countyscore
63.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.8Cost of Living 92Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Ontonagon County, Michigan

Ontonagon Outperforms the National Average

With a composite score of 63.5, Ontonagon County stands well above the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a high-performing rural county on the national stage.

Leading the Pack in Michigan Livability

Ontonagon significantly exceeds Michigan's state average of 47.1, making it one of the most livable rural options in the state. Its high score is driven by exceptional safety and resource availability.

Top-Tier Safety and Environmental Quality

The county boasts an incredible risk score of 95.8 and a water quality score of 86.0. Furthermore, housing is exceptionally affordable with a cost score of 92.7 and a median gross rent of just $571.

Economic Growth and Taxes Remain Flat

While housing is cheap, the income score of 18.1 reflects a modest median household income of $51,844. A tax score of 24.0 also indicates a higher-than-average tax burden relative to local earnings.

The Ultimate Choice for Secure Living

Ontonagon is a premier destination for families and individuals seeking maximum safety, clean water, and extreme housing affordability. It is a quiet, resilient community perfect for those who prioritize peace of mind over high-salary careers.

2040608010025.59280.75257.320.195.88648.7Tax25.5Cost92Safety80.7Health52Schools57.3Income20.1Risk95.8Water86Weather48.763.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Ontonagon County DNA

D+overall

How Ontonagon County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Ontonagon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (95.8/100) but notably weak in Income (20.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
25.5-26.5
Cost
92+44
Safety
80.7+25.700000000000003
Health
52
Schools
57.3
Income
20.1-30.9
Risk
95.8+48.8
Water
86+28
Weather
48.7
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Think property taxes are too high in Ontonagon County?

Many homeowners in Ontonagon County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$111,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$540/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$111,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$21,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,398/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Ontonagon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

Safety in Ontonagon County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety Levels in Ontonagon County

Ontonagon County boasts a remarkably low total crime rate of 460.6 per 100,000 residents. This figure is a mere fraction of the national average of 2,385.5, earning the county a near-perfect safety score of 99.3. It stands as one of the most secure regions in the United States.

Leading the Way in Michigan Safety

With a safety score of 99.3, Ontonagon far exceeds the Michigan state average of 97.8. Its crime rate is nearly 66% lower than the state average of 1371.8 per 100K residents. The county represents the gold standard for public safety in the state.

Setting the Regional Safety Bar

Ontonagon’s rate of 460.6 per 100K is significantly lower than neighboring counties like Osceola at 1350.9. Even compared to very safe peers like Oscoda at 955.9, Ontonagon provides an exceptional level of security. It remains a tranquil outlier even in a generally safe region.

Extremely Low Rates Across All Categories

The county reports just 136.5 violent crimes and 324.1 property crimes per 100,000 people. These numbers indicate that both physical safety and property security are exceptionally high here. Serious crime is a rare occurrence for the local population.

Maintain Peace of Mind with Prevention

While crime is rare in Ontonagon, keeping your home secure helps preserve this high standard of living. Consider joined neighborhood watch efforts and basic smart-home monitoring to stay informed. Vigilance ensures the county remains one of Michigan's safest havens.

Weather & Climate in Ontonagon County

via WeatherByCounty

An Extreme Northern Outpost

At 41.5°F, Ontonagon County is one of the coldest counties in the lower 48 states, far below the national median. Its climate is dominated by the massive influence of Lake Superior.

Michigan's Winter Capital

Ontonagon is significantly colder than the Michigan average of 45.7°F. It is also much wetter than the state norm, receiving 37.8 inches of annual precipitation, largely as snow.

Coldest in the Region

Ontonagon is nearly 3 degrees colder than Ogemaw County and remains the coldest in this comparison. It receives 178.8 inches of snow, dwarfing every other county on this list.

Incredible Snowfall Totals

The county endures 178.8 inches of snow annually, fueled by persistent lake-effect storms. Winter averages are a brutal 17.2°F, and January often stays around 14.5°F.

Extreme Winter Preparation Required

Standard snow removal equipment will not suffice here; residents need heavy-duty blowers or plows for the 178.8-inch snowfall. Heating systems must be robust enough to handle the 14.5°F January average.

Soil Quality in Ontonagon County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Upper Peninsula Soil

Ontonagon County features a very low average pH of 4.12, making it significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This sharp acidity defines the local landscape and creates a specialized environment for native flora. Local growers must carefully manage this pH level to support common ornamental or edible plants.

Silty Texture with Low Sand

The soil is remarkably silty at 51.5%, paired with a low sand content of just 12.7%. This combination creates a smooth, flour-like texture that retains moisture much better than the sandier regions of the state. With only 6.6% clay, the soil remains relatively easy to work without becoming heavy or sticky.

Exceptional Organic Matter and Water Storage

This county leads in fertility metrics with a massive 54.49% organic matter content and an available water capacity of 0.397 in/in. These figures nearly double the state averages of 19.76% and 0.202 respectively, indicating a powerhouse of potential nutrient storage. The soil acts like a sponge, holding vast amounts of water and biological material for plant use.

Hydrology Defined by High Saturation

While specific drainage classes are not officially recorded here, the high available water capacity suggests slow-moving hydrology. The 51.5% silt content can lead to prolonged dampness, which is excellent for drought resistance but may require raised beds for plants that dislike 'wet feet.' Building projects will likely need to account for this significant water retention.

Cold-Hardy Growth in Zone 4b

Ontonagon sits in USDA Zone 4b, requiring plants that can withstand deep Michigan winters. The high organic content makes this an ideal spot for blueberries and other acid-loving shrubs that thrive in moist, rich environments. It is a fantastic place to start a woodland garden or a hardy vegetable patch with proper pH management.

Lawn Care in Ontonagon County

via LawnByCounty

Ontonagon County Lawn Difficulty Analysis

Ontonagon County matches the Michigan state average with a lawn difficulty score of 60.1. Located in Hardiness Zone 4b, it offers a more hospitable environment for turf than the national median of 50.0.

Cooler Summers and Ample Rain

A healthy 37.8 inches of annual precipitation provides more water than the state average of 34.4 inches. With only 4 extreme heat days and 1835 growing degree days, lawns here stay cool and require less frequent mowing.

Overcoming Intense Soil Acidity

Extreme acidity is a major hurdle, as the soil pH of 4.12 is well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Low sand and clay content suggest you may need to amend the soil structure to improve its overall health.

Excellent Natural Drought Resilience

Resilience is high here, with only 5 weeks spent in drought over the last year. Current conditions show 0.0% of the area under drought stress, making this one of the easier spots for water management.

Planting in the Short Season

Stick to hardy, cool-season grasses that can survive the May 27 to October 1 growing window. Seeding is most effective in late summer once the risk of the final spring frost has passed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ontonagon County's county score?
Ontonagon County, Michigan has a composite county score of 63.6 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 Ontonagon County rank among counties in Michigan?
Ontonagon County ranks #4 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 Ontonagon County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Ontonagon County is $1,294, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Ontonagon County a tax score of 25.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ontonagon County?
The median household income in Ontonagon County, Michigan is $54,398 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ontonagon County earns an income score of 20.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ontonagon County, Michigan a good place to live?
Ontonagon County scores 63.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Ontonagon 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 Ontonagon County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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