CountyScore

Mason County

Michigan · MI

#24 in Michigan
71.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Mason County, Michigan

Solid livability above national median

Mason County scores 69.8 out of 100, placing it in the 40th percentile nationally and well above the national median of 50. This lakeside county demonstrates strong livability for its size and coastal position.

Slightly above Michigan's state average

At 69.8, Mason County marginally exceeds Michigan's state average of 68.7, ranking it in the upper-middle range among the state's 83 counties. Its performance reflects consistent strength across measured dimensions.

Affordability and manageable tax burden

Mason County excels with a cost score of 80.2, featuring median home values of $199,300 and monthly gross rents of $840. An effective tax rate of 1.105% and tax score of 71.2 keep overall financial pressure moderate.

Income potential below regional norms

The county's income score of 24.1 reflects a median household income of $62,296, modest compared to state and national averages. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remain unavailable for a complete picture.

Great for cost-conscious lakeside living

Mason County suits families and retirees seeking waterfront charm with genuine affordability and moderate taxes. It appeals to those prioritizing leisure lifestyle and low financial burden over maximum earning opportunities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71.2Cost80.2SafetyComing SoonHealth75.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.1Risk74.7WaterComing Soon
🏛71.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡74.7
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 Mason County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Monroe County
Alabama
71.6
Median income: $40,225
Bradford County
Florida
71.6
Median income: $59,740
Banks County
Georgia
71.6
Median income: $68,830
Warrick County
Indiana
71.6
Median income: $95,027
Mason County
Kentucky
71.6
Median income: $51,473

Deep Dives

Mason County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.