countyscore
43.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 94Health 94Lawn Care 66.2

County Report Card

About Oakland County, Michigan

Costs drag down national ranking

Oakland County earns a 43.7 composite score, falling below the national median of 50.0. While it is an economic powerhouse, extreme costs and risks impact its overall balance. It is a high-reward but high-expense environment.

Slightly behind the state average

Despite being Michigan's wealthiest county, Oakland's 43.7 score is slightly below the state average of 47.1. High taxes and property values weigh heavily on its final score. It remains a premier destination, albeit one with significant financial barriers.

Exceptional income and health

Oakland boasts elite scores of 94.0 in both income and health. With a median household income of $95,296, residents enjoy some of the highest standards of living in the nation. It is a hub for top-tier healthcare and economic opportunity.

High taxes and extreme environmental risk

The county faces a very low risk score of 2.5 and a cost score of 10.1. A 1.324% effective tax rate and $320,400 median home value create a high barrier to entry. Residents pay a significant premium for the amenities provided here.

The choice for high-earning professionals

Oakland is the ultimate destination for high-wealth families and professionals who prioritize healthcare and career growth. While the costs are substantial, the economic returns and health infrastructure are unmatched in the region. It is a place for those who can afford a luxury lifestyle in a high-tax environment.

Score breakdown

Tax20Cost10.1Safety45.1Health94Schools48.5Income94Risk2.5Water62.6Weather53.5
🏛20
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠10.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤94
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.2
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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Anoka County
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Nearby counties

Wayne County
Michigan
25.6
Macomb County
Michigan
37.3
Livingston County
Michigan
54.6
Washtenaw County
Michigan
38
Genesee County
Michigan
31.5
Lapeer County
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49.4
St. Clair County
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42.3
Shiawassee County
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42.7

Deep Dives

Oakland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Oakland County

via TaxByCounty

Oakland's taxes rank in top 10% nationally

Oakland County's effective tax rate of 1.324% places it in the highest decile nationally, well above the national median of 1.099%. The median annual property tax of $4,241 nearly matches the national median of $2,690 despite the fact that Oakland's median home value ($320,400) exceeds the national median by 13%.

Michigan's highest-tax county

Oakland leads all Michigan counties with an effective tax rate of 1.324%, towering above the state average of 1.166%. This premium reflects the county's high-value properties and robust public funding priorities in affluent suburbs.

Steepest taxes in the region

Oakland's 1.324% rate dramatically exceeds every other county in this analysis, including Muskegon (1.260%) and Monroe (1.155%). Southeast Michigan residents in Oakland bear substantially heavier tax burdens than their neighbors.

What $320,400 home costs annually

Oakland homeowners with a median-valued property pay approximately $4,241 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage-related assessments, the total reaches about $4,430 per year—more than three times what a Montmorency homeowner pays.

Challenge assessments in high-value market

Oakland's affluent market can lead to inflated property assessments, especially in transitional neighborhoods. If your home was recently reassessed above recent comparable sales, file a formal appeal to the county to recover potential thousands in annual tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oakland County

via CostByCounty

Oakland: Premium income, premium costs

Oakland residents earn $20,541 more than the national median and spend 16.6% on rent—just above the 16.3% national average despite far higher absolute costs. This reflects Oakland's status as Michigan's economic powerhouse, where strong incomes offset premium housing prices.

Michigan's wealth and affordability leader

Oakland's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio barely exceeds Michigan's 16.3% average, a remarkable achievement given the county's $1,319 median rent—the state's highest. Oakland's exceptional income ($95,296 median) allows residents to absorb these premium costs while maintaining affordability comparable to much cheaper counties.

The region's premium destination

Oakland's $1,319 rent dramatically exceeds all peer counties—nearly $300 more than Monroe and nearly $500 more than Montcalm—yet Oakland's 16.6% burden remains competitive. This paradox reflects Oakland's role as Michigan's wealth center, where higher incomes justify premium housing costs and maintain reasonable affordability ratios.

Wealth sustains premium housing costs

Oakland's $95,296 median income supports $1,319 monthly rent (16.6%) and $1,483 ownership costs (18.6%), the highest absolute figures in this analysis. Despite these premium prices, Oakland residents retain more discretionary income than lower-earning counties due to substantially higher earnings.

For high earners seeking opportunity

Oakland offers Michigan's strongest job market and highest incomes, making it ideal for professionals and executives willing to pay premium housing prices for access to opportunity. If your salary trajectory will place you well above Oakland's $95,296 median, the county's premium housing costs become genuinely affordable and competitive.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oakland County

via IncomeByCounty

Oakland County far exceeds national income

Oakland County's median household income of $95,296 substantially exceeds the national median of $74,755 by over $20,500. At 27% above the national average, Oakland County ranks among America's most affluent counties.

