countyscore
51
County Score
Health 83.7Soil Quality 66.7Lawn Care 55.8

County Report Card

About Marquette County, Michigan

Outperforming the National Median

Marquette County stands out with a composite score of 51.0, slightly edging past the national median of 50.0. This makes it a rare high-performer in the northern Midwest region.

Leading the Michigan Average

With a score of 51.0, Marquette beats the Michigan state average of 47.1. It serves as a regional leader in the Upper Peninsula, offering superior services compared to many rural counterparts.

Top-Tier Health and Safety

The county is remarkably healthy, earning a Health Score of 83.7. It also maintains a balanced profile with a Safety Score of 52.1 and a respectable Water Score of 52.7.

Natural Risks and Tax Costs

Risk Score sits at 30.2, indicating susceptibility to specific regional environmental hazards. Tax and Cost scores are also moderate, as the effective tax rate sits at exactly 1.000%.

Perfect for Active, Health-Conscious Families

Marquette is the ideal choice for families seeking a healthy lifestyle and solid public safety in a beautiful setting. It balances a $64,675 median income with moderate living costs.

2040608010038.14152.183.74852.930.252.748.3Tax38.1Cost41Safety52.1Health83.7Schools48Income52.9Risk30.2Water52.7Weather48.351/100
This county
National avg
1 above average2 below average

Marquette County DNA

Foverall

How Marquette County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Marquette County tracks close to the national average across most dimensions, with a slight edge in Health (83.7/100) and room for improvement in Disaster Risk (30.2/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
38.1-13.899999999999999
Cost
41
Safety
52.1
Health
83.7+33.7
Schools
48
Income
52.9
Risk
30.2-16.8
Water
52.7
Weather
48.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$202,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$923/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$202,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,675/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Baraga County
Michigan
55.7
Dickinson County
Michigan
58.2
Alger County
Michigan
64.3
Iron County
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60.4
Florence County
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Houghton County
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Delta County
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Menominee County
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Deep Dives

Marquette County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Marquette County

via TaxByCounty

Marquette boasts Michigan's lowest tax rate

At 1.000%, Marquette County's effective tax rate ranks among the nation's most affordable and sits well below Michigan's 1.166% state average. Yet the median annual tax of $2,019 remains far below the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower regional home values.

Marquette leads Michigan in affordability

Marquette County's 1.000% effective rate is the lowest or near-lowest in Michigan and substantially below the state average of 1.166%. With a median tax of $2,019 compared to the state median of $2,102, Marquette delivers exceptional value for homeowners.

Joint-lowest rates in the Upper Peninsula

Marquette ties with Mecosta County at roughly 1.000% effective rate, edging out Menominee (1.030%) and Mackinac (1.038%) in the UP comparison. Compared to Midland County's 1.504%, Marquette's advantage is stark and significant.

Annual taxes average $2,019

On a median home value of $202,000, Marquette County homeowners pay approximately $2,019 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $2,280; without one, it falls to $1,767.

Even low rates benefit from appeal review

Marquette's favorable tax environment doesn't mean everyone is assessed correctly—many homes still carry inflated valuations. Verify your assessment matches recent comparable sales in your area and file an appeal if warranted to maximize your savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marquette County

via CostByCounty

Marquette: Moderate National Affordability

Marquette County households allocate 17.1% of income to rent, slightly above comfortable affordability levels but manageable for most American earners. With a median household income of $64,675 and monthly rent of $923, residents here navigate housing costs in the middle range of national markets.

Slightly Tighter Than Michigan Average

Marquette County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% edges above Michigan's state average of 16.3%, positioning it as slightly less affordable than typical for the state. The county's median rent of $923 exceeds Michigan's $873 average by $50, reflecting Upper Peninsula dynamics and regional demand.

Mid-Range Costs Among Peers

Marquette County's monthly rent of $923 ranks higher than Manistee ($820) and Mackinac ($761) but remains below Macomb's premium $1,175. The median home value of $202,000 sits squarely in the middle of this regional cohort, offering balance between affordability and market strength.

