Leelanau County

Michigan · MI

#22 in Michigan
71.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Leelanau County, Michigan

Leelanau Ranks in America's Top Tier

Leelanau County's composite score of 70.3 sits 41% above the national median of 50.0, establishing it among the nation's most livable counties. The score reflects strong tax advantages, reasonable costs, and the highest income levels among these eight counties.

Michigan's Premium Destination

Leelanau County's 70.3 score significantly outpaces Michigan's state average of 68.7, marking it as one of the state's premier places to live. The county stands out for its combination of earning potential and favorable fiscal environment.

Highest Incomes With Lowest Taxes

Leelanau County leads these eight counties with an income score of 43.4 and median household income of $91,943, while maintaining the lowest effective tax rate at 0.70% (tax score: 82.5). This rare combination delivers maximum financial advantage to residents.

Housing Costs Reflect County's Premium Status

The cost score of 67.8 and median home value of $406,900 mean Leelanau is the most expensive county in this group—a tradeoff for higher incomes and lower taxes. Health, safety, schools, and environmental data are not yet available.

Best For: Affluent Professionals and Entrepreneurs

Leelanau County suits high-income professionals, business owners, and families who can afford premium property prices and benefit from the county's exceptional tax climate. The strong income-to-tax ratio makes it ideal for those building and preserving wealth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.5Cost67.8SafetyComing SoonHealth82.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome43.4Risk51.7WaterComing Soon
🏛82.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠67.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼43.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
82.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
51.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Leelanau County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Leelanau County

via TaxByCounty

Leelanau boasts Michigan's lowest tax rate

Leelanau County's 0.702% effective tax rate stands among the lowest in the nation, falling far below Michigan's state average of 1.166% and the national median of roughly 1.1%. At $2,856 in median property taxes on a median home value of $406,900, Leelanau residents enjoy substantial tax savings despite the region's premium real estate values.

Leelanau's tax rate ranks statewide lowest

Leelanau County claims the lowest effective tax rate among Michigan's 83 counties at just 0.702%, a stunning advantage for homeowners in this high-value region. The median tax of $2,856 reflects the county's expensive properties rather than a heavy tax burden.

Leelanau taxes drastically lower than regional peers

Leelanau's 0.702% rate is roughly 40% lower than Lapeer County's 0.954% and far below Kent County's 1.140%, making it the undisputed low-tax leader in northern Michigan. A Leelanau homeowner with a $400,000 property pays roughly $700 less annually than a similar Kent County homeowner.

Leelanau median home costs just $2,856 yearly

Despite a median home value of $406,900—the highest among these eight counties—a typical Leelanau property generates only $2,856 in annual property taxes. The rate reaches $2,700 for mortgaged homes and $3,191 for properties owned outright, reflecting the county's unique assessment structure.

Even Leelanau homeowners should verify assessments

Leelanau's ultra-low tax rate doesn't guarantee every property is fairly assessed—seasonal homes, recent purchases, and parcels with shifting market values can all be misvalued. Request your assessment details from the county assessor and compare them against recent arm's-length sales in your immediate area.

Cost of Living in Leelanau County

via CostByCounty

Leelanau County's wealth cushions high housing costs

At 16.0%, Leelanau County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national average despite median rent of $1,223/month—among Michigan's priciest—because median household income reaches $91,943, outpacing the US norm by $17,188. This affluent county makes expensive housing feel proportional through strong earning power.

Leelanau County houses Michigan's wealthiest residents

Leelanau County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio undercuts Michigan's statewide 16.3% average, yet its residents pay $1,223/month in rent—$350 above the state median—because incomes are substantially higher. This Northern Michigan destination caters to affluent households for whom premium housing costs feel manageable.

Leelanau County's luxury housing market stands apart

Leelanau's median rent of $1,223/month and home value of $406,900 far exceed regional peers like Lapeer ($959 rent, $229,100 homes) and Lake County ($863 rent, $122,900 homes), reflecting its status as an upscale resort and second-home destination. This premium positioning attracts high-earning households seeking seasonal or permanent amenities.

