CountyScore

Kalkaska County

Michigan · MI

#13 in Michigan
72.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Kalkaska County, Michigan

Top-Tier National Performer

Kalkaska County scores 72.6 on the composite index, significantly exceeding the national median of 50.0 and reaching the 80th percentile nationally. This exceptional standing reflects particularly strong tax and cost dimensions that make the county highly competitive.

Among Michigan's Best

With a score of 72.6, Kalkaska ranks above Michigan's state average of 68.7, placing it in the upper tier of state counties. This strong position makes it one of the more livable counties in the state by composite measures.

Lowest Tax Burden Available

Kalkaska boasts the highest Tax Score (77.3) and the lowest effective tax rate (0.89%) of all eight counties, paired with a Cost Score of 81.5 and median rent at $767/month. These tax and affordability advantages are exceptional for the region.

Moderate Income Growth

The Income Score of 22.8 and median household income of $60,365 represent the county's primary constraint, suggesting limited local wage growth. Data gaps in health, safety, and education prevent a complete assessment of other livability factors.

Tax-Conscious Families Seeking Comfort

Kalkaska County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing tax efficiency and reasonable housing costs while maintaining moderate income stability. It's an excellent choice for those who value financial predictability and want to maximize disposable income through low tax burdens.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.3Cost81.5SafetyComing SoonHealth70.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.8Risk78.7WaterComing Soon
🏛77.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡78.7
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 Kalkaska County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Wrangell City and Borough
Alaska
72.5
Median income: $64,545
Prowers County
Colorado
72.5
Median income: $57,601
Benewah County
Idaho
72.5
Median income: $56,553
White County
Indiana
72.5
Median income: $66,143
Kossuth County
Iowa
72.5
Median income: $65,656

Deep Dives

Kalkaska County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kalkaska County

via TaxByCounty

Kalkaska among lowest-taxed U.S. counties

Kalkaska County's effective tax rate of 0.89% places it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties, well below the national median of 1.10%. The median property tax of $1,545 is 43% below the national median of $2,690.

Kalkaska tied for lowest in Michigan

At 0.89%, Kalkaska ties Iosco County for the lowest effective property tax rate in Michigan, 23% below the state average of 1.17%. The median tax of $1,545 runs 27% below Michigan's county average of $2,102.

Kalkaska offers lowest taxes in north-central region

Kalkaska's 0.89% rate significantly undercuts all nearby counties, including Iosco (1.06%) and Iron (1.44%). The county offers some of Michigan's most tax-favorable property conditions.

A $174,300 home costs $1,545 annually

With a median home value of $174,300 and Kalkaska's 0.89% effective rate, the typical homeowner pays $1,545 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,610, adding just $65 in mortgage-related fees.

Even low-tax areas warrant assessment checks

Though Kalkaska residents benefit from historically low property taxes, individual assessments can still exceed fair market value. Periodically reviewing your assessment ensures you maintain this county's tax advantage.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kalkaska County

via CostByCounty

Kalkaska delivers below-average affordability stress

Kalkaska County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio sits below Michigan's 16.3% state average and performs well against national baselines, with a $767 median rent that's 12% below the state median. The median household income of $60,365 trails the national median by 19%, but the lower rent burden compensates, positioning Kalkaska as a relatively affordable destination with modest income requirements.

Kalkaska ranks solid among Michigan counties

With a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio, Kalkaska County outperforms Michigan's state average and ranks in the upper quartile of state counties for housing affordability. This performance reflects balanced local economics where rents and incomes align reasonably well.

Kalkaska positioned between affordability extremes

Kalkaska's $767 median rent sits between Ionia ($840) and Iosco ($659), while its rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% outperforms most peers except Iron (11.4%) and Ionia (13.7%). With a median income of $60,365, Kalkaska occupies a stable middle ground in the regional affordability spectrum.

Kalkaska offers accessible ownership and rentals

Kalkaska renters spend approximately $9,204 annually at $767 monthly—15.3% of a $60,365 income, leaving substantial resources for other expenses and savings. Owner-occupants pay $866 monthly for homes valued at $174,300, with both tenure types representing reasonable affordability for households at or above the county median income.

