countyscore
52
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 75Disaster Risk 74.7

County Report Card

About Mason County, Michigan

Above National Performance Levels

Mason County earns a strong composite score of 52.0, outperforming the national median of 50.0. It ranks favorably across multiple environmental and health dimensions.

A Top Performer in Michigan

Mason’s 52.0 score is significantly higher than Michigan’s state average of 47.1. It provides a more stable and high-quality environment than many of its state neighbors.

Clean Water and Low Risk

The county shines with a Water Score of 86.0 and a Risk Score of 74.7. Combined with a Health Score of 75.0, Mason is one of the most environmentally secure counties in the region.

Tax Burdens and School Metrics

The Tax Score of 30.7 and School Score of 32.3 are the county's primary weak points. Residents pay an effective tax rate of 1.105% while experiencing lower school performance rankings.

Suited for Stability Seekers

Mason County is perfect for retirees or couples who value environmental safety and clean resources above all else. The $199,300 median home value offers a stable investment in a high-performing area.

Score breakdown

Tax30.7Cost49.5Safety59.8Health75Schools32.3Income45.9Risk74.7Water86Weather54.1
🏛30.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.5
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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Deep Dives

Mason County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mason County

via TaxByCounty

Mason's rate sits slightly below state average

Mason County's 1.105% effective tax rate runs just below Michigan's 1.166% state average and below the national median of 1.166%. The median annual tax of $2,203 trails the national median of $2,690 by about 18%, reflecting moderate home values of $199,300.

Mason ranks near middle of Michigan

With a 1.105% effective rate and $2,203 median tax, Mason County sits just below the state average of 1.166% and just above the state median tax of $2,102. The county occupies comfortable middle ground on Michigan's tax spectrum.

Mid-range tax burden in west Michigan

Mason's 1.105% rate falls between Manistee County (1.089%) and Mecosta County (0.996%), with all three offering more favorable terms than Macomb (1.423%). For a county with median home values around $199,000, Mason's rate remains moderate and competitive.

Homeowners pay $2,203 annually

On a median home value of $199,300, Mason County residents pay approximately $2,203 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure reaches $2,283; without, it settles at $2,104.

Verify your assessment and appeal if needed

Property overvaluation is common across Michigan, and Mason County is no exception—many owners have never questioned their assessments. Request a reassessment or file an appeal if your home's valuation exceeds what comparable properties have recently sold for.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mason County

via CostByCounty

Mason: Solid Rental Affordability

Mason County residents spend 16.2% of household income on rent, holding steady near the national affordability comfort zone and performing well against most American markets. With a median household income of $62,296 and monthly rent of $840, this West Michigan county delivers reasonable housing value for typical households.

Inline With Michigan Standards

Mason County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% matches nearly perfectly with Michigan's state average of 16.3%, classifying it as thoroughly typical for the state. The county's median rent of $840 runs $33 below Michigan's $873 average, offering slight savings within normal Michigan pricing.

Middle-Ground Regional Pricing

Mason County's monthly rent of $840 positions it competitively between Manistee ($820) and Marquette ($923), while its median home value of $199,300 aligns with Marquette's market strength. This middle positioning makes Mason a balanced choice for households weighing multiple West Michigan options.

Ownership Carries Slightly Higher Cost

Mason County renters pay $840 monthly while homeowners face $863 in mortgage costs—a $23 monthly premium for ownership. Both remain manageable within the county's 16.2% household income allocation, offering renters and buyers comparable affordability.

Stable Option for West Michigan

Mason County offers predictable, Michigan-average affordability with balanced rental and ownership costs, making it reliable for relocating households. Compare this county's 16.2% ratio against nearby Manistee (also 16.2%) and Mecosta (18.0%) to identify your best West Michigan landing spot.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mason County

via IncomeByCounty

Mason falls below national income standard

Mason County's median household income of $62,296 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,459, placing it approximately 25 percentile points below the U.S. average. The gap reflects limited high-wage industries and reliance on agriculture, timber, and seasonal tourism. Despite the shortfall, Mason's income remains stable relative to other rural Michigan counties.

Below-average income within Michigan

At $62,296, Mason County ranks approximately 50th among Michigan's 83 counties, slightly trailing the state average of $64,304 by roughly $2,000. The county's median income reflects its rural character and seasonal economic patterns. Still, Mason sits firmly in the middle tier statewide, above dozens of smaller counties.

Mason among mid-tier regional peers

Mason County ($62,296) sits between Manistee County ($60,879) and Marquette County ($64,675), reflecting consistent income patterns across West Michigan's rural corridor. The $1,400 difference with Manistee and $2,400 spread with Marquette show tight clustering among geographically and economically similar counties. This proximity suggests shared challenges and opportunities in the region.

