counties

At 1.06%, Iosco County's effective tax rate places it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties for property taxes. The median property tax of just $1,304 is 52% below the national median of $2,690, making Iosco exceptionally affordable.

Iosco ranks lowest in Michigan

Iosco County has the lowest effective property tax rate in Michigan at 1.06%, well below the state average of 1.17%. Its median tax of $1,304 is 38% lower than Michigan's county average of $2,102.

Iosco tax burden minimal in region

Iosco's 1.06% rate is the lowest among its central and northern Michigan neighbors, significantly undercutting Ionia County (1.17%) and Kalkaska County (0.89% actually ties Iosco's low standing regionally). Iosco residents enjoy some of the state's most favorable tax conditions.

A $122,900 home costs just $1,304 annually

With a median home value of $122,900 and Iosco's 1.06% effective rate, the typical homeowner pays $1,304 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,407, adding $103 in mortgage-related fees.

Even low-tax counties warrant assessment review

Though Iosco residents enjoy low property taxes overall, individual assessments can still be overvalued relative to comparable homes. Reviewing your assessment periodically ensures you're not paying more than your property's actual market value warrants.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Iosco County

via CostByCounty

Iosco's low rent masks affordability challenges

At 16.6%, Iosco County's rent-to-income ratio sits just above Michigan's state average of 16.3%, despite having a median rent of only $659—24% below the state median. The challenge is Iosco's median household income of $47,777, which is 36% lower than the national median of $74,755, making the percentage burden steeper than raw rent numbers suggest.

Iosco's low incomes offset low rents

While Iosco County ranks favorably on rent-to-income ratio at 16.6%, its median household income of $47,777 ranks among Michigan's lowest, placing significant downward pressure on overall household financial stability. The county's affordability advantage evaporates when measured by absolute dollars available after housing.

Iosco rents are cheap, but so are incomes

Iosco's $659 median rent is the lowest among its peers, undercutting Ionia ($840), Jackson ($958), and Kalamazoo ($1,049) substantially. However, with a median income 18% below Ionia County ($73,436), Iosco residents have fewer resources for non-housing expenses despite cheaper rent.

Limited income stretches thin despite cheap rent

At $659 monthly rent on a $47,777 annual income, Iosco renters spend roughly $7,908 yearly on housing—16.6% of gross income, but against an already constrained budget. Owner-occupants pay $629 monthly with median home values of $122,900, offering the lowest homeownership costs in the region but requiring stronger savings discipline given lower incomes.

Iosco suits remote workers with low expenses

If you work remotely or telecommute and earn at or above state-average income, Iosco County's $659 rents and $122,900 home values are exceptional bargains for your dollar. However, if you're seeking local employment, the county's median income of $47,777 signals a limited job market—make sure your income will travel with you.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Iosco County

via IncomeByCounty

Iosco faces significant income gap

Iosco County's median household income of $47,777 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $27,000—a substantial 36% shortfall. This gap places Iosco among the nation's lower-earning counties.

Iosco is Michigan's income laggard

At $47,777, Iosco's median household income ranks among the lowest in Michigan, falling $16,527 below the state average of $64,304. The county faces persistent economic challenges that depress household earning power compared to peer counties.

Iosco significantly trails all nearby counties

Iosco's $47,777 income lags every neighboring county in the sample, from Ingham ($64,354) to Iron County ($53,614) and Kalkaska ($60,365). The county's economic isolation results in wages substantially below even its most economically challenged neighbors.

Rents strain tight household budgets

Despite a 16.6% rent-to-income ratio that appears manageable, Iosco's low median income of $47,777 means rental households have limited discretionary income for other essentials. Home values of $122,900 remain accessible but stretch already-tight budgets further.

Emergency funds first, then investing

Iosco households should prioritize building 3–6 months of emergency savings before pursuing aggressive investments, given lower income stability. Once emergency reserves are solid, even small regular contributions to retirement accounts compound meaningfully over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Iosco County

via CrimeByCounty

Iosco County Offers Strong National Security

Iosco County features a safety score of 98.5, indicating a high level of protection for its residents. The total crime rate of 951.8 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Five local reporting agencies ensure consistent monitoring and response across the county.