Kalkaska: stable affordability in northern Michigan

If you're seeking Michigan housing with moderate costs, lower rent-to-income burden, and proximity to natural amenities, Kalkaska County delivers on all fronts with a 15.3% ratio below state average. The county's median income of $60,365 is accessible for many job seekers, making it an ideal option for families or individuals prioritizing affordability without sacrificing community character.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kalkaska County

via IncomeByCounty

Kalkaska trails national income median

Kalkaska County's median household income of $60,365 falls $14,390 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 19% earnings gap. The county ranks in the lower-middle range nationally.

Kalkaska below Michigan state average

At $60,365, Kalkaska's median household income falls $3,939 short of Michigan's state average of $64,304. The county faces economic headwinds typical of smaller, northern Michigan communities.

Kalkaska in lower-middle tier regionally

Kalkaska's $60,365 income trails Ionia ($73,436), Kalamazoo ($70,525), Jackson ($65,004), and Ingham ($64,354), but exceeds Iosco ($47,777), Isabella ($53,759), and Iron ($53,614). The county occupies the lower-middle range of surrounding regions.

Affordable housing eases budget strain

Kalkaska households spend just 15.3% of income on rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold, providing meaningful discretionary budget room. Median home values of $174,300 remain relatively accessible for local earners.

Maximize housing savings for investing

Kalkaska's favorable 15.3% rent-to-income ratio frees up household resources compared to pricier counties, allowing residents to direct those savings toward retirement and investment accounts. Consistent monthly contributions to low-cost index funds build long-term wealth despite moderate income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Kalkaska County

via HealthByCounty

Kalkaska County significantly below national average

Kalkaska County residents live an average of 74.7 years, 4.2 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 18.5% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 15% by 3.5 percentage points, signaling serious health disparities.

Trails Michigan average considerably

At 74.7 years, Kalkaska County trails Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 1.6 years, placing it in the lower quartile of Michigan's 83 counties. This gap demands public health attention.

Most underserved regional peer

Kalkaska County's 74.7-year life expectancy edges ahead of only Iosco County among the eight comparison counties, and its 7.3% uninsured rate ranks second-highest regionally. The county's sparse provider infrastructure—just 22 primary care providers per 100,000—is the lowest in the group.

Severe provider shortage compounds access gaps

Kalkaska County faces the region's most acute healthcare access challenge: only 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and just 87 mental health providers per 100,000—the lowest in the group. Combined with a 7.3% uninsured rate, residents face formidable barriers to care.

Coverage closes Kalkaska's access gap

With sparse providers and high uninsured rates, Kalkaska County residents must prioritize enrollment now. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Northern Michigan health centers today—securing coverage is your first step toward accessing the care your county desperately needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kalkaska County

via RiskByCounty

Kalkaska represents very low risk

Kalkaska County's composite risk score of 21.28 ranks among the nation's lowest, sitting dramatically below Michigan's state average of 49.56 and nearly 60 percent below the national median. This very low risk rating offers residents exceptional natural disaster safety.

Michigan's safest county for disasters

Kalkaska ranks as one of Michigan's safest counties for natural disaster exposure, with minimal tornado (27.74), flood (31.36), and earthquake (8.71) threats. The county's northern location and geography create exceptional protective advantages.

Kalkaska's safety is extraordinary

Kalkaska's 21.28 score is among Michigan's lowest and compares favorably even to other safe counties like Iosco (37.75), making it an exceptional outlier for natural disaster resilience. The county's remote northern location substantially explains this advantage.

Wildfire is minimal concern here

Kalkaska's wildfire risk of 54.96 is its highest hazard score, though even this remains modest in statewide and national context. Tornado (27.74) and flood (31.36) risks are substantially lower than most Michigan communities.

Standard insurance provides solid protection

Kalkaska residents' relatively low risk means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most properties, though flood insurance remains valuable near waterways. Maintain clear gutters and drainage to address the county's modest flood exposure.

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.