countyscore
63.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.8Cost of Living 92.7Water 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.

Score breakdown

Tax24Cost92.7Safety80.7Health52Schools57.3Income18.1Risk95.8Water86Weather48.7
🏛24
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠92.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.1
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

Gogebic County
Michigan
55.5
Houghton County
Michigan
54.6
Baraga County
Michigan
55.7
Vilas County
Wisconsin
65.2
Iron County
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Iron County
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Ashland County
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Oneida County
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Deep Dives

Ontonagon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Ontonagon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in the Western U.P.

Ontonagon County operates three public schools that serve a total of 482 students across three distinct districts. These unique 'other' category schools provide comprehensive PK-12 education to their respective communities. The local infrastructure includes specialized services and consolidated districts that maximize limited resources.

High Graduation Success Despite Remote Setting

The county boasts an impressive 90.0% graduation rate, outpacing the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 82.5%. Local districts invest $8,002 per pupil, which exceeds the Michigan average of $7,394. This combination of investment and effort results in a school score of 55.7, well above the state and national medians.

A Focused Trio of School Districts

The Ontonagon Area School District is the largest, enrolling 275 students in its KG-12 facility. It is joined by the Ewen-Trout Creek Consolidated School District and the Gogebic-Ontonagon ISD, which provides vital special education services. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a purely traditional public school model.

Intimate Rural Schools and Small Classes

All three local schools are situated in rural locales, reflecting the county's rugged, wilderness-adjacent character. The average school size is remarkably small at just 161 students, ranging from 275 at Ontonagon Area down to 48 at the ISD facility. This scale allows for highly individualized attention that is difficult to find in larger counties.

Invest in High-Performance Rural Living

Ontonagon County offers a rare combination of high graduation rates and small, personal school environments. Families moving here can find homes near Ewen or Ontonagon that offer direct access to these successful rural campuses. It is an ideal setting for those who value academic results within a tight-knit community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ontonagon County's county score?
Ontonagon County, Michigan has a composite county score of 63.5 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 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 $1,244, with an effective tax rate of 1.23%. This earns Ontonagon County a tax score of 24/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ontonagon County?
The median household income in Ontonagon County, Michigan is $51,844 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ontonagon County earns an income score of 18.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ontonagon County, Michigan a good place to live?
Ontonagon County scores 63.5/100 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.

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🏛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.