countyscore
52.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 84.2Safety 79.2

County Report Card

About Montmorency County, Michigan

A top-tier national performer

Montmorency County achieves a composite score of 52.5, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This puts it in a strong position relative to counties across the country. It is a standout performer in the rural landscape.

Leading the Michigan average

At 52.5, Montmorency is well ahead of the Michigan state average of 47.1. It ranks as one of the state's more desirable rural locations. This score reflects a high quality of life despite lower economic metrics.

Elite safety and environmental quality

The county shines with a water score of 86.0 and an environmental risk score of 84.2. Safety is also a major highlight with a score of 79.2. These numbers describe a pristine, secure environment for those who love the outdoors.

Limited economic and school infrastructure

Economic scores are low, with income at 10.8 and schools at 11.4. The median household income is just $47,803, suggesting a limited local job market. It remains a region where high-paying employment is scarce.

A paradise for retirees or remote workers

Montmorency is ideal for retirees or remote workers who do not depend on the local economy. Its low rents and high safety make it a tranquil retreat for those with independent incomes. It offers a premium environmental experience for a modest price tag.

Score breakdown

Tax43.6Cost63.8Safety79.2Health51.5Schools11.4Income10.8Risk84.2Water86Weather48.5
🏛43.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡79.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓11.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡84.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.8
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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Nearby counties

Oscoda County
Michigan
54.3
Presque Isle County
Michigan
70.1
Otsego County
Michigan
50.8
Cheboygan County
Michigan
51
Alpena County
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Crawford County
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Alcona County
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Emmet County
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Deep Dives

Montmorency County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Montmorency County

via TaxByCounty

Michigan's most tax-friendly rural county

Montmorency's effective tax rate of 0.922% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median of 1.099%. The median annual property tax of just $1,309 is less than half the national median of $2,690, making Montmorency exceptionally affordable.

Lowest-taxed county in Michigan

Montmorency holds the distinction of Michigan's lowest effective tax rate at 0.922%, significantly undercutting the state average of 1.166%. For Michigan property owners seeking the deepest tax relief, Montmorency tops the list.

Clear winner in regional tax battle

Montmorency's 0.922% rate beats every neighboring county, including Missaukee (0.977%), Montcalm (1.075%), and Oceana (1.143%). This northern Michigan outpost offers the region's most advantageous tax environment by a meaningful margin.

What $142,000 home costs annually

The median Montmorency homeowner pays approximately $1,309 in annual property taxes on a $142,000 property. Even with mortgage-related adjustments, the total remains around $1,403—remarkably low for any U.S. county.

Double-check your assessment

Even in low-tax Montmorency, some homeowners may be overassessed relative to recent market sales. Filing an appeal with the county assessor costs nothing and can yield savings if your property valuation exceeds fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Montmorency County

via CostByCounty

Montmorency faces affordability challenges

With a 20.4% rent-to-income ratio, Montmorency residents spend nearly a quarter more on housing than the national average of 16.3%, despite earning $26,952 less than U.S. median households. This strain reflects economic headwinds that make housing cost a significant household burden here.

Michigan's most pressured rental market

Montmorency's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio stands sharply above Michigan's 16.3% average, making it the state's most affordability-challenged county for renters. This gap signals that local income growth has not kept pace with housing costs, creating financial stress for many households.

Struggling compared to the region

Montmorency's $811 rent is the region's lowest, yet its 20.4% burden far exceeds Missaukee (16.3%), Montcalm (16.0%), and Muskegon (18.1%). The county's $47,803 median income—the lowest in this peer group—explains why even modest rents consume an outsized share of earnings here.

Housing dominates household budgets

Montmorency's $47,803 median income is strained by $811 monthly rent (20.4% of earnings) or $705 ownership costs (17.7%), leaving limited resources for other necessities. The county's lower incomes and cost pressures mean residents here face tougher financial trade-offs than Michigan's average.

Weigh carefully before relocating here

Montmorency offers Michigan's lowest absolute rents, but its 20.4% rent-to-income ratio signals real affordability strain compared to the rest of the state and nation. If you're considering a move here, verify that your incoming wages will significantly exceed the county median to ensure housing remains manageable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Montmorency County

via IncomeByCounty

Montmorency significantly lags nationally

Montmorency County's median household income of $47,803 falls roughly $27,000 below the national median of $74,755. This 36% shortfall is among Michigan's steepest income gaps, reflecting substantial economic challenges in the county.

Lowest-earning county in the group

At $47,803, Montmorency County's median household income trails Michigan's county average of $64,304 by nearly $16,500. The county ranks among the lowest in Michigan's 83 counties by household earnings.

