countyscore
45.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 90.9Soil Quality 67.7Cost of Living 66

County Report Card

About Mackinac County, Michigan

A Northern Retreat Below National Medians

Mackinac County earns a composite score of 45.9, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of high environmental resilience and lower economic metrics compared to the rest of the country.

Trailing the Michigan State Average

With a score of 45.9, the county falls just short of Michigan's state average of 47.1. While it offers a unique island and peninsula lifestyle, it struggles to match the statewide pace in infrastructure and safety scores.

Exceptional Safety from Natural Hazards

The county boasts an elite Risk Score of 90.9, indicating very low exposure to natural disasters. Additionally, housing remains accessible with a Cost Score of 66.0 and median rents of just $761 per month.

Water Quality and Public Safety Hurdles

Water quality presents a significant challenge with a low score of 19.6. Safety also lags behind with a score of 26.5, suggesting areas for improvement in local security and emergency services.

Ideal for Disaster-Averse Budgeters

Mackinac is a strong fit for remote workers or retirees who prioritize low housing costs and geological stability over urban amenities. The $165,600 median home value makes it one of the most affordable coastal regions in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax35.3Cost66Safety26.5Health58.6Schools38.8Income34.4Risk90.9Water19.6Weather52.8
🏛35.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡90.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧19.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61
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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Nearby counties

Emmet County
Michigan
55.3
Chippewa County
Michigan
52.8
Cheboygan County
Michigan
51
Charlevoix County
Michigan
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Luce County
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Presque Isle County
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Otsego County
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Schoolcraft County
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Deep Dives

Mackinac County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mackinac County

via TaxByCounty

Mackinac taxes well below national median

At 1.038%, Mackinac County's effective tax rate sits significantly lower than Michigan's 1.166% state average and well below the national median of 1.166%. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,719 annually—about 36% less than the national median property tax of $2,690.

Mackinac ranks among Michigan's lowest

Mackinac County's 1.038% rate ranks it in the bottom tier statewide, where the average effective rate is 1.166%. With a median tax of just $1,719 against a state average of $2,102, residents here enjoy some of Michigan's most affordable property taxation.

Lowest tax rate in the Upper Peninsula

Mackinac's 1.038% rate undercuts neighboring Marquette County (1.000%) and Menominee County (1.030%) by a hair, though all three dramatically outpace Midland County's 1.504%. Among comparable UP counties, Mackinac offers middle-ground affordability with competitive rates and lower home values.

Typical homeowner pays $1,719 annually

On a median home value of $165,600, Mackinac County homeowners pay approximately $1,719 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises slightly to $1,806; without one, it drops to $1,617.

Appeal overassessments and recover taxes

Many Michigan property owners—including those in Mackinac County—are assessed above fair market value and never know it. Filing a tax appeal through your local assessor's office costs nothing and can significantly reduce your annual burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mackinac County

via CostByCounty

Mackinac: Below National Housing Cost

Mackinac County residents spend just 15.6% of household income on rent, beating the national affordability benchmark and ranking well below the typical American household burden. With a median household income of $58,598—about 22% below the national average of $74,755—residents here stretch their dollars further on housing than most Americans.

Among Michigan's Most Affordable

Mackinac County ranks as one of Michigan's most affordable places to live, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% compared to the state average of 16.3%. The county's median rent of $761 per month undercuts the state average of $873, offering genuine savings for Michigan renters.

Competitive Against Regional Peers

Compared to neighboring and similar-sized Michigan counties, Mackinac County offers modest rental costs and strong ownership value at a median home price of $165,600. Nearby Menominee County rivals it on affordability, while Marquette County's higher median rent of $923 makes Mackinac the better value for budget-conscious households.

Rent and Ownership Costs Align

Mackinac County renters pay $761 monthly while homeowners carry mortgage costs of $766—nearly identical burdens—with both consuming about 15.6% of median household income. This balance reflects the county's overall housing affordability, where neither rental nor ownership significantly strains household budgets.

Consider Mackinac for Budget Living

If you're relocating to Michigan and value affordable housing combined with reasonable ownership costs, Mackinac County delivers. Check local job availability in your field, then compare this county's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio against pricier alternatives like Macomb (18.5%) or Mecosta (18.0%) to see your potential savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mackinac County

via IncomeByCounty

Mackinac lags behind national income

Mackinac County's median household income of $58,598 falls $16,157 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. This 21.6% gap reflects the county's reliance on seasonal tourism and limited high-wage employment sectors. Despite the shortfall, local wages remain stable relative to regional economic conditions.

Below Michigan's county average

At $58,598, Mackinac County ranks near the bottom of Michigan's 83 counties, trailing the state average of $64,304 by nearly $5,700. The county's median income places it in approximately the 25th percentile statewide. This positioning reflects broader economic challenges in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Middle ground among UP counties

Mackinac County ($58,598) sits between Menominee County's $55,688 and Marquette County's $64,675, reflecting the income diversity across Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Compared to nearby Manistee County ($60,879), Mackinac trails by about $2,300. The variation suggests different economic bases—tourism, timber, and government services shape each county's wage profile.