Exceeding the Michigan Safety Average

Iosco County’s safety score of 98.5 ranks it above the Michigan state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 951.8 stays well below the state average of 1,371.8. These numbers confirm the county is one of the safer regions in the state’s northern landscape.

A Safer Alternative in the Region

Iosco County is significantly more secure than Kalkaska County, which reports a higher crime rate of 1,767.5. It also maintains a lower overall rate than Isabella County’s 1,732.4. Residents enjoy a more peaceful environment than many of their regional counterparts.

Violent Crime Matches State Averages

The violent crime rate of 312.0 per 100,000 is nearly identical to the Michigan average of 314.8. Property crime is relatively low at 639.8, especially when compared to the national average of 2,015.7. Most reported incidents involve property rather than personal safety.

Protect Your Property and Peace

Securing your home with modern locks and outdoor lighting is a simple way to deter property crime. Joining a neighborhood watch program can further enhance the security of your local community. Awareness remains the best tool for maintaining Iosco’s high safety rating.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Iosco County

via HealthByCounty

Iosco significantly behind on life expectancy

Iosco County residents live to just 73.5 years on average—5.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 18.8% poor or fair health rate is 3.8 percentage points higher than the national average, marking serious health challenges across the county.

Lowest life expectancy in the state

Iosco County's 73.5-year life expectancy trails Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 2.8 years, placing it among the lowest-performing counties statewide. This gap suggests systemic health disparities requiring targeted intervention.

Struggling more than rural peers

Iosco County's life expectancy lags all eight comparison counties, with only Iosco and Iosco at the bottom. The county's 18.8% poor/fair health rate ties with Isabella County as among the worst in the region.

Uninsured and underserved

Iosco County's 6.4% uninsured rate matches Michigan's average, but those without insurance face an additional barrier: only 32 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, one of the lowest ratios in the region. Mental health access is similarly strained at 217 providers per 100,000.

Coverage is the first step forward

If you're among Iosco County's uninsured, enrolling in coverage is urgent and achievable. Visit healthcare.gov today or call 1-800-MEDICARE to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or federal subsidies—and take the first step toward better health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Iosco County

via SchoolsByCounty

Cozy Rural School Infrastructure

Iosco County maintains a focused education network of 11 public schools across 6 districts. These schools serve a total of 3,563 students, primarily through 3 elementary and 5 high school facilities.

Navigating Educational Investment Challenges

The county's graduation rate sits at 74.6%, while per-pupil spending is $6,651 compared to the $13,000 national average. These metrics contribute to a composite school score of 44.7, reflecting the unique challenges of rural education funding.

Tawas and Oscoda Anchor the County

Oscoda Area Schools and Tawas Area Schools are the primary districts, serving 1,149 and 1,136 students respectively. One charter school operates in the county, representing about 9% of the total school landscape.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

Every single school in Iosco County is classified as rural, offering students a consistent environment and an average school size of 356. Richardson Elementary is the largest individual campus with 672 students.

Embrace the Rural Lifestyle

Families looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle will find Oscoda and Tawas schools to be the heart of their respective communities. Consider these districts if you value smaller enrollment sizes and a consistent learning environment for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Iosco County

via RiskByCounty

Iosco ranks among lowest-risk counties

Iosco County's composite risk score of 37.75 sits well below Michigan's state average of 49.56 and substantially below the national median, earning a very low risk rating. Residents here face notably less disaster exposure than most Americans.

Safest natural hazard exposure in Michigan

Iosco County lands in Michigan's safest tier for natural disasters, with minimal exposure to tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes. The county's very low composite risk makes it one of the state's most stable communities for disaster preparedness.

Iosco's safety stands out regionally

Iosco's 37.75 score is notably lower than nearby Kalkaska (21.28) and significantly safer than most other Michigan counties, reflecting its regional advantage. This favorable profile makes Iosco an outlier for natural disaster resilience in northeastern Michigan.