Ownership Slightly Below Renting

Marquette County renters pay $923 monthly while homeowners spend $873—a $50 monthly advantage for those with mortgages. Combined with a 17.1% income allocation to housing, the county shows modest ownership benefits compared to renting.

Upper Peninsula Gateway for Movers

Marquette County serves as an affordable entry point to Michigan's Upper Peninsula with reasonable ownership costs and solid regional job anchors. If you're considering relocation, weigh Marquette's 17.1% housing ratio against nearby options like Menominee (14.6%) or Manistee (16.2%) to maximize your relocation budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marquette County

via IncomeByCounty

Marquette approaches national income average

Marquette County's median household income of $64,675 sits $10,080 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle tier of U.S. counties. The shortfall reflects economic reliance on mining heritage, healthcare, and education rather than high-wage manufacturing. However, the county's proximity to the national average reflects stronger Upper Peninsula performance.

Slightly above Michigan average

At $64,675, Marquette County virtually matches Michigan's average median income of $64,304, placing it near the 50th percentile statewide among 83 counties. The county's income reflects a diverse base including Northern Michigan University, mining operations, and healthcare employment. This middle position shows Marquette's relative stability compared to other UP communities.

Marquette leads Upper Peninsula peers

Marquette County ($64,675) substantially outearns Menominee County ($55,688) by $9,000 and exceeds Mackinac County ($58,598) by $6,100, positioning it as the income leader among surveyed UP counties. Compared to Mason County ($62,296), Marquette leads by $2,400. The variance reflects Marquette's advantage from being a county seat with university presence and diversified employment.

Balanced housing costs and wages

Marquette County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio comfortably stays below affordability thresholds, allowing renters to allocate substantial income to other needs. The median home value of $202,000 requires approximately 3.1 years of household income to purchase—reasonable for the region. Overall housing affordability supports financial stability for local families.

Build on Marquette's stable employment

Marquette County households earning $64,675 benefit from relatively stable employment through university and healthcare sectors; use this predictability to commit to monthly investments in low-cost index funds. The county's position at state income average suggests modest but sustainable wealth-building potential. Focus on employer benefits like tuition assistance and healthcare retirement accounts to maximize earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marquette County

via CrimeByCounty

Marquette County Boasts High Safety Ratings

With a safety score of 98.3, Marquette County is significantly safer than the average U.S. county. Its total crime rate of 1072.7 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This makes the region one of the most secure areas in the Upper Peninsula.

Leading the State in Public Safety

Marquette County's safety score of 98.3 exceeds the Michigan state average of 97.8. This demonstrates that even as a regional hub with 9 reporting agencies, the county maintains exceptional order. It stands out as a top-tier safe zone within the state of Michigan.

Regional Safety Leader in the UP

Marquette's crime rate of 1072.7 per 100K is much lower than Mackinac County's 1789.2. While it is higher than Menominee County's 738.3, Marquette manages a larger population and more complex urban infrastructure. It remains a very safe choice compared to Michigan's southern counties.

Analyzing Violent and Property Statistics

The county reports 253.1 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, which is well below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is also impressively low at 819.6 per 100K, compared to a national rate of over 2,000. These numbers reflect a community where both people and possessions are relatively secure.

Keeping Marquette County Secure

Residents can maintain this high level of safety by participating in neighborhood watch programs. Lighting up entryways and securing vehicles prevents the property crimes that do occur. Marquette's strong safety score is a collective achievement of its 9 law enforcement agencies and vigilant citizens.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Marquette County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Hub of the Upper Peninsula

Marquette County maintains 25 public schools that serve a total of 7,834 students across 10 school districts. The infrastructure is well-balanced with 11 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 8 high schools. This network supports a growing population with a mix of academic and vocational training facilities.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates Exceed Benchmarks

Marquette County excels with an 88.1% graduation rate, surpassing both the Michigan average of 82.5% and the national average of 87%. The county invests $7,675 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $7,394. A school score of 54.0 confirms that Marquette provides a higher quality of education than the state median.

