50
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.5Water Quality 86Cost of Living 67.5

County Report Card

About Luce County, Michigan

Right at the National Center

Luce County lands exactly on the national median with a composite score of 50.0. It offers a stable lifestyle away from national extremes, providing a reliable baseline for livability.

Beating the State Average

Performing slightly better than the Michigan average of 47.1, Luce County is a solid Upper Peninsula choice. It provides a balanced profile that trades high incomes for environmental stability.

Low Risk and Low Cost

The county is exceptionally safe from natural disasters, earning a risk score of 97.5. It also offers high water quality at 86.0 and affordable living with a cost score of 67.5 and a $110,400 median home value.

Economic and Safety Limits

Economic growth is slow, reflected in an income score of 23.8 and a median household income of $54,338. Safety services also score lower at 31.4, suggesting limited infrastructure in this remote area.

A Haven for Solitude

This county is a great fit for those looking to "get away from it all" in an affordable, low-risk environment. It suits retirees or remote workers who prioritize low costs and pristine natural surroundings over a busy job market.

Score breakdown

Tax37Cost67.5Safety31.4Health64.3Schools38.9Income23.8Risk97.5Water86Weather51.5
🏛37
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠67.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼23.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡31.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
64.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓38.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
97.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤51.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨67.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱59.2
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

Luce County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Luce County

via TaxByCounty

Luce's tax rate runs below state average

Luce County's 1.015% effective tax rate falls modestly below Michigan's state average of 1.166% and slightly above the national median of roughly 0.95%. The median property tax of $1,121 is less than half the national median of $2,690, reflecting Luce's modest median home value of $110,400 in Michigan's remote Upper Peninsula.

Luce ranks among Michigan's most affordable

Among Michigan's 83 counties, Luce County ranks in the lower tier for both effective tax rate (1.015%) and median tax ($1,121). The county's rural, sparsely populated character limits local revenue needs, creating a genuine affordability advantage for homeowners across the board.

Luce taxes heavier than Keweenaw, lighter than most

Luce's 1.015% rate exceeds Keweenaw County's 0.939% but trails most other counties in this comparison, including Lake's 1.150%. Luce remains one of the most affordable tax jurisdictions in Michigan, with a median bill of just $1,121—far below the state median of $2,102.

Median Luce home costs just $1,121 yearly

A property valued at Luce's median of $110,400 carries an annual property tax of approximately $1,121 under the county's 1.015% rate. Mortgaged properties pay about $1,181, while debt-free homes pay closer to $1,052.

Verify Luce assessments in a limited data environment

Luce County's small population and sparse comparable sales can make it harder to challenge assessments, but that also means fewer recent transactions may be driving inflated values. Request your assessment details and any comparable sales used by the assessor—if you've invested in recent improvements or the market has softened, file an appeal.

Cost of Living in Luce County

via CostByCounty

Luce County rents align with national standards

Luce County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio exactly matches Kent County in this analysis and runs 2.1 percentage points above the national average, despite median household income of $54,338—$20,417 below the US norm. This Upper Peninsula county's tight affordability squeeze reflects constrained local earnings combined with modest rents.

Luce County's low incomes drive affordability challenge

At 17.6%, Luce County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Michigan's statewide 16.3% average by 1.3 percentage points, with median rent of $799/month running only $74 below the state median. The real issue is the county's low median income of $54,338, which stretches housing costs to uncomfortable levels.

Luce County's modest rents mask income poverty

Luce County's $799 median rent sits between Keweenaw ($679, most affordable) and Lake County ($863), yet its median income of $54,338 rivals only Lake County ($49,680) among Upper Peninsula peers. Unlike Keweenaw, where low incomes pair with lower rents, Luce County's housing costs bite harder relative to earnings.

Homeownership offers modest relief but remains strained

Luce renters pay $799/month (17.6% of income), while homeowners spend $685/month (15.1% of income)—a meaningful difference that favors ownership. With median home values at $110,400, homeownership is theoretically accessible, yet low incomes make even entry-level purchases challenging.

Luce County demands independent income strategy

Luce County's combination of low rents and lower incomes suits only those with external income sources—remote work, retirement, or investment income—to offset limited local job markets. Prospective relocators relying on regional employment should consider this Upper Peninsula county carefully before committing.

Income & Jobs in Luce County

via IncomeByCounty

Luce County significantly trails national average

Luce County's median household income of $54,338 is 27% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among lower-earning American counties. Remote Upper Peninsula geography and limited economic diversity constrain earning opportunities for residents.

