countyscore
70.6
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.

2040608010036.181.767.39399.316.599.46.151.2Tax36.1Cost81.7Safety67.3Health93Schools99.3Income16.5Risk99.4Water6.1Weather51.270.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Keweenaw County DNA

Coverall

How Keweenaw County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Keweenaw County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (99.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (6.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
36.1-15.899999999999999
Cost
81.7+33.7
Safety
67.3+12.299999999999997
Health
93+43
Schools
99.3+45.3
Income
16.5-34.5
Risk
99.4+52.400000000000006
Water
6.1-51.9
Weather
51.2
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

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$169,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$688/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$169,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,583/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Keweenaw County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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 70.6 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 $1,689, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Keweenaw County a tax score of 36.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Keweenaw County?
The median household income in Keweenaw County, Michigan is $52,583 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Keweenaw County earns an income score of 16.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Keweenaw County, Michigan a good place to live?
Keweenaw County scores 70.6/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.