Wildfire and flood are minor concerns

While Iosco's wildfire risk of 60.72 and flood risk of 52.93 exceed some other county risks, both remain relatively modest in statewide and national context. Tornado risk (36.67) rounds out the county's hazard profile with manageable exposure.

Standard coverage likely sufficient here

Iosco's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance provides reasonable protection for most residents, though flood insurance remains worth evaluating if your property sits near water. Keep gutters clear and maintain proper drainage to manage the modest flood risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Iosco County

via WeatherByCounty

Iosco stays cooler than the national average

Iosco County maintains an average annual temperature of 45.0°F, significantly lower than the national median. This northern Michigan climate offers a crisp alternative to warmer regions across the country.

Typical Michigan weather on the Huron shore

The county's 45.0°F average sits just below the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It represents the transition point between the warmer southern mainland and the colder northern woods.

Drier and cooler than its state peers

With 32.5 inches of annual precipitation, Iosco is slightly drier than the state average of 34.5 inches. Its lakeside location helps moderate July highs to a comfortable 69.0°F.

Mild summers met by snowy winter months

Residents enjoy a gentle summer with only 6 days reaching 90°F or higher. However, winter brings 49.2 inches of snowfall and average temperatures of just 22.8°F.

Prepare for snow and moderate cooling needs

Reliable snow removal equipment is essential for handling nearly 50 inches of annual accumulation. While summers are mild, standard HVAC systems help manage the few humid weeks when temperatures peak.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Iosco County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sands Along the Coast

Iosco County’s soil averages a pH of 5.31, aligning almost perfectly with the Michigan state average but remaining quite acidic compared to the 6.5 national median. This lower pH reflects the county's northern character and its influence from local forest litter.

Dominantly Sandy Soil Mix

With 68.8% sand, Iosco’s soil is highly porous and lightweight. The low 12.0% clay content means the soil warms up quickly in the spring but may struggle to hold onto fertilizers without careful management.

High Organic Matter in Sandy Plots

Organic matter is impressively high at 14.91%, far exceeding the national 2.0% benchmark. However, an available water capacity of 0.156 in/in means the soil drains quickly, making consistent moisture management crucial for high-yield gardening.

Rapid Water Movement Near the Lake

Official drainage class data is limited here, but the 68.8% sand content suggests rapid drainage is the norm. Gardeners should expect soil to dry out faster than in clay-heavy counties to the south.

Garden Success in Zone 5b

Zone 5b gardeners in Iosco can find great success with blueberries and other acid-loving shrubs that thrive in sandy, low-pH soils. Adding compost can help bridge the gap in water retention for more sensitive vegetable crops.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Iosco County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions Along the Lake

Iosco County presents a difficult lawn environment with a score of 45.5, falling below both state and national averages. Hardiness zone 5b requires tougher grass varieties to survive the harsher winters and shorter growing windows.

Low Energy for High Growth

With only 2,173 growing degree days, lawns here grow more slowly than their southern neighbors. Annual precipitation of 32.5 inches is slightly below the state average, meaning supplemental watering is often necessary during the peak of summer.

Sandy Soil Needs Acid Correction

The soil is dominated by 68.8% sand, which drains quickly but lacks the nutrients found in heavier soils. A pH level of 5.31 indicates high acidity, so regular lime treatments are essential to reach the target range of 6.0-7.0.

Severe Dry Spells Impacting Turf

Lawns suffered through 46 weeks of drought in the past year, and 91.1% of the county currently remains abnormally dry. Prioritize water conservation by using mulch mowers to return moisture and nitrogen directly to the soil surface.

Wait for the Mid-May Thaw

Frost risks persist until May 16, making late spring the ideal time to start new growth. Fine Fescues are excellent choices for this climate and soil, provided they are established before the early October frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iosco County's county score?
Iosco County, Michigan has a composite county score of 50.3 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 Iosco County rank among counties in Michigan?
Iosco County ranks #36 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 Iosco County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Iosco County is $1,304, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Iosco County a tax score of 33.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Iosco County?
The median household income in Iosco County, Michigan is $47,777 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Iosco County earns an income score of 10.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Iosco County, Michigan a good place to live?
Iosco County scores 50.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Iosco 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 Iosco 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.