CountyScore

Osceola County

Michigan · MI

#19 in Michigan
72.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Osceola County, Michigan

Osceola solidly beats national average

At 71.4, Osceola County's composite score exceeds the national median of 50.0 by a decisive margin, placing it in the 43rd percentile nationally. This above-average standing reflects consistent strengths across multiple livability dimensions.

Above Michigan's county median

Osceola's 71.4 score surpasses Michigan's average of 68.7, positioning it favorably within the state's 83 counties. The county demonstrates better-than-typical livability for Michigan residents.

Affordability, taxes, and slightly higher incomes

Osceola delivers a cost score of 83.2 with median home values of $139,600 and rents at $764 per month, alongside a tax score of 72.5 and 1.059% effective rate. The income score of 20.6 and median household income of $57,050 edge slightly higher than neighboring counties.

Income growth still lags broader trends

Despite modest improvement, the income score of 20.6 indicates earnings remain well below state and national medians. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and water quality are unavailable, creating gaps in the full livability story.

Great for value-minded families and workers

Osceola suits families and remote workers seeking affordable homes with reasonable tax burdens and slightly above-average local incomes. The county offers genuine small-town living without extreme rural isolation, though verifying school and employment options is essential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72.5Cost83.2SafetyComing SoonHealth73.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.6Risk76.1WaterComing Soon
🏛72.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡76.1
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 Osceola County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Chilton County
Alabama
72.2
Median income: $61,873
Baker County
Florida
72.2
Median income: $70,833
Dade County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $58,936
Oconee County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $115,925
Dearborn County
Indiana
72.2
Median income: $82,693

Deep Dives

Osceola County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Osceola County

via TaxByCounty

Osceola keeps taxes well below the nation

Osceola County's effective tax rate of 1.059% falls below the national median of 1.1%, and its median tax bill of $1,478 represents only 55% of the national median of $2,690. The county offers moderate property tax burden relative to the rest of the country.

Below-average Michigan property tax county

Osceola's 1.059% effective rate beats Michigan's state average of 1.166%, placing it among the lower-taxed counties statewide. The median tax bill of $1,478 is roughly 70% of the state median of $2,102.

Middle of the pack regionally

Osceola's 1.059% rate sits between higher-taxed Ontonagon (1.232%) and lower-taxed Oscoda (0.938%) and Otsego (0.891%). The county offers a moderate tax burden compared to its northern Michigan neighbors.

A $139,600 home costs about $1,478 yearly

With a median home value of $139,600, Osceola homeowners pay a median annual tax of $1,478. Adding mortgage-related tax adjustments brings the typical bill to approximately $1,592.

Review assessments to catch overvaluation

Osceola homeowners should compare their property's assessed value to recent sales of similar homes in their township. If your assessment exceeds fair market value, filing an appeal could yield meaningful tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Osceola County

via CostByCounty

Osceola housing nearly matches national affordability

Osceola County's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the U.S. norm and demonstrates solid housing affordability despite a median income of $57,050—23% below the national average. Renters here keep more of their income than typical Americans, a significant advantage in cost-of-living comparisons.

Nearly perfect Michigan alignment on affordability

Osceola's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches Michigan's state average of 16.3%, positioning it as a representative county for housing costs across the state. Its median rent of $764 runs slightly below the state median of $873.

Balanced rental costs among northern peers

Osceola's $764 monthly rent sits midway between Ontonagon's bargain $571 and Ogemaw's $828, offering middle-ground affordability. Its 16.1% rent burden is among the region's lowest, beaten only by Ontonagon and Presque Isle.

Balanced rent and ownership costs

Monthly gross rent of $764 and median owner costs of $761 run nearly identical, each consuming about 16% of household income. This balance gives residents flexibility to choose between renting and buying without major financial impact.

