71.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.4Schools 99.3Health 93

County Report Card

About Keweenaw County, Michigan

A National Leader in Livability

Keweenaw County stands out with a composite score of 71.6, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper echelon of American locales for overall quality of life.

The Pride of Michigan

The county is a top performer in Michigan, comfortably beating the state average composite of 47.1. It offers a unique profile of safety and education that sets it apart from the more industrialized southern counties.

Elite Safety and Affordability

It excels in natural security and education, with a near-perfect risk score of 99.4 and a school score of 99.3. Affordability is also a major draw, reflected in a high cost score of 80.4 and median rent of just $679.

Resource and Economic Hurdles

Resource access is the primary hurdle, evidenced by a very low water score of 6.1. Economic opportunities are also more limited, with an income score of 22.6 and a median household income of $53,893.

Perfect for Quiet Family Life

This county is a haven for families and retirees who value exceptional schools and safety in a low-cost environment. It is perfect for those who can work remotely while enjoying the rugged beauty of the Upper Peninsula.

Score breakdown

Tax42.5Cost80.4Safety67.3Health93Schools99.3Income22.6Risk99.4Water6.1Weather51.2
🏛42.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠80.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼22.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡67.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
93
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓99.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
99.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧6.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤51.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱66.7
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
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Keweenaw County?

Many homeowners in Keweenaw County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Deep Dives

Keweenaw County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Keweenaw County

via TaxByCounty

Keweenaw's tax rate ranks well below average

Keweenaw County homeowners enjoy a 0.939% effective tax rate, substantially lower than both the state average of 1.166% and the national median of roughly 1.1%. The median property tax of $1,704 is less than two-thirds the national median of $2,690, despite a modest median home value of $181,400.

Among Michigan's lowest tax burdens

Keweenaw County ranks in the lower third of Michigan's 83 counties for property tax burden, with a 0.939% effective rate that reflects limited local revenue needs in this remote Upper Peninsula location. The median tax of $1,704 stands well below the state median of $2,102.

Keweenaw taxes lighter than Luce County

Keweenaw's 0.939% effective rate beats Luce County's 1.015%, offering homeowners some of the gentlest tax burdens in the eastern Upper Peninsula. Keweenaw residents pay roughly $583 less annually in median property taxes than their Luce County counterparts.

Median Keweenaw home generates $1,704 tax

A property valued at Keweenaw's median of $181,400 carries an annual tax bill of about $1,704 under the county's 0.939% rate. That figure rises to $1,981 for mortgaged properties but drops to $1,320 for homes owned free and clear.

Even low taxes deserve a second look

Keweenaw's favorable tax rate doesn't guarantee your individual assessment is accurate—overvalued properties still happen in low-tax areas. Request a reassessment from your local assessor if comparable homes in your neighborhood sold for significantly less than your assessed value.

Cost of Living in Keweenaw County

via CostByCounty

Keweenaw County housing costs prove deceptively low

Keweenaw County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average despite a median household income of just $53,893—well below the US median of $74,755. This affordability advantage stems from exceptionally low rents ($679/month), making housing one of Michigan's cheapest markets even as resident incomes lag nationally.

Keweenaw ranks among Michigan's most affordable

At 15.1%, Keweenaw County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Michigan's 16.3% statewide average, and its median rent of just $679/month undercuts the state median by $194. This Upper Peninsula county offers genuine affordability—a rarity in Michigan's current housing market.

Keweenaw's isolation keeps rents remarkably cheap

Keweenaw's $679 median rent ranks among Michigan's lowest, running $120 less than neighboring Luce County ($799) and $184 cheaper than Lapeer County ($959). The remote Copper Country location trades accessibility for exceptional housing affordability.

Both rents and ownership costs stay minimal

Renters in Keweenaw pay just $679/month (15.1% of median income), while homeowners spend $686/month (15.3% of income)—among Michigan's lowest costs for either pathway. Median home values hover at $181,400, reflecting the county's modest real estate market.

Keweenaw County: affordability meets remote appeal

If housing costs drive your relocation decision, Keweenaw County delivers genuine value with rent-to-income ratios and absolute costs that rival any Michigan county. The trade-off is geographic isolation in the remote Upper Peninsula—ideal for those prioritizing affordability and natural beauty over urban amenities and job density.

Income & Jobs in Keweenaw County

via IncomeByCounty

Keweenaw County lags behind national earnings

Keweenaw County's median household income of $53,893 is 28% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income range nationally. The remote Upper Peninsula location and smaller population base contribute to earnings that trail most American counties.