Housing costs manageable here

Mackinac County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio sits well below the 30% affordability benchmark, meaning housing remains accessible to most renters. With a median home value of $165,600, homeownership requires roughly 2.8 years of median household income—reasonable for the region. Both metrics suggest that while incomes are modest, the cost of living remains proportionate.

Building financial security on modest income

Even at $58,598, Mackinac County households can build wealth through consistent savings and smart investments; starting with a 3–6 month emergency fund is the critical first step. Consider local financial institutions offering low-cost retirement accounts and explore employer 401(k) matches if available. Homeownership at median values under $166,000 remains an achievable wealth-building tool for disciplined savers.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mackinac County

via CrimeByCounty

Mackinac County Beats National Safety Averages

Mackinac County reports a total crime rate of 1789.2 per 100,000 residents, which sits significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an impressive safety score of 97.2 out of 100. This indicates a high level of security for the local community relative to the rest of the country.

Close to Michigan's High Safety Standard

While Mackinac County is highly secure, its safety score of 97.2 is slightly below the Michigan state average of 97.8. Residents benefit from being in a state that generally maintains high safety standards across its jurisdictions. Even with this slight gap, the county remains a safe haven compared to many high-density areas.

Comparing Mackinac to Regional Neighbors

At 1789.2 crimes per 100K, Mackinac County has a slightly higher crime rate than nearby Manistee County, which reports 1596.3. However, it maintains a much lower volume of crime than many southern Michigan metropolitan counties. The 4 reporting agencies in the county provide consistent data for these comparisons.

Property Offenses Outpace Violent Crime

Violent crime remains very low at just 202.9 incidents per 100,000 people, well below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is the more frequent issue, accounting for 1586.3 incidents per 100K residents. In practical terms, this means residents are far more likely to encounter theft than physical harm.

Securing Your Mackinac County Home

Because property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents, simple deterrents like motion-sensor lights and deadbolts are highly effective. Staying aware of neighborhood activity helps keep these low crime rates stable. Investing in basic home security provides peace of mind in this scenic region.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mackinac County

via HealthByCounty

Mackinac exceeds U.S. life expectancy

Residents of Mackinac County live an average of 77.2 years, outpacing the national average of 76.4 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 17.3% aligns closely with national benchmarks, suggesting generally solid health outcomes relative to the country at large.

Above average longevity in Michigan

At 77.2 years, Mackinac County's life expectancy ranks above Michigan's state average of 76.3 years. This advantage positions the county among healthier regions in the state, though variation in health outcomes persists within the county itself.

Strong health relative to region

Mackinac County's 77.2-year life expectancy exceeds nearby Manistee County (75.2 years) and Mecosta County (76.3 years). The county's primary care provider density of 64 per 100,000 residents falls below Marquette County's robust 115 per 100,000, but mental health capacity at 212 per 100,000 remains solid.

Healthcare access challenge: uninsured rates

Mackinac County's uninsured rate of 10.8% substantially exceeds Michigan's state average of 6.4%, meaning roughly 1 in 10 residents lack health insurance. With 64 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the county has moderate access to routine care, though mental health services at 212 per 100,000 offer stronger availability.

Explore coverage options today

If you're among Mackinac County's uninsured residents, healthcare marketplace plans and state programs can provide affordable coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to find plans that fit your budget and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mackinac County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural Education Infrastructure

Mackinac County operates a focused network of 9 public schools serving 1,152 students across six different districts. The infrastructure includes four elementary schools and one high school, with nearly half of the facilities offering flexible multi-grade configurations. This small footprint reflects the county's low population density and rural character.

Investing Locally Despite Lower Graduation Rates

The county's graduation rate of 71.4% currently trails both the state average of 82.5% and the national benchmark of 87%. However, local investment remains a priority with per-pupil spending at $8,775, which significantly exceeds the Michigan state average of $7,394. The overall school score of 47.6 indicates room for growth compared to the state median of 50.3.

St. Ignace Area Schools Leads the Region

St. Ignace Area Schools stands as the largest district in the county, managing three schools and 420 total students. Families also have alternative options through the Three Lakes Academy, a charter school serving 104 students. Notably, the Bois Blanc Pines School District maintains a unique presence, serving just three students in a highly personalized setting.

Personalized Learning in a Fully Rural Setting

Every school in Mackinac County is classified as rural, offering an average enrollment of just 128 students per building. Engadine Schools is the largest campus with 251 students, while the smallest settings offer nearly one-on-one attention. Students here experience a tight-knit community feel where every teacher knows every child.

Find a Home Near Close-Knit Schools

For families seeking a quiet lifestyle, Mackinac County offers an educational environment defined by small classes and personal attention. Explore homes near top-rated local districts where school quality and community safety go hand-in-hand. This is an ideal destination for buyers who value a rural, supportive atmosphere for their children's education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mackinac County

via RiskByCounty

Mackinac County's risk stays well below national average

With a composite risk score of 9.10 and a "Very Low" rating, Mackinac County ranks among the safest counties in the nation for natural disasters. This score is dramatically lower than the national median, putting residents in a significantly protected position compared to most American counties.