Marquette Area Public Schools Leads Growth

Marquette Area Public Schools is the county's largest district, managing seven schools and 3,197 students. NICE Community School District and Gwinn Area Community Schools also provide significant coverage, serving nearly 2,000 students combined. Only 4% of schools are charters, indicating a very strong reliance on traditional public school systems.

Balanced Town and Rural Learning Environments

Education here is divided between 15 town-based schools and 10 rural campuses, offering various atmospheres for students. The average school size is 313 students, but Marquette Senior High offers a larger experience with 915 students. This variety allows families to choose between small rural schoolhouses and larger, resource-rich town schools.

Choose Excellence with a Marquette Home

With graduation rates that beat national averages, Marquette County is a premier choice for families moving to the Upper Peninsula. Whether you prefer the amenities of a town like Marquette or the peace of a rural district, great schools are always nearby. Investing in a home here means securing a high-quality academic future for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marquette County

via RiskByCounty

Marquette County faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 69.78 and a "Relatively Low" rating, Marquette County ranks above the national median but remains in the middle-risk category nationally. The county's position reflects significant but manageable natural hazard exposure.

Above average for Michigan, but relatively stable

Marquette County's 69.78 score exceeds Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state risk rankings. However, its "Relatively Low" rating indicates residents face more typical Upper Peninsula hazard patterns.

Wildfire risk distinguishes Marquette in the region

Marquette County's wildfire risk (68.70) significantly exceeds that of neighboring Menominee County (33.33), making it the region's wildfire hotspot. Its overall score of 69.78 also tops most adjacent Upper Peninsula counties.

Wildfires and flooding drive Marquette's risk profile

Wildfire risk (68.70) and flood risk (59.13) are Marquette's primary hazards, while tornado risk (21.50) remains minimal. Notably, the county faces zero hurricane risk and negligible earthquake danger (1.75).

Wildfire preparedness is critical in Marquette

Homeowners should create defensible space around properties, trim overhanging branches, and clear gutters to reduce wildfire vulnerability. Maintain flood insurance for properties in low-lying areas and keep an emergency evacuation plan updated, particularly during fire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Marquette County

via WaterByCounty

Moderate Compliance Record for Marquette Water

Marquette County maintains a Water Quality Grade of C, having recorded six health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 12.9 per 100,000 people is comfortably below the Michigan state average of 35.7. While the score is passing, there is clear room for improvement in system reliability.

Official Watershed Health Status Pending

Federal authorities have not yet assessed the county's water bodies under §303(d) of the Clean Water Act. As a result, the county currently has no officially documented impaired water bodies for this reporting cycle. Local stakeholders must wait for future assessments to confirm the health of regional watersheds.

Physical and Microbial Monitoring Underway

Monitoring teams track 37 sites across the county, collecting 6,486 measurements over a five-year period. The data focuses largely on physical water properties and microbiological safety. This footprint ensures that basic health indicators are tracked regularly across the Upper Peninsula landscape.

Escanaba River Surges Above Normal Flow

The Middle Branch Escanaba River near Princeton is currently flowing at 312 cfs. This discharge is 157% of the long-term mean for this site, indicating a significant surge in water volume. Such high flows are common in the 210 square mile drainage area during periods of heavy rain or melt.

Stay Alert During High Flow Events

With streamflow reaching 157% of typical levels, residents should be mindful of potential sediment or runoff entering source waters. The county's moderate compliance grade suggests that while the water is generally safe, regular filter maintenance is a wise precaution. Pay close attention to any alerts from local utilities during high-flow seasons.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marquette County

via WeatherByCounty

Marquette Is Significantly Cooler Than the National Average

Marquette's annual average temperature of 40.3°F sits far below the national median of approximately 53°F. This reflects a cold, humid continental climate typical of the northern Great Lakes region.

