CountyScore

Marquette County

Michigan · MI

#43 in Michigan
68.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Marquette County, Michigan

Strong Upper Peninsula livability score

Marquette County scores 70.2, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally and well above the national median of 50. This Upper Peninsula county demonstrates competitive livability despite rural geography and northern climate.

Ranking among Michigan's better counties

At 70.2, Marquette County exceeds Michigan's average of 68.7, placing it solidly in the state's upper tier of livability. Its performance reflects the economic strength of the regional hub it anchors.

Lowest taxes and balanced affordability

Marquette County's tax score of 74.2 reflects the state's lowest effective tax rate at just 1.000%, paired with a cost score of 78.4 and reasonable median home values of $202,000. This combination delivers financial accessibility across multiple dimensions.

Income levels lag regional benchmarks

The county's income score of 25.6 reflects a median household income of $64,675, respectable but below national and metropolitan averages. Missing data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors limits comprehensive livability assessment.

Ideal for tax-conscious rural professionals

Marquette County attracts professionals and families drawn to Upper Peninsula quality of life who prioritize tax efficiency and community character over maximum earning potential. Its lowest tax rate combined with solid affordability makes it competitive for cost-conscious movers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.2Cost78.4SafetyComing SoonHealth77.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.6Risk30.2WaterComing Soon
🏛74.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡30.2
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 Marquette County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Marshall County
Alabama
68.8
Median income: $60,946
Independence County
Arkansas
68.8
Median income: $56,009
Habersham County
Georgia
68.8
Median income: $65,622
Hancock County
Georgia
68.8
Median income: $33,182
Appanoose County
Iowa
68.8
Median income: $51,146

Deep Dives

Marquette County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Marquette County

via HealthByCounty

Marquette leads on longevity

Marquette County residents live 78.0 years on average, significantly above the national average of 76.4 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 14.7% is notably lower than national benchmarks, indicating strong overall population health.

Michigan's healthiest counties

At 78.0 years, Marquette County's life expectancy ranks among Michigan's best, well above the state average of 76.3 years. This advantage reflects both good health outcomes and robust healthcare infrastructure supporting residents.

Regional health leader

Marquette County's 78.0-year life expectancy leads peer counties including Menominee (78.4 years) and Mackinac (77.2 years). The county boasts 115 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 505 mental health providers per 100,000, the strongest healthcare workforce in the region by far.

Low uninsured, abundant healthcare access

Marquette County's uninsured rate of 5.9% is better than Michigan's state average of 6.4%, ensuring most residents have coverage. With 115 primary care providers and 505 mental health specialists per 100,000 residents, the county provides exceptional healthcare capacity for routine and behavioral health needs.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Marquette County residents should review insurance plans annually to ensure continued optimal coverage. If you're uninsured, the county's robust healthcare network and marketplace options at healthcare.gov make finding affordable coverage straightforward.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.