40.3
County Score
Health 74.2Soil Quality 71.1Lawn Care 62

County Report Card

About Lenawee County, Michigan

Challenges in National Ranking

Lenawee County’s composite score of 40.3 is below the national median of 50.0. It faces challenges typical of areas where housing costs and taxes outweigh current economic growth.

Underperforming the State Average

The county also trails the Michigan average of 47.1, indicating it is currently underperforming compared to many peers. Residents experience a higher tax burden than is typical for the region.

Solid Health and Income

Health and income remain relative bright spots, with scores of 74.2 and 59.0 respectively. The median household income of $67,013 provides a solid baseline for the local economy.

Taxes and Infrastructure

A high effective tax rate of 1.332% results in a low tax score of 19.6, while the water score of 23.9 suggests infrastructure needs. Natural risk also presents a challenge with a score of 30.1.

Best for Local Families

Lenawee County is best for moderate-income families who value existing health services and have local ties. It fits those who are looking for modest home values around $181,100 but are prepared for a higher property tax rate.

Score breakdown

Tax19.6Cost31.1Safety42.2Health74.2Schools34.9Income59Risk30.1Water23.9Weather50
🏛19.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠31.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼59
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡42.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
74.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓34.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
30.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧23.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤50
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨71.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱62
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
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Deep Dives

Lenawee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lenawee County

via TaxByCounty

Lenawee's tax rate ranks among Michigan's highest

Lenawee County's 1.332% effective tax rate stands well above Michigan's state average of 1.166% and significantly exceeds the national median of roughly 1.1%. The median property tax of $2,412 approaches the national median of $2,690, despite Lenawee's lower median home value of $181,100 compared to the national median of $281,900.

Lenawee taxes rank highest among these eight

At 1.332% effective rate, Lenawee County ranks in the upper tier of Michigan's 83 counties for tax burden. The median tax of $2,412 reflects the county's notably elevated rate, placing Lenawee homeowners at a significant disadvantage compared to most Michigan peers.

Lenawee taxes substantially heavier than regional peers

Lenawee's 1.332% rate towers over Lapeer's 0.954% and Kent's 1.140%, making it the highest-tax county in this comparison group by a wide margin. A typical Lenawee homeowner pays roughly $227 more annually than a Kent County resident with a similarly valued home.

Median Lenawee home costs $2,412 yearly

A property valued at Lenawee's median of $181,100 generates an annual tax bill of approximately $2,412 under the county's 1.332% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay about $2,461, while those without mortgages pay closer to $2,324.

Lenawee homeowners should aggressively appeal assessments

Given Lenawee's high tax rate, an inflated assessment creates outsized financial damage—every $1,000 in overvaluation costs $13.32 yearly instead of the state average of $11.66. Carefully compare your assessment to recent comparable sales and file an appeal if your property's assessed value exceeds its market value.

Cost of Living in Lenawee County

via CostByCounty

Lenawee County renters feel the national squeeze

Lenawee County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio runs 2.8 percentage points above the national average, signaling affordability pressure despite a median household income of $67,013 that falls $7,742 shy of the US norm. Renters here dedicate a notably larger share of modest earnings to housing costs.

Lenawee County lags Michigan's affordability standard

At 17.3%, Lenawee County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Michigan's statewide 16.3% average by one full percentage point, placing it among the less affordable regions. The median rent of $965/month runs $92 above the state median, compounding affordability challenges for households earning below statewide norms.

Lenawee's income constraints limit affordability options

Lenawee County's $965 median rent sits moderately between Lake County ($863) and Lapeer County ($959), yet its median income of $67,013 ranks lower than Lapeer ($76,228) and substantially below Leelanau ($91,943). This income deficit is the key affordability driver in this southeast Michigan county.

Both pathways demand substantial income shares

Lenawee renters pay $965/month (17.3% of income), while homeowners spend $1,019/month (18.2% of income), with median home values at $181,100. Unlike some counties where homeownership eases burdens, Lenawee homeowners face proportionally heavier costs than renters, reflecting stretched local markets.

Lenawee County suits income-matched relocators

Lenawee County's southeast Michigan location offers modest costs but demands realistic income expectations—this is best suited for those earning stable $65,000+ incomes or enjoying supplemental retirement resources. Job seekers should vet local employment carefully before relocating to this economically modest region.

Income & Jobs in Lenawee County

via IncomeByCounty

Lenawee County moderately below national average

Lenawee County's median household income of $67,013 is 10% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. The county's diversified manufacturing and agricultural economy supports working-class earnings for most residents.

