Manistee County

Michigan · MI

#29 in Michigan
70.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Manistee County, Michigan

Strong livability by national measure

Manistee County scores 70.6 out of 100, landing in the 41st percentile nationally and decisively above the 50-point national median. This rural western Michigan county demonstrates solid overall livability for its community size and location.

Slightly ahead of Michigan's average

At 70.6, Manistee County marginally exceeds Michigan's state average of 68.7, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 83 counties. This positions it among Michigan's more livable rural communities.

Affordable housing and reasonable taxes

Manistee County shines with a cost score of 81.7, offering median home values of $166,600 and monthly gross rents of $820. An effective tax rate of 1.089% and tax score of 71.6 keep financial burdens low for residents.

Lower incomes reflect rural economy

The county's income score of 23.1 reflects a median household income of $60,879, modest compared to national standards and suburban peers. Safety, health, schools, and water quality data remain unavailable for fuller evaluation.

Perfect for small-town affordability seekers

Manistee County appeals to families and retirees valuing affordability, low taxes, and rural community character over higher earnings. It suits those willing to trade income potential for significantly lower housing costs and tax burden.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71.6Cost81.7SafetyComing SoonHealth73.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.1Risk62.8WaterComing Soon
🏛71.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠81.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼23.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
73.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
62.8
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

Manistee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Manistee County

via TaxByCounty

Manistee taxes slightly above state average

Manistee County's 1.089% effective tax rate runs modestly above Michigan's 1.166% state average but well below the national median of 1.166%. Annual median taxes of $1,814 trail the national median of $2,690 by about 33%, reflecting lower home values in the region.

Manistee ranks mid-range in Michigan

With a 1.089% effective rate and $1,814 median tax, Manistee County hovers slightly below the state average of 1.166% and well below the state median tax of $2,102. The county sits in the lower-to-middle tier statewide for tax burden.

Mid-tier tax rate in west Michigan

Manistee's 1.089% rate falls between the lowest performers—Mecosta (0.996%) and Marquette (1.000%)—and higher-tax areas like Mason County (1.105%). For comparable home values around $166,000–$200,000, Manistee offers moderate and reasonable tax exposure.

Typical bill runs $1,814 per year

On a median home value of $166,600, Manistee County homeowners pay approximately $1,814 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that increases to $1,967; without, it drops to $1,633.

Challenge assessments to cut your tax bill

Even in a moderate-tax county, overassessment happens, and homeowners who ignore it leave money on the table year after year. File an appeal with your assessor if comparable properties in your neighborhood sold for less than your assessed value.

Cost of Living in Manistee County

via CostByCounty

Manistee: Solid National Affordability

Manistee County residents spend 16.2% of household income on rent, slightly above the national sweet spot but remaining reasonably affordable compared to many American markets. With a median household income of $60,879—below the national average—this county still delivers respectable housing value for lower-income households.

Right at Michigan's Average

Manistee County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% sits nearly even with Michigan's state average of 16.3%, making it a middle-of-the-road option for affordability across the state. Monthly rent of $820 runs modestly below the state average of $873, offering modest savings for Michigan renters.

Affordability Between Regional Extremes

Manistee County positions itself as moderately priced compared to neighbors, with rents $59 below Marquette County but $45 above Menominee County's lowest rates. The median home value of $166,600 aligns closely with Mackinac County, making both reliable choices for homebuyers seeking value.

Ownership Slightly Cheaper Than Renting

Manistee County renters pay $820 monthly while homeowners spend $784—a rare arrangement where mortgages cost less than rent. This $36 monthly advantage for owners, combined with a 16.2% income burden, suggests good value for those able to secure financing.

Balanced Option for Michigan Movers

Manistee County offers middle-ground affordability without the premium pricing of Macomb or the ultra-cheap costs of Menominee, making it ideal for renters and buyers seeking stability. Research local employment in your field, then compare this county's balanced 16.2% ratio against more expensive alternatives to plan your Michigan relocation.

