Lake County

Michigan · MI

#39 in Michigan
69.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Lake County, Michigan

Lake County Beats the National Benchmark

Lake County's composite score of 69.1 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 38%, reflecting strong fundamentals across affordability and taxation. The county ranks in the upper tier of U.S. communities for overall livability.

Just Above Michigan's Average

Lake County's 69.1 score edges slightly above Michigan's state average of 68.7, positioning it as a competitive choice within the state. The county maintains pace with Michigan's broader quality-of-life offerings.

Exceptional Affordability Across the Board

Lake County's cost score of 81.8 reflects median home values of just $122,900—among the lowest in the state—and rents of $863 monthly. The tax score of 69.9 and effective rate of 1.15% add to the affordability advantage.

Income Levels Lag Significantly

The income score of 15.8 and median household income of just $49,680 represent the county's most pressing constraint. Safety, health, schools, and environmental quality data remain unavailable, limiting a complete assessment of livability.

Best For: Budget-Conscious Families

Lake County excels for families and individuals prioritizing lowest possible housing and living costs over high local earning potential. The county rewards those with income sources independent of the local economy—retirees, remote workers, and those relocating with savings.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69.9Cost81.8SafetyComing SoonHealth66.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.8Risk78WaterComing Soon
🏛69.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠81.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼15.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
66.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
78
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

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Lake County taxes slightly above national median

Lake County's effective tax rate of 1.150% runs just below Michigan's state average of 1.166% but above the implied national median rate of roughly 0.95%. The median property tax of $1,413 falls well short of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Lake's lower median home value of $122,900 compared to the national median of $281,900.

Light taxes offset by modest home values

Lake County ranks in the lower-middle tier of Michigan's 83 counties for tax burden, with a 1.150% rate nearly matching the state average. However, the median tax of just $1,413 is among the lowest statewide, placing Lake County homeowners in an affordable tax position despite above-average rates.

Lake's taxes lean slightly higher than peers

Lake County's 1.150% effective rate exceeds Luce County's 1.015% but trails most other regional counties in the lower Peninsula. The median tax of $1,413 reflects the county's rural character and lower property values across the western lower Peninsula.

Average Lake home costs $1,413 yearly

A property at Lake County's median value of $122,900 generates an annual property tax of roughly $1,413 at the 1.150% effective rate. With a mortgage, the bill climbs to $1,557; without one, it falls to $1,307.

Lake County assessments worth challenging

Even in affordable Lake County, properties can be overassessed relative to actual market sales in the area. Homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent comparable sales within their township or city—if your assessment exceeds market reality, file an appeal with the assessor.

Cost of Living in Lake County

via CostByCounty

Lake County renters squeeze hardest for housing

Lake County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Michigan's most strained, running 5.4 percentage points above the national average and signaling genuine affordability stress. With a median household income of just $49,680—far below the national $74,755—residents dedicate nearly one-fifth of earnings to rent alone.

Lake County faces Michigan's steepest housing burden

Lake County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio stands nearly 4.6 percentage points above Michigan's statewide 16.3% average, placing it among the state's least affordable counties despite modest absolute rents. The mismatch between low incomes and housing costs creates real hardship for renters here.

Lake County's income gap drives affordability crisis

Lake County's median rent of $863/month approximates nearby county averages (Luce: $799, Lenawee: $965), but its strikingly low median income of $49,680 amplifies affordability pressure compared to Lenawee ($67,013) and Lapeer ($76,228). This income-cost mismatch is Lake County's defining affordability challenge.

Homeownership offers modest relief from rent strain

Lake County renters bear a 20.9% income burden at $863/month, while homeowners spend $729/month—a more manageable 14.7%—on ownership costs. The $134 monthly gap suggests homeownership, despite lower absolute costs, remains out of reach for many given the county's low median home value of $122,900 and constrained incomes.

Lake County demands careful income-to-housing math

Lake County's rock-bottom housing costs won't offset painfully low median incomes, making it suitable only for remote workers or retirees with income independent of local job markets. Prospective residents should realistically assess whether their income can sustain Lake County's modest economy before relocating.

Income & Jobs in Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Lake County faces income challenges nationally

Lake County's median household income of $49,680 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 34%, placing it among the lowest-earning counties in America. Economic opportunities remain limited in this rural Upper Peninsula community.

Struggling within Michigan's income landscape

At $49,680, Lake County's median household income falls 23% below Michigan's state average of $64,304. The county faces persistent economic headwinds, with limited job diversity and population decline affecting regional earning power.

Among Michigan's lowest-earning counties

Lake County's $49,680 median income is the lowest among the eight counties profiled here, trailing even Luce County ($54,338) and Keweenaw County ($53,893). The county struggles economically compared to more developed regions like Kent and Livingston counties.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Lake County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability danger zone, meaning housing consumes a significant share of household budgets. While the median home value of $122,900 is low in absolute terms, it represents a higher burden relative to the lower median income.

Prioritize financial stability and skill building

Lake County residents should focus on building emergency savings and reducing debt to create financial breathing room. Consider investing in job training, education, or entrepreneurship to increase earning potential and long-term wealth prospects.

Health in Lake County

via HealthByCounty

Lake County health outcomes trail nation

Lake County residents face significant health challenges, with life expectancy of just 75.5 years—nearly one year below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. At 23.0%, the poor/fair health rate is the highest among these counties and substantially worse than the national average.

Struggles below Michigan average

Lake County's 75.5-year life expectancy falls well below Michigan's 76.3-year state average, signaling a county health crisis. With 23.0% reporting poor or fair health—the worst in this cohort—Lake County residents face disproportionate chronic disease burden.

Most vulnerable in regional comparison

Lake County's 75.5-year life expectancy is the lowest among all eight counties analyzed, trailing Luce County (76.3 years) and substantially behind Leelanau County (80.9 years). Most alarming: just 8 primary care providers per 100,000 residents creates a healthcare desert that rivals the nation's most medically underserved areas.

Uninsured and underserved

Lake County's 7.6% uninsured rate exceeds Michigan's 6.4% average, leaving roughly 1 in 13 residents without coverage. With only 8 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 94 mental health providers per 100,000, the county struggles with primary care access while attempting to address behavioral health.

Help is available in Lake County

With 7.6% uninsured and acute primary care shortages, accessing coverage is critical for Lake County residents. Call 211 Michigan, visit Healthcare.gov, or contact the Lake County Health Department for emergency Medicaid, community health center locations, and financial assistance programs.

Disaster Risk in Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Lake County enjoys very low risk

With a composite risk score of 22.04, Lake County ranks as very low risk—well below Michigan's state average of 49.56. This West Michigan county benefits from relative protection across most major hazard categories.

Among the safest in Michigan

Lake County's composite risk score of 22.04 places it among Michigan's lowest-risk counties, with all hazard categories performing better than or near state averages. The county represents a notably safer alternative within the state.

Safer than most nearby counties

Lake County's risk score of 22.04 is lower than neighboring Leelanau County (48.35) and significantly lower than Livingston County (73.47). Only Keweenaw County (0.67) enjoys lower composite risk in the region.

Modest flood and wildfire exposure

Lake County's highest risk categories are flood (40.65) and wildfire (43.51), both remaining below state averages and manageable through standard precautions. Tornado risk of 23.73 is well below the state average of roughly 50–70 in high-risk counties.

Standard insurance with optional coverage

Lake County's low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance is typically sufficient, though reviewing flood coverage is prudent given the county's 40.65 flood score. Renters and homeowners should confirm their policies include basic windstorm and hail protection.

ByCounty Network

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