CountyScore

Ontonagon County

Michigan · MI

#7 in Michigan
73.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Ontonagon County, Michigan

Ontonagon outpaces national average

Ontonagon County's composite score of 72.3 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. This above-average performance signals strong livability fundamentals relative to the nation as a whole.

Among Michigan's stronger counties

With a score of 72.3 versus Michigan's state average of 68.7, Ontonagon ranks solidly above the middle of the pack statewide. The county offers measurably better livability metrics than the typical Michigan community.

Unbeatable affordability and low taxes

Ontonagon boasts the most impressive cost score of 89.7 in this group, with median home values at just $101,000 and rents averaging $571 per month—the lowest in the region. A tax score of 67.6 and effective rate of 1.232% provide additional fiscal advantages.

Income growth remains limited

Median household income stands at $51,844 with an income score of 17.2, indicating limited earning potential relative to state and national standards. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data are not yet available for comprehensive assessment.

Perfect for cost-first lifestyle seekers

Ontonagon is ideal for those whose top priority is minimizing housing and living expenses—retirees on fixed incomes, minimalist families, or those seeking deep rural refuge. The trade-off is modest incomes and remote location; research local employment and amenities before committing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax67.6Cost89.7SafetyComing SoonHealth69.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome17.2Risk95.8WaterComing Soon
🏛67.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡95.8
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 Ontonagon County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Scott County
Arkansas
73.6
Median income: $45,955
Lake County
Minnesota
73.6
Median income: $75,621
Redwood County
Minnesota
73.6
Median income: $67,024
Putnam County
Missouri
73.6
Median income: $56,875
Powell County
Montana
73.6
Median income: $63,432

Deep Dives

Ontonagon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ontonagon County

via TaxByCounty

Ontonagon's rate edges above the national norm

Ontonagon County's effective tax rate of 1.232% sits slightly above the national median of 1.1%, though its median tax bill of $1,244 remains well below the national median of $2,690. This reflects Ontonagon's much lower median home values compared to the nation.

Higher tax rate within Michigan's spectrum

Ontonagon's 1.232% effective rate ranks above Michigan's state average of 1.166%, placing it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 83 counties. The median tax of $1,244 remains below the state median of $2,102 due to lower property values.

Highest rate among nearby northern counties

Ontonagon's 1.232% rate exceeds all nearby comparison counties, including Presque Isle (1.022%), Oscoda (0.938%), and Otsego (0.891%). Only Osceola at 1.059% comes closer, but still falls below Ontonagon.

A $101,000 home costs about $1,244 yearly

Ontonagon's median home value of $101,000 paired with its 1.232% rate yields a median annual tax of $1,244. Homeowners with mortgages typically see assessments closer to $1,359 annually.

Appeal if your assessment seems inflated

With Ontonagon's higher-than-average tax rate, verifying your property's assessed value against current market comparables is especially worthwhile. Many counties allow property tax appeals that can substantially lower annual bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ontonagon County

via CostByCounty

Ontonagon offers rare housing affordability bargain

Ontonagon County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable housing markets, well below the typical U.S. threshold of 30%. At just $571 per month for median rent, Ontonagon delivers exceptional value—though median incomes of $51,844 remain 31% lower than the national average.

Michigan's most affordable rental market

Ontonagon's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Michigan's state average of 16.3%, making it one of the state's best deals for renters. The county's median rent of $571 is the lowest among these eight northern Michigan counties.

Ontonagon beats all surrounding counties on rent

At $571 monthly, Ontonagon's median rent is sharply lower than Presque Isle ($625), Oscoda ($675), Osceola ($764), and Ogemaw ($828). Combined with a 13.2% rent burden, Ontonagon offers the strongest rental affordability in the region.

Rent and ownership both remarkably affordable

Monthly gross rent of $571 and median owner costs of $570 each consume just 13% of household income, leaving substantial room in family budgets. This near-parity between rent and ownership costs gives households genuine choice without financial strain.

