CountyScore

Mecosta County

Michigan · MI

#54 in Michigan
67.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Mecosta County, Michigan

Above-average livability nationally

Mecosta County scores 71.0 out of 100, landing in the 42nd percentile nationally and notably above the national median of 50. This central Michigan county demonstrates strong livability within a smaller community context.

Outperforming Michigan's average

At 71.0, Mecosta County exceeds Michigan's state average of 68.7, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 83 counties. This positions it among Michigan's more livable smaller communities.

Lowest taxes paired with strong affordability

Mecosta County boasts a tax score of 74.3 with an effective tax rate of just 0.996%—among Michigan's lowest—and a cost score of 80.9 with median home values of $169,900. This combination delivers exceptional financial value for residents.

Income levels constrain overall score

The county's income score of 21.1 reflects a median household income of $57,774, among the lowest of these eight counties. Missing data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions prevents full livability assessment.

Perfect for budget-first small-town movers

Mecosta County attracts retirees and budget-conscious families who prioritize tax savings and housing affordability above higher earning potential. Its combination of lowest-in-group taxes and strong cost scores makes it compelling for fixed-income residents.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.3Cost80.9SafetyComing SoonHealth71.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.1Risk30.2WaterComing Soon
🏛74.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.8
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 Mecosta County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

White County
Arkansas
67.8
Median income: $53,435
Jeff Davis County
Georgia
67.8
Median income: $40,879
Kalawao County
Hawaii
67.8
Median income: $86,250
Mercer County
Illinois
67.8
Median income: $71,710
Chautauqua County
Kansas
67.8
Median income: $54,592

Deep Dives

Mecosta County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mecosta County

via TaxByCounty

Mecosta offers one of Michigan's best rates

Mecosta County's 0.996% effective tax rate ranks among the nation's lowest and sits significantly below Michigan's 1.166% state average. The median annual tax of $1,692 represents a bargain compared to the national median of $2,690, nearly 37% lower.

Mecosta ties for lowest rate in Michigan

At 0.996%, Mecosta County matches or beats nearly every county in this eight-county sample and stands well below the state average of 1.166%. With a median tax of just $1,692 versus the state median of $2,102, Mecosta delivers genuine savings.

Lowest tax rate in the sample region

Mecosta's 0.996% rate ties Marquette for the best in this comparison and substantially beats all others, from Manistee (1.089%) to Macomb (1.423%). For homeowners seeking tax-friendly locations, Mecosta ranks at the top tier.

Annual tax burden averages $1,692

On a median home value of $169,900, Mecosta County homeowners pay approximately $1,692 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that increases slightly to $1,802; without, it drops to $1,561.

Even bargain rates deserve assessment review

Mecosta's low tax rate is attractive, but no homeowner should assume their assessment is accurate—errors happen regardless of county. Audit your assessment against recent sales of comparable homes and file an appeal to capture any available tax reductions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mecosta County

via CostByCounty

Mecosta: Tighter Than National Average

Mecosta County households dedicate 18.0% of income to rent, stretching tighter than the national comfort zone and straining budgets more than typical American renters. Despite a lower median household income of $57,774, the county's $867 monthly rent consumes a notably larger share of earnings.

Among Michigan's More Costly

Mecosta County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% ranks above Michigan's state average of 16.3%, positioning it among the state's less affordable rental markets. The $867 monthly rent exceeds Michigan's $873 state average only slightly, but the lower local income makes it relatively expensive for this county.

Pricier Than Most Regional Peers

Mecosta County's 18.0% affordability ratio ranks as one of the tighter in this regional group, exceeded only by Macomb County's 18.5%. Monthly rent of $867 runs higher than Mackinac, Manistee, and Mason, making Mecosta less attractive for budget-focused renters despite moderate home prices of $169,900.

Ownership Significantly Cheaper

Mecosta County renters pay $867 monthly while homeowners spend $782—an $85 monthly advantage for mortgage holders, making ownership notably cheaper. This substantial gap (compared to other counties) suggests homeownership as the better financial path for Mecosta residents.

Consider Ownership for Better Value

Mecosta County renters face tight 18.0% income ratios, but homebuyers enjoy significant savings compared to rental costs, making ownership the smarter move. If relocating here, prioritize securing financing for the median $169,900 home value rather than renting, and compare this county's tight affordability against cheaper alternatives like Menominee (14.6%).