Below Michigan's median but stable

At $53,893, Keweenaw County's median household income trails Michigan's state average of $64,304 by 16%. The county represents the upper-tier earning region within Michigan's Upper Peninsula, supported by education, government, and seasonal tourism employment.

Earning more than some UP peers

Keweenaw County's $53,893 median income exceeds Lake County ($49,680) and Luce County ($54,338) but falls notably short of Kent County ($80,390) and Lapeer County ($76,228). The county occupies a mid-range position within Michigan's economically varied Upper Peninsula region.

Housing remains affordable despite lower income

Keweenaw County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates strong housing affordability, well below the 30% threshold. The median home value of $181,400 is particularly accessible relative to the $53,893 median income, enabling homeownership for most households.

Leverage affordability to build savings

Low housing costs in Keweenaw County create an opportunity to redirect income toward emergency funds and retirement savings. Even modest regular contributions to savings accounts or retirement plans can compound significantly over time, building financial security for the future.

Safety in Keweenaw County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety in Michigan's North

Keweenaw County is exceptionally safe, posting a high 98.8 safety score. Its total crime rate of 766.3 per 100K is less than a third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the State Average

The county's crime rate of 766.3 is nearly half the Michigan average of 1371.8 per 100K. Keweenaw's 98.8 safety score beats the state average of 97.8, marking it as a secure regional leader.

Neighborly Comparison of Safety

Keweenaw is twice as safe as nearby Luce County, which records a crime rate of 1617.0 per 100K. It shares a similar low-crime profile with Leelanau County's 423.6 rate.

Rare Incidents in Keweenaw

The violent crime rate is low at 143.7 per 100K, while property crime stands at 622.6. These figures suggest that criminal activity is infrequent and rarely involves physical confrontation.

Peace of Mind at Home

Residents enjoy a high level of security, but the remote nature of the county makes monitoring systems valuable. Ensuring your home is secure provides peace of mind in this tranquil environment.

Health in Keweenaw County

via HealthByCounty

Keweenaw residents among nation's healthiest

Keweenaw County's 79.2-year life expectancy significantly exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and only 12.8% report poor or fair health—among the lowest rates in the country. This remote Upper Peninsula county delivers outcomes that rival affluent, well-resourced regions nationally.

Michigan's top-tier health outcomes

At 79.2 years, Keweenaw County's life expectancy ranks among the state's best, nearly 3 years above Michigan's 76.3-year average. The county's 12.8% poor/fair health rate significantly underperforms the state trend, indicating exceptional health status.

Outperforms most Upper Peninsula peers

Keweenaw County's 79.2-year life expectancy substantially exceeds nearby Luce County (76.3 years) and ranks above most of the Upper Peninsula's health outcomes. However, specific primary care provider data remains limited, though the county maintains 46 mental health providers per 100,000 residents.

Low uninsured rate masks access challenges

Keweenaw County's 4.8% uninsured rate beats the state average of 6.4%, but primary care provider data is unavailable—a gap that may mask rural access issues. With 46 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers moderate behavioral health capacity for this remote region.

Secure health coverage in Keweenaw

With 4.8% of residents uninsured, Keweenaw County still has room to ensure universal coverage. Contact the county health department or visit Healthcare.gov to explore insurance options, especially if you've faced barriers to care in this remote area.

Schools in Keweenaw County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Education in the Keweenaw Peninsula

Keweenaw County operates a highly personalized school landscape with just two public schools serving a total of 75 students. Two districts manage this infrastructure, which includes one primary facility and one high school.

High Investment and Top Scores

The county invests a remarkable $18,000 per pupil, far exceeding the national average of $13,000 and the state average of $7,394. This high investment corresponds to an impressive school score of 64.0, which is well above the national median of 50.0.

Micro-Districts Define the System

Grant Township S/D #2 is one of the smallest districts in the state, serving only 7 students at its primary school. No charter schools operate in the county, maintaining a purely traditional public school structure.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, offering an average school size of just 38 students. Attending school here feels like being part of a small family, with the CHSHorizons high school serving only 68 students.

Discover Quiet Living Near Tiny Schools

Families seeking a truly rural lifestyle with small class sizes will find Keweenaw County unmatched. Research homes near these tight-knit schools for a unique, community-centered educational environment.

Disaster Risk in Keweenaw County

via RiskByCounty

Keweenaw County has minimal disaster risk

With a composite risk score of just 0.67, Keweenaw County ranks as very low risk—among the safest counties in the nation. This score reflects the county's remote Upper Peninsula location and natural protection from most hazard types.