Ontonagon: affordability meets small-town charm

Remote workers or retirees relocating to Michigan's Upper Peninsula should seriously consider Ontonagon—housing costs are the region's lowest, though job opportunities may be limited. Compare local employment prospects against this rare affordability advantage before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ontonagon County

via IncomeByCounty

Ontonagon trails national income by a third

Ontonagon County's median household income of $51,844 sits roughly $22,900 below the national median of $74,755, ranking it among the nation's lower-income counties. The gap reflects economic challenges common to remote Upper Peninsula communities with limited job markets and outmigration of younger workers. Households here earn about 69% of what the typical American family makes.

Among Michigan's lowest-earning counties

Ontonagon's $51,844 median household income ranks it near the bottom statewide, falling $12,460 short of Michigan's state median of $64,304. Per capita income of $32,741 exceeds the state average of $35,451, a rare bright spot suggesting older, established residents with accumulated wealth. Overall, Ontonagon faces persistent wage and employment growth challenges.

Lowest income among comparable counties

Ontonagon's $51,844 income is the lowest or tied-lowest among its regional peers, including Oscoda ($50,581) and Ogemaw ($51,983). The county's isolation in Michigan's northwest corner and dependence on tourism and extractive industries contribute to wage stagnation. Nearby Otsego County ($67,285) demonstrates that regional income can be much higher with economic diversification.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Ontonagon's rent-to-income ratio of 13.2% is among the healthiest in the cohort, well below the 15% threshold, thanks partly to low median home values of $101,000. This affordability provides some breathing room for household budgets, though total income remains constrained. The low cost of living offers a buffer that higher-income areas do not enjoy.

Affordable housing creates wealth-building opportunity

Ontonagon's low housing costs create a unique advantage for wealth accumulation—residents paying less on rent or mortgages can redirect savings toward retirement and investments. Take full advantage of any employer retirement benefits and consider automating small monthly contributions to index funds or savings accounts. Over 20–30 years, consistent discipline transforms modest incomes into meaningful wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Ontonagon County

via HealthByCounty

Remote county faces life expectancy lag

Ontonagon County residents have a life expectancy of 73.1 years, putting them nearly 8 years behind the U.S. average of 80.7 years. About 18% report poor or fair health, matching the national burden of chronic disease.

Among Michigan's shortest-lived counties

At 73.1 years, Ontonagon ranks near the bottom of Michigan counties, trailing the state average of 76.3 years by more than 3 years. This gap reflects both geographic isolation and limited access to specialized healthcare services.

Isolation contributes to lower outcomes

Ontonagon's 73.1-year life expectancy is the second-lowest in its peer group, just above Oscoda County at 72.8 years. The Keweenaw Peninsula's remote location limits medical specialist availability and may delay urgent care access.

Mental health care outpaces primary care

Ontonagon has 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents but only 34 mental health providers, leaving gaps in both areas. At 7.1% uninsured, residents here face higher barriers to preventive and routine care than the state average of 6.4%.

Find affordable coverage in your county

Nearly 7% of Ontonagon residents remain uninsured—you may qualify for Medicaid, a marketplace plan, or subsidies. Contact a local health department or visit healthcare.gov to explore options tailored to your income and family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ontonagon County

via RiskByCounty

Ontonagon: Michigan's safest county

With a composite risk score of just 4.20, Ontonagon County ranks among the safest places in the nation for natural disasters. This Very Low rating reflects minimal exposure to the full spectrum of hazard types that threaten most American counties.

Far below state average for safety

Ontonagon's score of 4.20 is less than one-tenth Michigan's state average of 49.56, making it one of the lowest-risk counties in the state. The county's remote Upper Peninsula location provides natural protection from major disaster pathways.

Safest in the Upper Peninsula region

Ontonagon significantly outperforms neighboring Gogebic and Houghton counties, with virtually no earthquake (0.00) or hurricane risk (0.00) recorded. Even compared to other rural northern counties like Oscoda (15.14), Ontonagon remains exceptionally well-protected.

Wildfire is the only notable concern

Wildfire risk (31.58) is Ontonagon's sole measurable hazard, though even this remains modest. All other disaster types—earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes—pose negligible or zero threat to county residents.

Basic homeowner's insurance covers your needs

Ontonagon residents can rely on standard homeowner's insurance without need for specialized disaster coverage. Simple wildfire prevention around your home—clearing brush and maintaining defensible space—provides adequate protection in this remarkably safe 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.