Significantly trails all nearby counties

Montmorency's median income of $47,803 falls well below neighboring Missaukee ($61,868), Montcalm ($64,892), and Newaygo ($61,931) counties. The income gap suggests economic headwinds unique to Montmorency compared to surrounding regions.

Housing strains household budgets

Montmorency's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% exceeds the 30% affordability threshold more than other counties in the group. Combined with the county's lower overall income, this housing cost burden creates financial pressure on many households.

Prioritize financial planning and support

Montmorency households earning the county median face tighter budgets, making professional financial planning especially valuable. Exploring local resources, budgeting tools, and potential assistance programs can help residents build stability and long-term savings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Montmorency County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety in Montmorency County

Montmorency County is exceptionally safe, with a safety score of 99.2. Its total crime rate of 496.7 per 100K is roughly one-fifth of the national average of 2,385.5. This makes it one of the most secure counties in the country.

Leading the State in Security

The county's 99.2 safety score far outpaces the Michigan average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 496.7 is less than half the state average of 1,371.8. Very few regions in Michigan offer this level of tranquility.

Montmorency vs. the Region

Montmorency is significantly safer than its neighbors, with a rate of 496.7 compared to Missaukee's 1,086.9. It boasts the lowest crime rate among the eight counties analyzed here. This rural profile translates into very high public safety.

Rare Instances of Crime

The county records just 205.2 violent crimes and 291.5 property crimes per 100K residents. These figures are drastically lower than national rates, where property crime typically exceeds 2,000 per 100K. Residents here face very minimal risks to their property or person.

Maintaining a Secure Haven

In an area this safe, the biggest risk is complacency regarding property security. Even with low crime rates, it is wise to lock vehicles and secure home entrances. Basic awareness helps preserve the county's reputation for peace.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Montmorency County

via HealthByCounty

Montmorency faces significant health challenges

Montmorency County's 73.6-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average by nearly 3 years, ranking among the lowest in the nation for rural counties. With 18.1% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county matches national averages but reflects underlying health vulnerabilities.

Michigan's shortest life expectancy

At 73.6 years, Montmorency residents live 2.7 years less than Michigan's state average of 76.3 years—the lowest life expectancy among Michigan counties. The 7.7% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 6.4%, compounding health challenges by limiting access to preventive and ongoing care.

Paradox: providers available, outcomes lag

Montmorency boasts 75 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, double most neighboring counties, yet still experiences the worst health outcomes in the region. This gap suggests barriers beyond provider availability—possibly poverty, chronic disease burden, or transportation challenges—are limiting health outcomes.

High uninsured rate masks deeper issues

Montmorency's 7.7% uninsured rate means nearly 1 in 13 residents lack health coverage, but the county's low life expectancy suggests broader determinants of health need attention. Despite adequate primary care providers on paper, residents may struggle with affordability, transportation, or chronic disease management.

Health coverage is your first step

If you're uninsured in Montmorency, getting covered through Healthcare.gov or Michigan Medicaid is critical to accessing the providers available in your county. Coverage opens doors to preventive screenings and chronic disease management that can add years to your life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Montmorency County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Educational Landscape in Montmorency

Montmorency County features just four public schools serving 835 total students, making it one of the smallest systems in the state. Two districts, Hillman Community and Atlanta Community, oversee this tight-knit educational network.

Focusing on Rural School Success

The county reports a 74.7% graduation rate and a composite school score of 43.8. Per-pupil spending sits at $6,243, which is lower than both the state average and the national benchmark of $13,000.

Hillman and Atlanta Lead Districts

Hillman Community Schools is the larger district with 415 students, while Atlanta Community Schools serves 267 students. There are no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional rural public schools.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

Every school in the county is classified as rural, with an average school size of only 209 students. Atlanta Community Schools operates the largest single building with 267 students, while Lewiston Elementary is the smallest with 153.

Quiet Living Near Small Schools

For families seeking a peaceful lifestyle, Montmorency offers schools where personalized attention is guaranteed. Look for homes in Hillman or Lewiston to enjoy the benefits of a very small, dedicated school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Montmorency County

via RiskByCounty

Montmorency is among the safest counties

Montmorency County's composite risk score of 15.87 places it in the "Very Low" category, representing minimal exposure to major natural disasters compared to the national average. The county faces roughly one-sixth the typical disaster risk of the average U.S. county.