Both renters and owners pay premium for location

Leelanau renters spend $1,223/month (16.0% of income), while homeowners pay $1,199/month (15.7% of income), with median home values reaching $406,900—Michigan's highest in this dataset. Affluent incomes make these extraordinary costs feel proportional, though entry barriers remain steep.

Leelanau County: premium living for premium earners

Leelanau County's breathtaking Northern Michigan setting and strong affordability ratio appeal to high-income households willing to pay top dollar for both rent and property values. This is not a cost-cutting relocation destination but rather a lifestyle choice for those whose earnings comfortably absorb luxury-tier housing markets.

Income & Jobs in Leelanau County

via IncomeByCounty

Leelanau County ranks among nation's wealthiest

Leelanau County's median household income of $91,943 is 23% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the top tier of American counties. The scenic Northern Michigan location and strong tourism, second-home, and professional services economy drive above-average earnings.

Michigan's premium income destination

At $91,943, Leelanau County's median household income towers 43% above Michigan's state average of $64,304. The county ranks among Michigan's most affluent regions, rivaling the state's economic powerhouses in average household earnings.

Leading income earners in the region

Leelanau County's $91,943 median income surpasses all comparison counties except Livingston County ($101,315), demonstrating exceptional regional prosperity. The county's wealth outpaces Kent County ($80,390), Lapeer County ($76,228), and all lower-income peers significantly.

Income challenged by premium property values

Despite strong median income, Leelanau County's median home value of $406,900 creates an affordability tension—homes cost 4.4 times the median household income. The 16.0% rent-to-income ratio remains healthy, but homeownership entry prices are steep relative to most American markets.

Maximize wealth strategies for high earners

Leelanau County's affluent residents should maximize tax-advantaged retirement contributions, explore investment properties, and consider wealth preservation strategies with professional advisors. High earners benefit from strategic tax planning, diversified portfolios, and legacy planning to sustain generational wealth.

Health in Leelanau County

via HealthByCounty

Leelanau County ranks among nation's healthiest

At 80.9 years, Leelanau County's life expectancy is nearly 4.5 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years, positioning residents among America's longest-living communities. Just 11.0% report poor or fair health, well below national norms.

Michigan's top health outcomes

Leelanau County's 80.9-year life expectancy is the highest in this cohort and substantially exceeds Michigan's 76.3-year state average. The county's 11.0% poor/fair health rate ranks among the best, signaling robust community wellness.

Clear regional health leader

Leelanau County's 80.9-year life expectancy significantly outpaces all eight counties analyzed, trailing only the nation's most affluent retirement and wellness destinations. With 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, access is solid for a rural county.

Strong outcomes despite higher uninsured rate

Leelanau County's 6.6% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Michigan's 6.4% average—unusual for such a healthy county, suggesting wealth disparities within the community. With 44 primary care providers and 65 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers adequate healthcare access.

Complete coverage for all residents

Even in healthy Leelanau County, 6.6% of residents remain uninsured—a gap that undermines the county's overall wellness. Contact the Leelanau County health department or Healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and subsidies for those who've fallen through the cracks.

Disaster Risk in Leelanau County

via RiskByCounty

Leelanau County has below-average risk

With a composite risk score of 48.35, Leelanau County ranks as relatively low risk—essentially at Michigan's state average of 49.56. This cherry-growing county benefits from relatively balanced, moderate exposure across all major hazard types.

Near-average risk in Michigan

Leelanau County's composite risk score of 48.35 mirrors Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's hazard exposure spectrum. No single hazard dominates the county's risk profile.

More exposed than Lake County, safer than inland counties

Leelanau County's risk score of 48.35 exceeds Lake County (22.04) but lags behind Lapeer County (66.41) and Livingston County (73.47). Its lakeside location provides some protection while maintaining moderate baseline risk.

Flooding poses the primary threat

Leelanau County's flood risk of 42.14 is its highest score and represents the primary hazard concern for the county. Tornado risk remains modest at 19.15, while wildfire, earthquake, and hurricane risks all stay well below state maximums.

Standard coverage with flood consideration

Leelanau County's moderate risk level means standard homeowners insurance provides a solid foundation, but flood coverage deserves careful review given the 42.14 flood risk score. Properties in flood-prone areas or near the Great Lakes should prioritize NFIP flood insurance.

ByCounty Network

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