Well below Michigan's statewide median

At $54,338, Luce County's median household income falls 15% short of Michigan's state average of $64,304. The county represents one of Michigan's economically challenged regions, with limited job markets and population pressures affecting household earnings.

Competing with other UP lower-income counties

Luce County's $54,338 median income slightly exceeds Lake County ($49,680) but trails Keweenaw County ($53,893) and significantly lags all Lower Peninsula counties surveyed. The county faces economic headwinds typical of remote Upper Peninsula communities.

Housing affordable but income strained

Luce County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio indicates manageable housing costs, and the median home value of $110,400 is low in absolute terms. However, the lower median income means households have limited discretionary income after covering basic housing and living expenses.

Focus on financial resilience and growth

Luce County residents should prioritize building emergency savings and reducing high-interest debt to improve financial stability. Explore local workforce development programs, skills training, and education opportunities to increase earning potential and long-term economic security.

Safety in Luce County

via CrimeByCounty

Evaluating Safety in Luce County

Luce County holds a 97.4 safety score, which is respectable despite a crime rate of 1617.0 per 100K. While the total rate is below the national 2,385.5, the local violent crime rate is higher than average.

Luce County vs Michigan State

Luce County's crime rate of 1617.0 is higher than the Michigan average of 1371.8 per 100K. Its safety score is slightly below the state average of 97.8, reflecting its unique rural security landscape.

Regional Crime Rate Comparisons

Luce experiences more crime per 100K than nearby Keweenaw or Leelanau. Its total crime rate is nearly four times higher than Leelanau's 423.6.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is 496.1 per 100K, which exceeds the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1120.9, suggesting residents should be mindful of both person and property safety.

Smart Security for Luce Residents

With a violent crime rate above state and national averages, home security with emergency response features is a wise choice. Awareness and preparation are the best defenses in this region.

Health in Luce County

via HealthByCounty

Luce County slightly trails national average

At 76.3 years, Luce County's life expectancy matches Michigan's state average but falls just short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 19.0% reporting poor or fair health, nearly 1 in 5 residents experiences chronic disease.

At state baseline, with health challenges

Luce County's 76.3-year life expectancy exactly matches Michigan's state average, but the 19.0% poor/fair health rate exceeds state trends. This suggests the county's residents manage to live as long as peers while dealing with higher disease burden.

Mid-pack with provider strength

Luce County's 76.3-year life expectancy ties the state average but lags behind healthier counties like Livingston (79.7 years) and Kent (78.5 years). Notably, Luce offers 132 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this cohort—suggesting concentrated care capacity.

Uninsured rate equals state average

Luce County's 6.4% uninsured rate matches Michigan's state average exactly, leaving roughly 1 in 15 residents without coverage. Despite high primary care provider density (132 per 100,000), the county maintains 155 mental health providers per 100,000, indicating balanced care availability.

Get insured in Luce County

With 6.4% of residents uninsured and high rates of poor/fair health, coverage is critical for Luce County. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact the Luce County health department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health resources.

Schools in Luce County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Schooling in the Upper Peninsula

Luce County consolidates its education into just two public schools serving 499 total students. A single district, Tahquamenon Area Schools, manages the county's educational needs for all grades.

Strong Outcomes with Above-Average Funding

Luce County achieves an 84.0% graduation rate, beating the Michigan state average of 82.5%. The county spends $7,715 per pupil, which is higher than the state average and helps maintain a school score of 51.9.

A Unified Tahquamenon District

Tahquamenon Area Schools is the sole provider of public education, ensuring a centralized focus for all local students. There are no charter schools in the county, reinforcing the role of the traditional public system.

Town-Centered Community Learning

Both schools are located in town settings, making the Newberry Area School the primary educational hub for the region. With 499 students at the main campus, the school serves as a significant community gathering point.

Find a Home in the Heart of Newberry

For families who want a single-district experience with solid graduation rates, Luce County offers a stable environment. Explore homes near Newberry to be close to the county's central educational facilities.

Disaster Risk in Luce County

via RiskByCounty

Luce County enjoys exceptional safety

With a composite risk score of just 2.58, Luce County ranks as very low risk—among the safest counties in the nation. This remote Upper Peninsula county is sheltered from most major hazard exposures by its geography.

Second-safest county in Michigan

Luce County's composite risk score of 2.58 ranks it as Michigan's second-lowest risk county, trailing only Keweenaw County (0.67). The county faces virtually no tornado, earthquake, or hurricane risk.