Osceola offers steady, predictable housing costs

Relocating families seeking Michigan's mid-range affordability should find Osceola attractive—it matches state averages without extremes at either end. Verify local job markets align with your career before moving, as affordability only matters if income is stable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Osceola County

via IncomeByCounty

Osceola earns 76% of national median

Osceola County's median household income of $57,050 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $17,700, reflecting the county's dependence on agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. This gap places Osceola in the lower-middle range nationally, better than many rural counties but below national averages. Residents earn roughly 76 cents for every dollar earned nationally.

Osceola ranks low-middle within Michigan

At $57,050, Osceola's median household income falls about $7,250 below Michigan's state average of $64,304, positioning it in the lower half of Michigan's counties. Per capita income of $29,129 lags the state average of $35,451 by about 18%, suggesting uneven income distribution across households. These gaps highlight limited high-wage employment opportunities in the county.

Osceola outperforms some neighbors

Osceola's $57,050 income exceeds Oscoda ($50,581), Ogemaw ($51,983), and Ontonagon ($51,844), placing it in the better half of its regional peer group. However, it trails Otsego ($67,285) and significantly lags Ottawa County ($87,144), highlighting economic disparity within north-central Michigan. This variation reflects differences in educational attainment and industry mix.

Housing absorbs moderate share of income

Osceola's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% sits comfortably in the acceptable range, with median home values of $139,600 remaining affordable on local incomes. While households have reasonable housing costs, the overall income level leaves limited cushion for healthcare, education, and other expenses. Careful budgeting remains essential for financial stability.

Leverage affordability to build reserves

Osceola residents can use the county's reasonable housing costs as a foundation for wealth building—aim to save 10–15% of household income in a diversified portfolio. Start with employer retirement plans if available, then explore tax-advantaged savings accounts like Roth IRAs. Even modest, consistent contributions become substantial over time through compound growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Osceola County

via HealthByCounty

Osceola bucks regional health trends

At 76.9 years, Osceola's life expectancy exceeds both the U.S. average of 80.7 years and Michigan's state average of 76.3 years—a rare bright spot in this region. Just 17.9% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among its peer group.

Outperforming Michigan on longevity

Osceola County residents live 0.6 years longer than the Michigan average, placing the county in the healthier half of the state. This success reflects strong mental health provider capacity and relatively good insurance coverage.

Leading region in healthy outcomes

Osceola's 76.9-year life expectancy is the highest among all neighboring counties in northeast Michigan, ahead of Presque Isle (77.6) and significantly above Oscoda (72.8). This performance gap suggests Osceola's healthcare investments are paying off measurably.

Strong mental health provider network

Osceola boasts 141 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—nearly triple the state average—suggesting proactive investment in behavioral health. With 30 primary care providers per 100,000 and a 6.7% uninsured rate, the county has built robust healthcare access.

Maintain coverage to stay healthy

Even in healthier Osceola, staying insured protects you from catastrophic costs and ensures preventive care access. Review your coverage annually at healthcare.gov or through your employer to keep your family's health on track.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Osceola County

via RiskByCounty

Osceola well below national disaster risk

Osceola County's composite risk score of 23.92 ranks it as Very Low, placing it in the safer third of American counties. The county avoids the compound hazard exposure that threatens many regions nationwide.

Safer than most Michigan counties

At 23.92, Osceola's score sits well below Michigan's state average of 49.56, positioning it among the state's lower-risk counties. The rural central Michigan location contributes to this protective profile.

Safest county in its northern cluster

Osceola (23.92) outpaces neighboring Otsego County (18.42) and is far safer than Roscommon County to the south (56.68). Compared to Ottawa County's moderate risk (82.89), Osceola residents enjoy significantly lower exposure across the board.

Tornadoes and floods are primary hazards

Tornado risk (36.45) and flood risk (36.67) tie as Osceola's primary concerns, each nearing county averages. Wildfire risk (23.28) remains comparatively low, and earthquake risk (16.89) poses minimal threat to the region.

Standard coverage with tornado awareness

Osceola residents should maintain standard homeowner's insurance and ensure they have a tornado safety plan for spring months. Flood insurance is recommended for properties in mapped flood zones, particularly near inland lakes and streams.

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.