Keweenaw County

Michigan · MI

#1 in Michigan
77.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Keweenaw County, Michigan

Keweenaw Ranks in the National Top Tier

Keweenaw County's composite score of 73.7 sits 47% above the national median of 50.0, placing it among the most livable counties in America. This exceptional performance comes primarily from extraordinarily affordable housing and favorable tax treatment.

Michigan's Standout Performer

Keweenaw County ranks well above Michigan's state average of 68.7 with its 73.7 score, making it one of the state's brightest spots. The county punches above its weight relative to typical Michigan communities.

Ultra-Affordable Housing and Minimal Taxes

Keweenaw County's cost score of 85.9 and tax score of 75.8 drive its exceptional ranking, with median home values of just $181,400 and an effective tax rate of 0.94%. Renters enjoy similarly remarkable affordability at $679 per month.

Income Levels Present a Tradeoff

The income score of 18.6 reflects median household earnings of just $53,893, well below state and national norms. This represents the classic trade-off of remote, scenic counties: stunning affordability paired with limited high-earning opportunities.

Best For: Retirees and Remote Workers

Keweenaw County's combination of rock-bottom housing costs and minimal taxes make it ideal for retirees on fixed incomes or remote professionals with earnings from elsewhere. This is a place where money stretches furthest, rewarding those whose income isn't tied to the local economy.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.8Cost85.9SafetyComing SoonHealth81.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.6Risk99.4WaterComing Soon
🏛75.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠85.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼18.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
81.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
99.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Keweenaw County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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