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mecosta County

via IncomeByCounty

Mecosta significantly below national income

Mecosta County's median household income of $57,774 falls $16,981 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lowest quartile of U.S. counties. This substantial gap reflects limited economic diversification and dependence on agriculture, small manufacturing, and services. The county faces headwinds in wage growth compared to national trends.

Among Michigan's lowest-income counties

At $57,774, Mecosta County ranks approximately 70th among Michigan's 83 counties, trailing the state average of $64,304 by $6,530. The county's median income places it in the lowest third statewide, reflecting rural character and limited high-wage employment anchors. Only a handful of Michigan counties show consistently lower median household income.

Mecosta among region's lower earners

Mecosta County ($57,774) ranks below all surveyed neighboring counties, trailing Manistee ($60,879) by $3,105 and Mackinac ($58,598) by just $824. The county's position as a lower-income peer reflects economic challenges including population losses and limited employer diversity. Central Michigan University presence provides some economic anchor but insufficient to boost median wages.

Rent costs bite larger income share

Mecosta County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among surveyed counties (excluding Macomb), indicating that renters dedicate a larger share of earnings to housing than regional peers. The median home value of $169,900 remains affordable, requiring 2.9 years of household income for purchase. The rent burden suggests challenges for renters and lower-income households.

Strategic saving on tight budgets

Mecosta County households earning $57,774 must prioritize high-impact savings vehicles like employer 401(k) matches and IRAs before pursuing secondary goals. Starting with even 5% employer match saves $289 monthly—critical momentum on constrained budgets. Focus on reducing debt and building a small emergency fund before pursuing homeownership or major investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Mecosta County

via HealthByCounty

Mecosta faces health headwinds

Mecosta County residents live 76.3 years, below the national average of 76.4 years, though the difference is modest. The county's poor or fair health rate of 19.0% is notably higher than national benchmarks, indicating meaningful health challenges within the population.

At Michigan's state average

At 76.3 years, Mecosta County's life expectancy matches Michigan's state average, but its 19.0% poor or fair health rate is among the state's highest. This gap suggests the county experiences acute health challenges beyond life expectancy measures alone.

Higher health strain than peers

Mecosta County's 19.0% poor or fair health rate substantially exceeds nearby Manistee (15.9%), Mackinac (17.3%), and Macomb (17.9%) counties. The county's 48 primary care providers and 187 mental health providers per 100,000 residents rank below regional averages, limiting healthcare capacity.

Moderate coverage gaps, tight provider capacity

Mecosta County's uninsured rate of 6.8% exceeds Michigan's state average of 6.4%, affecting roughly 1 in 15 residents. With 48 primary care providers and 187 mental health specialists per 100,000 residents, the county has below-average healthcare infrastructure compared to state and regional peers.

Secure coverage and find care

Mecosta County residents should prioritize getting insured through marketplace plans at healthcare.gov or state programs. Community health centers throughout the county offer primary care and can connect you with specialists regardless of insurance status.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mecosta County

via RiskByCounty

Mecosta County faces above-average natural hazard risk

With a composite risk score of 69.85 and a "Relatively Low" rating, Mecosta County ranks above the national median for natural disaster exposure. The county's risk profile reflects significant but manageable multi-hazard threats.

Above Michigan's average, solidly mid-tier in state

Mecosta County's 69.85 score exceeds Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it in the upper-middle band of state risk rankings. This positions residents in a more vulnerable position than roughly 60% of Michigan counties.

Tornado risk exceeds most regional peers

Mecosta County's tornado risk (62.82) substantially exceeds nearby Mason County (25.16) and Manistee County (20.36). While flood risk (62.79) also ranks high, the county's tornado exposure is its most distinctive regional feature.

Tornadoes and flooding are primary threats

Tornado risk (62.82) and flood risk (62.79) represent Mecosta County's dominant hazards—both scoring well above state averages. Earthquake risk (27.80) and hurricane risk (27.41) pose secondary but meaningful concerns.

Tornado safety and flood coverage essential

Mecosta County residents must build or identify a basement shelter or interior safe room to protect against tornadoes, and secure flood insurance for vulnerable properties. Review your homeowners policy annually, maintain emergency supplies, and stay weather-aware during spring and summer severe weather seasons.

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.