Above Michigan average but modest gains

At $67,013, Lenawee County's median household income exceeds Michigan's state average of $64,304 by 4%, though the margin is modest. The county demonstrates stability typical of rural-to-suburban Michigan communities with industrial manufacturing roots.

Lower-middle tier among surveyed counties

Lenawee County's $67,013 median income ranks below Lapeer County ($76,228) and Kent County ($80,390) but exceeds Lake County ($49,680) and Luce County ($54,338). The county occupies a moderate position within Michigan's income distribution.

Affordable housing supports working households

Lenawee County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio indicates solid housing affordability, well below the 30% threshold. The median home value of $181,100 is accessible relative to the $67,013 median income, enabling homeownership for households with stable employment.

Build savings through consistent discipline

With moderate income and reasonable housing costs, Lenawee County residents can allocate resources to savings and retirement planning. Start with employer-sponsored plans, then explore individual retirement accounts and modest investment strategies to compound wealth over decades.

Safety in Lenawee County

via CrimeByCounty

Lenawee County vs National Averages

Lenawee County earns a 97.9 safety score, placing it above the national standard for security. Its crime rate of 1309.6 per 100K is approximately 45% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

In Line with Michigan Trends

Lenawee aligns closely with the Michigan state average, with its 97.9 safety score just above the state average of 97.8. Its crime rate of 1309.6 per 100K is also slightly lower than the state average.

Lenawee Compared to its Peers

Lenawee is significantly safer than Kent County, which sees nearly double the crime rate. However, it experiences more total crime than its neighbor Livingston County.

Property Concerns Lead the Data

Property crime makes up 1045.7 incidents per 100K, while violent crime is 263.9. Residents are far more likely to deal with property-related issues than person-to-person crimes.

Personal Security in Lenawee

With 12 reporting agencies active, the county is well-patrolled, but individual vigilance is key. Home security systems are effective deterrents against the property crimes that make up most local reports.

Health in Lenawee County

via HealthByCounty

Lenawee County near national health average

Lenawee County's 76.0-year life expectancy is just slightly below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. At 16.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county experiences chronic disease burden typical of much of America.

Slightly below Michigan average

Lenawee County's 76.0-year life expectancy falls just shy of Michigan's 76.3-year state average, indicating middling health outcomes. The 16.2% poor/fair health rate aligns with state trends.

Lower-middle regional performer

Lenawee County's 76.0-year life expectancy ranks below stronger performers like Livingston (79.7 years) and Kent (78.5 years), though ahead of Lake (75.5 years). With just 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, access is constrained compared to most peers.

Low uninsured rate, limited primary care

Lenawee County's 5.4% uninsured rate beats the state average of 6.4%, yet only 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents create access bottlenecks. The county compensates with 273 mental health providers per 100,000—among the highest in this cohort.

Lenawee residents: check your coverage

With 5.4% of residents uninsured and limited primary care capacity, having active coverage is crucial. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact Lenawee County's health department to review insurance options and locate available primary care appointments.

Schools in Lenawee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive School Coverage Across 12 Districts

Lenawee County maintains 46 public schools serving 14,389 students, ensuring broad access to education. The infrastructure is well-balanced with 17 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 17 high schools.

Steady Performance and Solid Graduation Rates

The county's graduation rate of 84.9% exceeds the state average of 82.5%. Education is delivered with a per-pupil spend of $7,277, resulting in a school score of 51.4 that sits just above the state and national medians.

Adrian and Tecumseh Anchor the County

Adrian Public Schools and Tecumseh Public Schools are the primary districts, each serving over 2,500 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, keeping the focus on its 12 traditional public districts.

A Blend of Town and Rural Settings

The county's schools are evenly split between town and rural locales, with 23 schools in each setting. Average school size is 327 students, though Madison Elementary serves as a large primary hub with 808 students.

Great Schools and Community Ties

Lenawee County offers a variety of educational settings, from the larger schools in Tecumseh to smaller rural campuses. When researching your next move, consider the strong academic foundations found in Adrian and Hudson.

Disaster Risk in Lenawee County

via RiskByCounty

Lenawee County faces elevated risk

With a composite risk score of 69.94, Lenawee County ranks as relatively low risk but substantially above Michigan's state average of 49.56. The county's exposure is driven primarily by tornado and flood hazards.

Upper-middle risk tier in Michigan

Lenawee County's composite risk score of 69.94 places it in Michigan's higher-risk counties, though still below the state's most exposed areas. The county's south-central location exposes it to both tornado and seismic activity.