Michigan's highest-earning county

Oakland County's median household income of $95,296 towers above Michigan's county average of $64,304 by approximately $31,000. The county dominates Michigan's income rankings, leading all 83 counties in median household earnings.

Vastly outearns all surrounding counties

Oakland County's $95,296 median income dramatically exceeds Monroe County ($75,272), Montcalm ($64,892), Muskegon ($63,495), and all other nearby counties. The income gap reflects Oakland's status as a major business and professional center in Michigan.

Premium housing remains manageable

Despite a median home value of $320,400, Oakland's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% keeps housing costs comfortably affordable. Higher incomes allow households to absorb both upscale properties and the strong housing market.

Prime opportunity for wealth acceleration

Oakland County's high median income of $95,296 creates substantial capacity for aggressive wealth building and investment. Residents should maximize retirement contributions, explore diversified investment portfolios, and consider real estate and business opportunities to leverage their strong income advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Oakland County

via CrimeByCounty

Oakland County's Balanced Safety Profile

Oakland County earns a strong safety score of 98.1 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,223.3 per 100K is nearly half the national average of 2,385.5. For a large metropolitan area, these numbers indicate a very high level of safety.

Performance Against the Michigan Average

The county's safety score of 98.1 is higher than the state average of 97.8. With 56 reporting agencies, Oakland manages to keep its crime rate at 1,223.3, below the state average of 1,371.8. This consistent performance spans across many diverse communities.

Comparison with Regional Peers

Oakland's crime rate of 1,223.3 is very similar to Monroe County's 1,205.9. It remains significantly safer than Muskegon County's rate of 2,519.5. This makes it a relatively secure option for those living in Southeast Michigan.

Analyzing Oakland's Crime Trends

Violent crime in Oakland is notably low at 195.0, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1,028.3, which is also much lower than the national benchmark of 2,015.7. These stats suggest that while property crimes occur, violent incidents are quite rare.

Protecting Your Oakland Home

Given the focus on property crime, using smart doorbells and alarms is a wise investment. Ensure your home is well-lit at night to deter potential thieves. Proactive community policing in Oakland helps keep these safety scores high.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Oakland County

via HealthByCounty

Oakland County leads in health outcomes

Oakland County's 79.1-year life expectancy far exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.7 years, placing it among America's healthiest counties. With only 12.0% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national average of 18%—Oakland residents enjoy substantially better health than typical Americans.

Michigan's health leader by far

Oakland's 79.1-year life expectancy towers 2.8 years above Michigan's state average of 76.3 years, making it the standout health performer in the state sample. At 4.7% uninsured, Oakland is well below Michigan's 6.4% average, meaning most residents have insurance protection.

Dramatically more providers available

Oakland offers 138 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—roughly double or triple neighboring counties—and 460 mental health providers per 100,000, the highest in the region. This abundance of healthcare professionals reflects Oakland's affluent, densely populated suburban character and directly supports its leading health outcomes.

Best healthcare access in Michigan

Oakland County's 4.7% uninsured rate means nearly everyone has health coverage, enabling easy access to the county's robust provider network. With 138 primary care and 460 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Oakland residents can find appointments quickly and access comprehensive preventive and behavioral health services.

Most Oakland residents already insured

Oakland's excellent coverage rates mean most families already enjoy financial protection for healthcare, but if you're uninsured, closing that gap amplifies your access to the county's exceptional provider network. Visit Healthcare.gov or your employer's benefits to ensure you're taking full advantage of available care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Oakland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Michigan's Premier Education Infrastructure

Oakland County features a massive network of 344 schools across 50 districts, educating 172,532 students. The county offers an incredible variety of options, including 179 elementary schools and 76 high schools.

High Performance and Top-Tier Investment

The county boasts a strong 86.9% graduation rate and a leading school score of 54.3. Oakland invests $8,114 per pupil, the highest in this region, which translates into results that significantly exceed the state average.

Rochester and Troy Set the Standard

Rochester Community Schools is the largest district with 14,723 students, followed closely by Walled Lake and Troy. The county also hosts 26 charter schools, including the Michigan Virtual Charter Academy with 2,895 students.

Suburban Excellence and Larger Campuses

With 228 schools in suburban locales, the average school size is a robust 520 students. Lake Orion Community High School is among the largest, serving 2,174 students in a dynamic, highly-resourced environment.

Discover Your Home in Oakland County

Oakland County is synonymous with high-quality education, making it a top destination for Michigan homebuyers. Search for residences in Rochester, Troy, or Novi to give your children access to some of the state's best public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oakland County

via RiskByCounty

Oakland faces the highest disaster risk in Michigan

Oakland County's composite risk score of 97.52 dramatically exceeds the national average, earning a "Relatively High" rating that signals exceptional natural disaster vulnerability. The county's risk is nearly double the national typical score, reflecting concentrated exposure to multiple severe hazards.