A Cold Leader in the Great Lakes State

The county is over 5 degrees colder than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. Its location in the Upper Peninsula makes it one of the most consistently cold regions in the state.

Colder and Snowier Than Its Southern Neighbors

Marquette is significantly cooler than Menominee County, which averages 42.9°F. While neighboring areas are cold, Marquette's proximity to Lake Superior drives much higher snowfall totals.

Massive Snowfall and Mild Summers

Marquette averages a staggering 137.2 inches of snow annually, while summer highs remain modest. With only 4 days of extreme heat per year, the climate is dominated by its 17.0°F winter average.

Prepare for Serious Winter Management

Residents must invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment to handle over 11 feet of seasonal snow. High-efficiency heating systems are essential to manage the deep winter freeze.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marquette County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Aridisols of the Upper Peninsula

Marquette County soils are classified as Aridisols and carry a very acidic average pH of 4.38. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and even the state's acidic average of 5.30. These conditions are ideal for acid-loving native plants but require lime for traditional vegetable gardens.

High Sand Profile with Minimal Clay

The soil composition consists of 20.5% sand, 13.9% silt, and a very low 1.4% clay content. This low clay percentage means the soil has very little natural structure or nutrient-holding capacity from mineral sources. Much of the soil's behavior is dictated by its high volume of organic material rather than mineral grit.

Exceptional Organic Matter and Moisture Retention

Marquette County boasts a massive 51.77% organic matter content, which is more than double the state average of 19.76%. This organic richness drives an available water capacity (AWC) of 0.333 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.202. This soil is a powerhouse for retaining water and providing organic nutrients to plants.

Organic Drainage Patterns in Wild Terrain

Formal drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unmapped for the dominant soil types in this county. The high organic content and low clay suggest that while the soil is spongy, it can become saturated quickly. Careful management is needed when planning structures or drainage systems in these peat-like environments.

Cold-Hardy Gardening in Zone 5a

In hardiness zone 5a, Marquette gardeners should focus on short-season and cold-tolerant plants like potatoes, berries, and conifers. Blueberries are particularly well-suited to the natural acidity of this 4.38 pH soil. Get outside and start a garden that thrives in the rugged beauty of the U.P.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marquette County

via LawnByCounty

Northern Challenges in Marquette County

Marquette County has a lawn difficulty score of 55.8, making it more challenging than the Michigan average of 60.1. The Zone 5a environment requires specific care to handle the shorter growing season and colder temperatures.

Cooler Temps and Lower Growth Energy

The average annual temperature is a cool 40.3°F, with only 1,617 growing degree days available for turf development. This means your lawn will start growing later in the spring and go dormant earlier in the fall than southern neighbors.

Correcting Very Acidic Soil Conditions

At a pH of 4.38, the soil here is significantly more acidic than the national ideal of 6.0. With only 1.4% clay, the soil lacks the structure to hold nutrients, making lime and organic matter essential additions.

Excellent Moisture Availability

Marquette is currently 100% drought-free and saw zero weeks of drought conditions over the past year. Lawns here rarely face water stress, allowing homeowners to focus more on soil health than irrigation.

Short Window for Successful Growth

Select cold-tolerant species like Kentucky Bluegrass or Creeping Red Fescue for the best results. You should aim to seed between the May 26 frost date and the early arrival of fall frosts in October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marquette County's county score?
Marquette County, Michigan has a composite county score of 51 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 Marquette County rank among counties in Michigan?
Marquette County ranks #32 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 Marquette County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Marquette County is $2,019, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Marquette County a tax score of 38.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marquette County?
The median household income in Marquette County, Michigan is $64,675 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marquette County earns an income score of 52.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marquette County, Michigan a good place to live?
Marquette County scores 51/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Marquette 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 Marquette County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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