Income & Jobs in Manistee County

via IncomeByCounty

Manistee trails national income benchmark

Manistee County's median household income of $60,879 falls $13,876 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it roughly 30 percentile points below the U.S. average. This gap reflects limited high-wage employment and reliance on seasonal work in forestry and tourism. However, the county maintains stable income relative to similar rural-coastal communities.

Lower-middle tier in Michigan

At $60,879, Manistee County ranks approximately 45th among Michigan's 83 counties, falling below the state average of $64,304 by about $3,400. The county's position reflects economic dependence on lumber, agriculture, and seasonal tourism rather than diversified manufacturing. Still, median income remains above several dozen Michigan counties with similar rural characteristics.

Comparable to nearby rural counties

Manistee County ($60,879) slightly exceeds Mackinac County ($58,598) by $2,281 and sits close to Mason County ($62,296), reflecting similar economic structures across West Michigan's rural areas. Compared to Marquette County ($64,675) to the north, Manistee trails by roughly $3,800. These modest differences show how geography and local industries create subtle but consistent income patterns.

Affordable housing supports families

Manistee County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability ceiling, making it one of the most housing-affordable counties profiled. The median home value of $166,600 requires just 2.7 years of median household income—among the lowest ratios for homeownership readiness. Strong housing affordability partially offsets modest wage levels.

Leverage affordability to build assets

Manistee County's low housing costs ($166,600 median) create a unique opportunity for homebuyers to build equity on moderate incomes of $60,879. Prioritize paying down mortgage principal aggressively while maintaining a small emergency fund. With lower cost-of-living pressures than larger Michigan counties, households can redirect savings toward retirement and education investments.

Health in Manistee County

via HealthByCounty

Manistee lags U.S. life expectancy

Manistee County residents live an average of 75.2 years, below the national average of 76.4 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 15.9% is slightly better than national trends, though the lower life expectancy suggests underlying health disparities.

Below Michigan's health outcomes

At 75.2 years, Manistee County's life expectancy ranks below Michigan's state average of 76.3 years, placing it among the lower-performing counties statewide. This gap points to distinct health challenges requiring targeted attention and resources.

Lowest life expectancy in the region

Manistee County's 75.2-year life expectancy is the lowest among nearby counties including Mackinac (77.2 years), Mason (76.5 years), and Mecosta (76.3 years). The county's primary care provider rate of 51 per 100,000 is among the thinnest in the region, limiting routine healthcare access.

Moderate uninsured rate, limited providers

Manistee County's uninsured rate of 7.0% exceeds Michigan's state average of 6.4%, affecting healthcare access for roughly 1 in 14 residents. With only 51 primary care providers and 176 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county has tighter healthcare infrastructure than many peers.

Get insured and find care

Manistee residents without insurance should visit healthcare.gov or contact the Manistee County health department to understand coverage options and financial assistance. Local community health centers offer primary care regardless of insurance status and can refer you to specialized providers.

Disaster Risk in Manistee County

via RiskByCounty

Manistee County maintains low national disaster risk

Manistee County's composite risk score of 37.21 with a "Very Low" rating places it well below the national median for natural disasters. Residents here enjoy substantially lower hazard exposure than the typical American county.

Well below Michigan's average risk level

At 37.21, Manistee County scores significantly better than Michigan's state average of 49.56. The county ranks among Michigan's safer communities for disaster preparedness and resilience.

Lower risk than many West Michigan peers

Manistee County's score of 37.21 outperforms several neighboring counties in the western Lower Peninsula. Compared to Mecosta County (69.85) and Midland County (71.95) to the east, Manistee offers notably lower combined risk.

Flooding poses the primary concern

Flood risk (56.87) represents Manistee County's highest hazard, likely due to its proximity to Lake Michigan and coastal geography. Tornado risk (20.36) and wildfire risk (28.21) are secondary concerns, but remain manageable.

Prioritize flood coverage for waterfront properties

Manistee residents with homes near water or in flood-prone zones should secure dedicated flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. For inland properties, basic homeowners coverage with occasional weather preparedness reviews provides solid protection.

ByCounty Network

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