Significantly safer than downstate counties

Luce County's risk score of 2.58 vastly exceeds the safety of neighboring Keweenaw County (0.67) but trounces all Lower Peninsula counties like Lake County (22.04). Its Upper Peninsula isolation provides natural protection.

Wildfire and flood are minimal concerns

Luce County's highest risk categories are wildfire (45.36) and flood (15.49), both remaining well below state averages. Tornado risk of 3.69 and earthquake risk of 2.29 are negligible, with zero hurricane risk.

Basic insurance covers your needs

Luce County's exceptionally low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides excellent protection without additional riders or specialized policies. Residents benefit from some of Michigan's most affordable insurance rates.

Weather & Climate in Luce County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep North Cold in Luce

Luce County is one of the coldest spots in the nation with an annual average of just 41.9°F. This is more than 10 degrees colder than the national median temperature.

Well Below the Michigan Median

While Michigan averages 45.7°F, Luce County sits much lower at 41.9°F. The harsh winters here are defined by a January average of only 16.5°F.

Colder Than Its Island Neighbors

Luce is notably colder than Mackinac County to the south, which averages 43.0°F. While specific local snowfall data is unavailable, the region is legendary for its intense Upper Peninsula snow loads.

Short Summers and Frozen Winters

Luce sees only one extreme heat day per year, with summer averages hovering at a cool 63.9°F. Winter is the dominant season, lasting from December through March with a 19.1°F average.

Maximize Your Heating Capacity

Heavy-duty home heating systems and sub-zero outdoor gear are essential for the long 16.5°F January nights. High-capacity snow removal tools are a standard requirement for Upper Peninsula living.

Soil Quality in Luce County

via SoilByCounty

Extreme Acidity on Bedrock

Luce County presents a unique profile with an extremely acidic pH of 4.47, well below the 6.5 national median and 5.30 state average. The dominant texture is classified as unweathered bedrock, reflecting its rugged northern character.

A Landscape of Organic Deposits

The composition is remarkably low in mineral particulates, with 16.1% sand, 12.3% silt, and only 1.8% clay. This unusual mix suggests a landscape dominated by organic deposits rather than traditional mineral soil.

Astounding Organic Sponginess

Fertility is off the charts with 58.13% organic matter, nearly triple the state average of 19.76%. This high organic content drives a massive available water capacity of 0.392 in/in, making the ground incredibly spongy.

Vast Moisture and Bog Hydrology

The extreme water capacity and high organic matter indicate a landscape that holds vast amounts of moisture. This creates a bog-like hydrology that defines much of the local ecosystem and limits traditional building.

Home for Acid-Loving Berries

Hardiness zone 5a requires tough, cold-tolerant plants that can handle the short growing season. With such high organic matter, you have an incredible foundation for acid-loving berries like blueberries or cranberries.

Lawn Care in Luce County

via LawnByCounty

Unique challenges in the Upper Peninsula

Luce County scores 59.2 for lawn difficulty, slightly below the state average of 60.1. In USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, the short growing season and cold winters define the local lawn care experience.

Short seasons and cool summers

With only 1 extreme heat day and 1739 growing degree days, your grass will grow slowly and rarely scorch. Precipitation is healthy at 33.8 inches, which is plenty of moisture for the limited thermal demand.

Extreme acidity and bedrock issues

The soil pH of 4.47 is extremely acidic and requires significant liming to reach the 6.0 target. Furthermore, the presence of unweathered bedrock means shallow root zones that require careful management.

Zero drought in the past year

Luce County has seen zero weeks of drought recently, maintaining a 0% dryness rating across the area. This abundance of moisture is lucky, as the shallow bedrock soil would struggle to hold water during a dry spell.

Hardy grass for a short window

Stick to the hardiest cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass to survive Zone 5a winters. Your growing window is tight, so start projects immediately after the late May 21 frost to maximize the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Luce County's county score?
Luce County, Michigan has a composite county score of 50 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 Luce County rank among counties in Michigan?
Luce County ranks #38 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 Luce County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Luce County is $1,121, with an effective tax rate of 1.02%. This earns Luce County a tax score of 37/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Luce County?
The median household income in Luce County, Michigan is $54,338 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Luce County earns an income score of 23.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Luce County, Michigan a good place to live?
Luce County scores 50/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Luce 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 Luce County with other counties side by side.