Michigan's most disaster-prone county

Oakland County's 97.52 composite score is the highest in Michigan, nearly double the state average of 49.56, making it an extreme outlier in statewide natural disaster risk. No other Michigan county faces comparable combined hazard exposure across floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other disasters.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Oakland's 97.52 score vastly exceeds neighboring counties and nearby regions, making it a clear hazard hotspot for southeast Michigan. The county stands alone as Michigan's most disaster-vulnerable area by a substantial margin.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes pose major threats

Tornado risk of 99.71 and flood risk of 97.49 are among the worst in the nation, while earthquake risk of 86.67 adds a third severe hazard unique to this region. These three factors combine to create an exceptional and multi-faceted natural disaster risk profile.

Comprehensive protection is essential for Oakland residents

Oakland County homeowners must secure homeowners insurance with robust tornado and wind coverage, plus mandatory separate flood insurance—standard policies exclude flood damage. Given the county's extreme composite risk, reviewing coverage annually with an insurance professional is strongly recommended.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Oakland County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild Suburban Climate

Oakland County's 47.7°F annual temperature is roughly 5 degrees cooler than the national median. While it experiences four distinct seasons, its climate is more moderate than the rural northern counties.

One of Michigan's Warmer Spots

Oakland County averages 47.7°F, placing it well above the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It is also slightly drier than average, receiving 32.8 inches of precipitation annually.

Warmer and Drier than Average

Oakland is nearly 2 degrees warmer than Newaygo County to the northwest. It receives significantly less snow than lakeshore counties, averaging just 44.8 inches per year.

Warm Summers and Predictable Winters

With 9 days per year reaching 90°F, Oakland is warmer in the summer than many other Michigan counties. Winter remains chilly but manageable, with an average December-February temperature of 25.4°F.

Balance Heating and Cooling

Central air conditioning is a worthwhile investment for the 9 days of extreme heat and 71.0°F July average. Residents should also prepare for moderate snowfall of 44.8 inches with standard winter gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oakland County

via SoilByCounty

Rich Mollisols of Southeast Michigan

Oakland County features Mollisols with a pH of 5.99, which is closer to the national median of 6.5 than most of the state. These dark, fertile soils are some of the most productive in the region.

A Versatile Loam Mix

The dominant texture is loam, composed of 58.9% sand, 21.7% silt, and 12.1% clay. This balanced mixture provides excellent structure for both residential lawns and professional farming.

Stable Organic Components

The organic matter content is 6.33%, which is higher than the national average but lower than the state's peat-heavy regions. The available water capacity of 0.149 in/in is below the state average, suggesting irrigation is still necessary.

Navigating Poorly Drained Soils

Oakland's soil is classified as poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group B/D. This means the water table is likely high, often requiring drainage systems for construction and specific care in landscape design.

Urban Gardening in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone allows for a wide range of ornamental plants and food crops. With its relatively balanced pH and loam texture, Oakland County is a premier location for lush home landscaping.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oakland County

via LawnByCounty

Oakland County Outperforms the State

A lawn difficulty score of 66.2 makes Oakland one of the easier Michigan counties for growing grass. Its Zone 6a climate and favorable conditions put it well ahead of the 50.0 national average.

Strong Growing Potential in Metro Detroit

Lawns benefit from 2606 growing degree days and a manageable 32.8 inches of annual rain. While there are 9 extreme heat days, the overall climate is highly conducive to vigorous turf growth.

Loamy Soil with Drainage Challenges

The soil is a loam with 58.9% sand and a near-ideal pH of 5.99. However, it is classified as poorly drained, meaning you should avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and soil compaction.

Moderate Drought Resistance in Loam

The county saw 19 weeks of drought recently, and 35.1% of the area remains abnormally dry. The loamy soil texture helps hold moisture longer than sandier counties, giving your lawn a natural edge during dry weeks.

Spring Seeding Begins in May

A blend of Turf-Type Tall Fescue and Bluegrass is ideal for Oakland's loamy, poorly drained soils. Schedule your planting for early May once the threat of frost passes to take full advantage of the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oakland County's county score?
Oakland County, Michigan has a composite county score of 43.7 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 Oakland County rank among counties in Michigan?
Oakland County ranks #51 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 Oakland County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Oakland County is $4,241, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Oakland County a tax score of 20/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oakland County?
The median household income in Oakland County, Michigan is $95,296 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oakland County earns an income score of 94/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oakland County, Michigan a good place to live?
Oakland County scores 43.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Oakland 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 Oakland County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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