CountyScore

Mackinac County

Michigan · MI

#9 in Michigan
72.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Mackinac County, Michigan

Well above the national median

Mackinac County scores 71.7 out of 100 on livability, placing it in the 44th percentile nationally and well above the national median of 50. This positions the county in the upper half of America's livability spectrum, despite serving a rural peninsula community.

Outperforming Michigan's average

At 71.7, Mackinac County ranks above Michigan's state average composite score of 68.7, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 83 counties. The county's performance reflects consistent strength across its measured dimensions.

Exceptional affordability and low taxes

Mackinac County excels with a cost score of 83.1, reflecting median home values of just $165,600 and gross rents averaging $761/month—among Michigan's most affordable. An effective tax rate of 1.038% and tax score of 73.1 further enhance financial accessibility for residents.

Income levels require attention

The county's income score of 21.6 reflects a median household income of $58,598, below state and national norms. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions remain unavailable, limiting a fuller livability picture.

Ideal for budget-conscious retirees

Mackinac County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability and low tax burden over higher earning potential. Its strong cost dimension and stable tax environment make it attractive for those with fixed or modest incomes seeking lakeside living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax73.1Cost83.1SafetyComing SoonHealth70.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.6Risk90.9WaterComing Soon
🏛73.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡90.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Mackinac County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Henry County
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Median income: $60,135
Jackson County
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Median income: $41,809
Kit Carson County
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72.9
Median income: $59,810
Baker County
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72.9
Median income: $44,405
Clearwater County
Idaho
72.9
Median income: $57,961

Deep Dives

Mackinac County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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