Excellent housing affordability ratio

Mason County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio matches Manistee's and sits comfortably below the 30% affordability benchmark, enabling households to spend substantially on other needs. The median home value of $199,300 requires just 3.2 years of median household income—among the best ratios for homeownership readiness. Strong affordability metrics provide financial breathing room.

Affordability creates wealth-building opportunity

Mason County's median home price of $199,300 and strong affordability metrics allow $62,296-earning households to build home equity without financial strain. Start with a 20% down payment strategy and automatic principal paydown to accelerate ownership. Reinvest housing savings into retirement accounts and diversified investments once your emergency fund is secure.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mason County

via CrimeByCounty

Mason County Features Elite Safety Levels

Mason County is exceptionally safe, posting a safety score of 98.5 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 925.4 per 100,000 residents is far below the national average of 2,385.5. Residents here enjoy a level of security that few places in the country can match.

Outperforming Michigan's Safety Average

With a safety score of 98.5, Mason County is notably safer than the Michigan state average of 97.8. This high performance comes from just 3 reporting agencies, indicating efficient local law enforcement. The county is a state leader in minimizing criminal activity.

Top Safety Performer Among Neighbors

Mason's crime rate of 925.4 per 100K is significantly better than neighbor Manistee County's 1596.3. It even outperforms Marquette County, which sits at 1072.7. This makes Mason County one of the safest coastal communities in the entire region.

Very Low Rates for All Crimes

Violent crime is low at 222.8 per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also remarkably low at 702.6 per 100K, compared to the national average of 2,015.7. In Mason County, crime is the exception rather than the rule.

Maintaining Mason County’s Peace

The best way to protect your home here is to maintain current safety habits like locking doors and windows. Since property crime is already quite low, basic deterrents are usually all that is needed. Community vigilance helps keep Mason County an elite safety performer.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mason County

via HealthByCounty

Mason matches national health trends

Mason County residents live 76.5 years, just above the national average of 76.4 years, indicating outcomes aligned with the broader U.S. experience. The county's poor or fair health rate of 16.5% falls near national averages, suggesting typical population health challenges.

Slightly above Michigan average

At 76.5 years, Mason County's life expectancy slightly exceeds Michigan's state average of 76.3 years. The county represents a middle ground in state health rankings, performing neither exceptionally well nor poorly relative to peers.

Solid performance in local context

Mason County's 76.5-year life expectancy exceeds Manistee County (75.2 years) but falls short of Marquette (78.0 years) and Menominee (78.4 years). The county's 78 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 360 mental health providers per 100,000 place it well above many regional peers.

Good coverage, solid provider access

Mason County's uninsured rate of 5.5% beats Michigan's state average of 6.4%, with most residents having health coverage. The county offers 78 primary care providers and 360 mental health specialists per 100,000 residents, providing residents good access to both preventive and behavioral health services.

Ensure year-round coverage

Mason County residents should verify insurance coverage annually as family circumstances and marketplace plans change. If you're uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to explore plans or contact local community health centers for affordable care options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mason County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strategic Schooling Along the Lakeshore

Mason County's education system consists of 13 public schools serving 3,915 students across five districts. The county provides five elementary schools, two middle schools, and five high schools to meet local needs. This compact infrastructure ensures that most residents are just a short drive from their local campus.

Solid Graduation Rates and Regional Parity

The county maintains a graduation rate of 84.6%, which is higher than the Michigan state average of 82.5%. Per-pupil spending of $7,131 is slightly below the state average, yet the county achieves a school score of 51.0. These figures suggest that Mason County is effectively utilizing its resources to produce competitive student outcomes.

Ludington Area Schools Anchor the County

Ludington Area School District is the largest provider, serving 2,072 students across three primary campuses. Mason County Central Schools follows with five schools and 1,260 students, offering more dispersed rural options. Charter schools have a small presence here, with only one institution serving the community.

Traditional Rural and Town Campus Life

The majority of schools (10) are located in rural settings, while 3 are situated in town centers like Ludington. The average enrollment of 326 students creates a manageable and friendly school atmosphere for most kids. Ludington Elementary is the largest single school with 900 students, providing a more comprehensive early-childhood experience.

Secure a Future in Mason County Schools

Families looking for consistent academic performance and a safe community will find Mason County an attractive option. The blend of town-centered districts and rural campuses offers flexibility for different lifestyle preferences. Use local school quality as a guide to finding the right neighborhood for your family’s next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mason County

via RiskByCounty

Mason County remains among the nation's safest

Mason County's composite risk score of 25.35 with a "Very Low" rating places it in the safest tier of American counties for natural disasters. This score sits well below the national median, offering residents exceptional disaster protection.

One of Michigan's lowest-risk counties

At 25.35, Mason County scores less than half of Michigan's state average of 49.56, ranking among the state's safest communities. Few Michigan counties offer lower combined natural disaster risk than Mason.