One of Michigan's safest counties

Mackinac County's 9.10 score places it far below Michigan's state average of 49.56, making it one of the lowest-risk counties in the state. Among Michigan's 83 counties, Mackinac ranks exceptionally well for natural disaster preparedness.

Safest in a relatively low-risk region

Mackinac County's risk profile outpaces nearby Emmet and Cheboygan counties across multiple hazard types. While neighboring Manistee County (37.21) offers some comparison, Mackinac remains the clear standout for protection.

Wildfire and flood pose modest concerns

Wildfire risk (47.61) and flood risk (36.80) represent Mackinac's highest hazard exposures, though both remain well-controlled. Tornado risk (9.32) and earthquake risk (6.14) are minimal threats in this county.

Basic homeowners coverage remains prudent

Even in very low-risk Mackinac County, standard homeowners insurance with flood coverage protection is wise, particularly for properties near water. Given the county's overall safety profile, focus on maintaining basic emergency supplies and keeping insurance policies current.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mackinac County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold Shores and High Snow

Mackinac County averages 43.0°F annually, placing it among the colder counties in the United States. Its climate is heavily dictated by the surrounding Great Lakes and northern latitude.

A True Northern Michigan Climate

The county's 43.0°F average is significantly cooler than the statewide average of 45.7°F. It represents the transition from the Lower Peninsula to the more rugged Upper Peninsula.

Warmer Than the Deep U.P.

Mackinac is more temperate than Luce County to the north, beating it by about one degree annually. However, it receives more precipitation than its northern neighbor, totaling 35.0 inches per year.

Endless Winter and Mild July

The county sees 80.9 inches of snow annually, while summer heat is almost non-existent with only one day reaching 90°F. January averages a cold 18.3°F, making winter the primary weather concern.

Prepare for Lake-Effect Snow

Residents must maintain equipment capable of clearing 81 inches of snow throughout the season. Air conditioning is rarely needed, but high-performance insulation is vital for the 21.2°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mackinac County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic and Silt-Rich Northern Soil

Mackinac County features an average pH of 4.66, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.30. While taxonomic data is limited, the soil profile is characterized by its high silt content and unique water-heavy textures. This acidic environment requires specific plant selections or regular liming for traditional gardening.

Silty Profile with High Silt and Low Clay

The soil composition is dominated by 64.7% silt and 19.1% sand, with a very low clay content of only 6.7%. This high silt percentage makes the soil feel smooth and floury when dry but prone to erosion. The low clay levels mean the soil lacks the natural 'glue' needed for stable structure, though it is easy to work.

Extreme Organic Matter and High Water Capacity

The county boasts a staggering 50.58% organic matter, dwarfing the state average of 19.76% and the national average of 2.0%. This rich material contributes to an available water capacity (AWC) of 0.378 in/in, which is nearly double the state average. This combination creates a highly fertile environment that retains moisture exceptionally well.

Unmapped Drainage in Saturated Landscapes

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for Mackinac County's dominant soil units. However, the high organic content and silt levels suggest the landscape often holds water near the surface. Potential builders and farmers should conduct site-specific percolation tests to assess drainage before starting projects.

Cool Climate Gardening in Zone 5a

Mackinac County sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a, where short-season crops like kale, peas, and potatoes thrive. The acidic soil is naturally perfect for blueberries and rhododendrons without much amendment. Embrace the northern climate by starting your seeds indoors to get a head start on the growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mackinac County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing Conditions in Mackinac

Mackinac County earns a lawn difficulty score of 61.0, making it easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0 and the Michigan average of 60.1. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, local lawns benefit from a manageable climate that simplifies routine care.

Low Heat Stress and Consistent Rain

The county sees just 1 extreme heat day per year, significantly lower than the state average of 7 days. With 35.0 inches of annual precipitation and 1,791 growing degree days, grass grows steadily without the risk of scorching.

Acidic Soils Require Careful Balancing

The soil pH here is 4.66, which is much more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for turf. Homeowners should apply lime to neutralize the soil, which consists of 19.1% sand and 6.7% clay.

Superior Natural Drought Resilience

Mackinac County experienced zero weeks of drought over the past year, with 0.0% of the area currently classified as dry. This natural moisture stability means you rarely need to supplement rainfall with heavy irrigation.

Hardy Grasses for the Northern Climate

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in Zone 5a and handle the long winters well. Aim to start your lawn after the last spring frost on May 23 for the best establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mackinac County's county score?
Mackinac County, Michigan has a composite county score of 45.9 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 Mackinac County rank among counties in Michigan?
Mackinac County ranks #49 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 Mackinac County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Mackinac County is $1,719, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Mackinac County a tax score of 35.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mackinac County?
The median household income in Mackinac County, Michigan is $58,598 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mackinac County earns an income score of 34.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mackinac County, Michigan a good place to live?
Mackinac County scores 45.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Mackinac 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 Mackinac County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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