Michigan's safest county

Keweenaw County's composite risk score of 0.67 is by far the lowest in Michigan, making it the state's least hazard-exposed county. The county faces virtually no risk from tornadoes, earthquakes, or hurricanes.

Exceptionally safe compared to peers

Keweenaw County's risk score of 0.67 is dramatically lower than neighboring Luce County (2.58) and Lake County (22.04), reflecting its unique geographic isolation. Even the safest Lower Peninsula counties face significantly more natural disaster exposure.

Flood and wildfire risks are minimal

Keweenaw County's highest risk scores are flood (14.80) and wildfire (15.30), both remaining well below state averages. Tornado risk is nearly nonexistent at 1.78, and earthquake and hurricane risks register at zero.

Standard homeowners insurance suffices

Keweenaw County's minimal disaster risk means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most property owners. Residents can prioritize affordability and basic coverage without the additional riders often necessary in higher-risk areas.

Weather & Climate in Keweenaw County

via WeatherByCounty

The northernmost chill in the state

Keweenaw County averages just 41.6°F annually, placing it among the coldest regions in the United States. Its unique peninsula geography creates a maritime sub-arctic environment.

Far colder than the Michigan average

The county's 41.6°F average is 4.1 degrees colder than the Michigan state average. It is consistently one of the coldest and most remote counties in the Midwest.

Drier but much colder winters

Keweenaw receives 29.6 inches of precipitation, less than the state average of 34.5 inches. However, its July average of 64.2°F is one of the lowest in the region.

Heat is rare in this northern outpost

Keweenaw averages only 1 day per year where temperatures reach 90°F. Winter is the primary season, with an average temperature of 20.9°F and limited available data on total snowfall.

Focus on heating and cold protection

Air conditioning is rarely needed with only one extreme heat day per year. Residents should focus their budget on robust home insulation and high-performance winter clothing.

Soil Quality in Keweenaw County

via SoilByCounty

Rugged Terrain of the Peninsula

Keweenaw County sits at the tip of the peninsula with limited digital soil data currently available. While we lack a specific pH reading, local environments often mirror the state's acidic average of 5.30.

The Mystery of Volcanic Earth

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded for this northern terrain. Gardeners should expect the rocky, rugged composition typical of the Copper Country's volcanic history.

Untamed Northern Forest Floors

Without specific organic matter or water capacity figures, we look to the surrounding region's hearty forest floors for clues. The lack of data highlights the unique, often untamed nature of this remote landscape.

Rapid Runoff Near the Shore

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unclassified for this area. Local observations of the rocky shoreline suggest rapid runoff in many elevated sections near Lake Superior.

Planting for the Superior Breeze

Despite the data gaps, hardiness zone 5b allows for short-season vegetables and native wildflowers. Embrace the wild North by planting cold-hardy varieties that thrive in the cool lake air.

Lawn Care in Keweenaw County

via LawnByCounty

Keweenaw leads the state in ease

A high lawn difficulty score of 66.7 makes Keweenaw one of the easiest places in Michigan to grow grass. The Zone 5b climate offers cool summers that are perfectly suited for northern turf varieties.

Cool summers and low heat stress

With only 1 extreme heat day per year, your lawn rarely suffers from thermal stress compared to the state average of 7 days. Annual precipitation sits at 29.6 inches, slightly lower than the state benchmark but balanced by lower evaporation rates.

Local soil data requires testing

Specific soil data for pH and texture is currently limited in Keweenaw County records. Local homeowners should perform a home soil test to determine if they need to amend for the 6.0-7.0 ideal range before seeding.

Consistent moisture and zero drought

Keweenaw County enjoyed zero weeks of drought over the past year, maintaining a perfectly stable moisture profile. This consistency allows for a more relaxed watering schedule than almost anywhere else in Michigan.

Timing your northern lawn

Fine Fescues are ideal for this climate given the low 1545 growing degree days. Plan your seeding around the late spring frost date of May 20 to ensure young shoots establish before the short but reliable growing season ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Keweenaw County's county score?
Keweenaw County, Michigan has a composite county score of 71.6 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 Keweenaw County rank among counties in Michigan?
Keweenaw County ranks #1 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 Keweenaw County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Keweenaw County is $1,704, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Keweenaw County a tax score of 42.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Keweenaw County?
The median household income in Keweenaw County, Michigan is $53,893 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Keweenaw County earns an income score of 22.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Keweenaw County, Michigan a good place to live?
Keweenaw County scores 71.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Keweenaw 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 Keweenaw County with other counties side by side.