Comparable to other Thumb and south-central counties

Lenawee County's risk score of 69.94 is similar to Lapeer County (66.41) and Livingston County (73.47), positioning it as part of Michigan's moderate-to-elevated risk corridor. All three counties share elevated tornado exposure.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes threaten here

Lenawee County faces tornado risk of 84.38, flood risk of 71.37, and earthquake risk of 62.21—all substantially above state averages. The combination of these three hazards makes the county one of Michigan's most multifaceted disaster-risk areas.

Comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended

Lenawee County's triple exposure to tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes requires robust insurance: standard homeowners coverage, wind/hail riders, NFIP flood insurance, and earthquake coverage for vulnerable structures. Reinforced foundations and safe rooms offer practical protection.

Weather & Climate in Lenawee County

via WeatherByCounty

One of Michigan's Warmest Corners

Lenawee County averages 48.6°F annually, which is warmer than most of the state but still stays below the national median. Its southern border location provides a slightly longer growing season than northern neighbors.

Leading the State in Temperature

At 48.6°F, Lenawee is significantly warmer than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It experiences 16 extreme heat days per year, which is among the highest counts in the state.

Hotter and Wetter Than Neighbors

Lenawee receives 35.4 inches of precipitation, outpacing Livingston and Lapeer. It is the warmest among its regional peers, recording higher summer averages and more frequent 90°F days.

Sunny Summers and Brisk Winters

July averages a warm 71.9°F, while January dips to 23.8°F. The county receives a manageable 30.4 inches of snow, the lowest total among this group of Michigan counties.

Prepare for Summer Humidity

High-efficiency air conditioning is a priority given the 16 annual extreme heat days. Residents can manage with lighter snow removal equipment compared to the lake-effect belts in the north.

Soil Quality in Lenawee County

via SoilByCounty

Lenawee's Productive Alfisols

Lenawee County is dominated by Alfisols with a pH of 5.93, offering a slightly acidic environment compared to the 6.5 national median. This pH level is higher and more balanced for agriculture than the Michigan average of 5.30.

The Goldilocks Loam Mix

The dominant texture is a classic 'Loam,' comprised of 49.7% sand, 30.8% silt, and 17.7% clay. This balanced mix provides the perfect combination of drainage, nutrient storage, and ease of tilling.

Top-Tier Growing Potential

Fertility is high with 8.49% organic matter, far exceeding the 2.0% national average. An available water capacity of 0.188 in/in keeps moisture accessible for crops longer than many other Michigan counties.

Well Drained and Versatile

These 'Well drained' soils belong to hydrologic group B, meaning they have a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. This makes the land versatile for both large-scale farming and residential development.

An Agricultural Powerhouse

With a 6a hardiness zone and superior loam soil, Lenawee is an agricultural leader. Whether you are planting corn or carrots, your soil provides one of the best foundations in the state.

Lawn Care in Lenawee County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Michigan lawn conditions

Lenawee County’s score of 62.0 sits slightly above the state average, offering a predictable environment for Zone 6a lawns. It remains easier to manage than the national average, though summer heat requires attention.

Higher heat requires more water

Lenawee experiences 16 extreme heat days, more than double the state average of 7. Combined with 35.4 inches of rain and 2755 growing degree days, lawns here grow quickly but can go dormant if not watered during July peaks.

Productive loam with slight acidity

The soil is a well-drained loam, which is the gold standard for grass roots. With a pH of 5.93, a light application of lime can bring the soil into the perfect 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake.

Widespread dry conditions present

Currently, 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry after 29 weeks of drought in the past year. Lawns on this well-drained loam will need supplemental water now to prevent permanent damage to the root systems.

Plant for summer endurance

Given the 16 heat days, Turf-Type Tall Fescue is a great choice for its deep roots and heat tolerance. Aim to seed after the May 3 frost to give your lawn time to establish before the summer heat arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lenawee County's county score?
Lenawee County, Michigan has a composite county score of 40.3 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 Lenawee County rank among counties in Michigan?
Lenawee County ranks #61 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 Lenawee County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Lenawee County is $2,412, with an effective tax rate of 1.33%. This earns Lenawee County a tax score of 19.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lenawee County?
The median household income in Lenawee County, Michigan is $67,013 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lenawee County earns an income score of 59/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lenawee County, Michigan a good place to live?
Lenawee County scores 40.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Lenawee 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 Lenawee County with other counties side by side.