Second-safest county in Michigan

Only Missaukee County (11.10) ranks lower in disaster risk than Montmorency's 15.87, making it one of Michigan's two safest communities. This score is 68% below the state average of 49.56, reflecting exceptionally low hazard exposure across the region.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Montmorency's 15.87 score ranks second-lowest in the state and is comparable only to Missaukee County (11.10) nearby; surrounding counties like Montcalm (56.87) and Muskegon (70.10) face substantially higher risks. The county occupies a rare low-risk pocket in north-central Michigan.

Wildfire is the notable concern

Wildfire risk of 60.37 is Montmorency's highest hazard score, though it remains below state and national averages for wildfire exposure. Tornado risk of 20.99 and flood risk of 38.77 are both relatively low, while earthquake risk is minimal at 6.30.

Basic homeowners insurance suffices

Montmorency County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance with routine maintenance provides adequate protection for most residents. Those living in forested areas should ensure wildfire coverage is included and maintain defensible space around structures as a precaution.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Montmorency County

via WeatherByCounty

Montmorency's Cool Continental Climate

With an average annual temperature of 43.5°F, Montmorency County sits nearly 10 degrees below the national median. This humid continental region experiences a significantly cooler profile than much of the United States.

Colder Than the Michigan Average

The county's 43.5°F annual average ranks it among the cooler regions in Michigan, trailing the state average of 45.7°F. It remains drier than many of its peers, receiving 32.0 inches of precipitation compared to the state's 34.5-inch average.

A Northern Lower Peninsula Chill

Montmorency is notably cooler than neighboring Oscoda County to the south, which averages 44.6°F. It shares similar precipitation levels with its neighbors, maintaining a consistent 32.0 inches of annual moisture.

Sharp Winters and Brief Summers

Winter temperatures average a cold 20.9°F, while January lows typically drop to 18.1°F. Extreme heat is rare here, with only 7 days a year reaching 90°F or higher.

Prepare for Prolonged Cold

Reliable high-efficiency heating systems are essential to manage the 18.1°F January average. While snowfall data is limited for this specific area, residents should prioritize winter vehicle preparedness for the frigid northern climate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Montmorency County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Northern Woods Soil

Montmorency County soil shows a pH of 5.01, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This level of acidity is typical for northern pine forests and requires careful management for traditional gardening.

Grit and Grain Predominate

The composition is 69.7% sand, the highest among many neighboring counties. With only 11.3% clay, the soil is very loose, which allows for deep root penetration but limited natural water storage.

Rich Organic Matter Reserves

The county features 17.68% organic matter, nearly matching the Michigan average of 19.76%. An available water capacity of 0.166 in/in means the soil holds less moisture than the state average, requiring diligent watering.

Fast Water Movement Expected

Specific drainage classifications are not listed, but the nearly 70% sand content implies rapid drainage. Any nutrients added to the soil may wash away quickly, so gardeners should use slow-release fertilizers.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 5a

The 5a hardiness zone necessitates choosing plants that can survive a deep freeze. Focus on acid-tolerant native plants or hardy greens to make the most of this unique northern soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Montmorency County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growing Conditions in Zone 5a

Montmorency County earns a lawn difficulty score of 52.8, performing slightly better than the national median. While it trails the Michigan state average of 60.1, the climate is relatively stable for northern turf.

Cooler Summers Minimize Heat Stress

With only 7 extreme heat days and 1974 growing degree days, lawns here face less summer stress than southern counties. The 32.0 inches of annual precipitation is just enough to meet the 30-inch ideal minimum for grass.

Sandy Soil Requires Frequent Attention

The soil is composed of 69.7% sand, leading to fast drainage and potential nutrient leaching. You will need to address the acidic 5.01 pH with lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 range preferred by most turfgrasses.

Low Drought Risk This Year

The county only experienced 13 weeks of drought over the past year and currently reports no abnormally dry areas. This consistent moisture makes it easier to maintain a green lawn without heavy reliance on supplemental irrigation.

Focus on Cold-Hardy Grass Varieties

Stick with cold-tolerant species like Fine Fescue to survive the Zone 5a winters. Your primary window for seeding opens after May 22, giving the grass time to mature before the October 6 first frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montmorency County's county score?
Montmorency County, Michigan has a composite county score of 52.5 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 Montmorency County rank among counties in Michigan?
Montmorency County ranks #23 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 Montmorency County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Montmorency County is $1,309, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Montmorency County a tax score of 43.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Montmorency County?
The median household income in Montmorency County, Michigan is $47,803 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Montmorency County earns an income score of 10.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Montmorency County, Michigan a good place to live?
Montmorency County scores 52.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Montmorency 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 Montmorency 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.