Safest in the lakeshore region

Mason County's 25.35 score beats nearby Manistee County (37.21) and significantly outpaces Mecosta County (69.85) to the east. Among West Michigan's lakeshore and inland counties, Mason provides exceptional safety.

Flood risk slightly elevated, others minimal

Flood risk (44.85) represents Mason County's highest hazard exposure, reflecting its Lake Michigan location and coastal hydrology. Wildfire risk (41.54), tornado risk (25.16), and other hazards remain well-controlled.

Standard coverage suffices for most Mason County homes

Waterfront and flood-zone properties should carry flood insurance, but most inland Mason County residents can rely on basic homeowners policies. Annual policy reviews and simple weather preparedness measures provide adequate protection for this very low-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mason County

via WeatherByCounty

Mason County Trails National Temperature Norms

With an average annual temperature of 46.0°F, Mason County is cooler than the national median. It experiences a classic continental climate influenced by its position on Lake Michigan.

Aligning Closely With Michigan's State Average

The county's average temperature of 46.0°F is nearly identical to the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It represents the typical climate experience for the western Lower Peninsula.

Moderated by the Lake Michigan Breeze

Mason is slightly warmer than inland Mecosta County, which averages 45.1°F. The lake proximity helps stabilize temperatures, preventing the sharper extremes found further east.

Balanced Seasons With Minimal Extreme Heat

Summers are pleasant with a 66.4°F average and only 5 days of extreme heat. Winters are cold but manageable, averaging 25.3°F during the peak months of December through February.

Wind Protection and Year-Round HVAC Care

Homeowners should prioritize wind-sealing to combat lake-driven winter gusts. Although specific snowfall data is limited, maintaining reliable heating is a must for the sub-freezing January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mason County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sands Along the Lake Michigan Coast

Mason County has an average pH of 5.41, which is slightly higher than the Michigan state average of 5.30 but well below the national median of 6.5. This acidic profile is common in Michigan's sand-heavy coastal regions. The lack of taxonomic data suggests a diverse landscape that varies by inland distance.

Sand-Dominant Profile with Low Retention

The soil is overwhelmingly sandy at 75.2%, with only 13.6% silt and 9.7% clay. This high sand content ensures very rapid drainage but means the soil struggles to hold onto water and liquid fertilizers. Gardeners will find the soil very easy to dig, though it may require frequent amendments.

Moderate Organic Levels with Low Water Capacity

Organic matter sits at 8.71%, which is healthy compared to the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state's 19.76% average. The available water capacity is quite low at 0.133 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.202. Frequent irrigation is often necessary to keep plants hydrated in this fast-draining soil.

Unclassified Drainage in Sandy Terrain

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed for Mason County's dominant soil units. However, given the 75.2% sand content, the soil likely exhibits rapid to excessive drainage in most areas. This makes the county well-suited for building but challenging for water-intensive agriculture.

Thriving Orchard Potential in Zone 6a

Mason County resides in hardiness zone 6a, a sweet spot for fruit production including apples and peaches. The sandy soil is excellent for asparagus and root vegetables that prefer loose ground. Start your coastal garden today and enjoy the benefits of the Lake Michigan microclimate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mason County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Effort for Mason Lawns

Mason County scores a 55.5 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it slightly below the Michigan state average. Being in Zone 6a, homeowners must balance the benefits of a moderate climate with specific soil challenges.

Steady Growth with Limited Heat

With 2,166 growing degree days and only 5 days of extreme heat, the climate supports steady turf health. While precipitation data is limited, the moderate heat profile prevents the rapid evaporation common in warmer regions.

Sandy Foundations Require Frequent Feeding

The soil is 75.2% sand, which leads to very fast drainage and potential nutrient leaching. The pH of 5.41 is acidic, so regular applications of lime and slow-release fertilizers are necessary for a healthy green color.

Managing a Sandy Drought Cycle

The county spent 20 weeks in drought over the last year, though current conditions show only 1.5% of the area is dry. Because your soil is so sandy, your lawn will show signs of drought stress much faster than clay-based soils.

Seeding for Success in Zone 6a

Grass mixes containing Turf-Type Tall Fescue are ideal because they can reach deeper for water in sandy soil. Plan to seed after the last frost on May 17 to ensure your new lawn takes hold effectively.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mason County's county score?
Mason County, Michigan has a composite county score of 52 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 Mason County rank among counties in Michigan?
Mason County ranks #27 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 Mason County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Mason County is $2,203, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Mason County a tax score of 30.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mason County?
The median household income in Mason County, Michigan is $62,296 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mason County earns an income score of 45.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mason County, Michigan a good place to live?
Mason County scores 52/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Mason 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 Mason County with other counties side by side.

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