54.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 84.9Cost of Living 80.8

County Report Card

About Oscoda County, Michigan

Oscoda Surpasses the National Median Score

Oscoda County delivers a composite score of 54.3, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a hidden gem for livability in the rural Midwest.

A Top Performer in the State

Oscoda's score of 54.3 is significantly higher than Michigan's average of 47.1. It offers a higher standard of living than many of its geographic neighbors.

Exceptional Affordability and Resource Quality

The county achieves a water score of 86.0 and a risk score of 84.9. Housing is a major draw, with a cost score of 80.8 and a low median rent of $675 per month.

Lower Wages and Educational Outcomes

The income score of 15.9 is among the lowest in the region, with a median household income of $50,581. School scores of 37.9 also indicate that educational resources are less robust than in urban centers.

Perfect for Independent, Budget-Minded Residents

Oscoda is ideal for people with fixed incomes or remote jobs who want to maximize their purchasing power. It offers high-quality natural resources and extreme affordability in a safe environment.

2040608010042.680.858.54137.915.984.98648.4Tax42.6Cost80.8Safety58.5Health41Schools37.9Income15.9Risk84.9Water86Weather48.454.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Oscoda County DNA

Foverall

How Oscoda County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Oscoda County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (84.9/100) but notably weak in Income (15.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
42.6-9.399999999999999
Cost
80.8+32.8
Safety
58.5
Health
41-9
Schools
37.9-16.1
Income
15.9-35.1
Risk
84.9+37.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
48.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$126,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$675/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$126,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,581/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

95.9

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Oscoda County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Oscoda County

via TaxByCounty

Oscoda among America's lowest-tax counties

Oscoda County's effective tax rate of 0.938% sits well below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the bottom 30% nationally for property tax burden. The median tax bill of $1,182 is just 44% of the national median of $2,690.

Michigan's second-lowest tax rate

Oscoda's 0.938% effective rate ranks among Michigan's very lowest, trailing only a handful of counties below the state average of 1.166%. The county's median tax of $1,182 is approximately 56% of Michigan's median.

Lowest rate among nearby northern counties

Oscoda's 0.938% rate is the second-lowest in the region, second only to Otsego (0.891%), and beats Osceola (1.059%), Ontonagon (1.232%), and Presque Isle (1.022%). Homeowners here enjoy some of the state's most favorable tax rates.

A $126,000 home costs about $1,182 yearly

Oscoda's median home value of $126,000 multiplied by its 0.938% rate yields a median annual tax of $1,182. Homeowners with mortgages typically face assessments around $1,233 per year.

Even low-tax counties reward appeal verification

Though Oscoda's rate is already favorable, homeowners should still verify their assessed value against comparable properties. An overassessment appeal can further reduce an already-modest tax bill.

Cost of Living in Oscoda County

via CostByCounty

Oscoda delivers solid housing value nationally

Oscoda County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio positions it well below the U.S. affordability threshold, offering renters genuine financial breathing room. Though median income lags the nation by 32% at $50,581, housing costs remain proportionally manageable.

Slightly below Michigan's affordability average

Oscoda's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio edges below Michigan's state average of 16.3%, making it marginally more affordable than the typical Michigan county. Median rent of $675 runs notably lower than the state median of $873.

Oscoda offers solid middle-ground rental prices

At $675 monthly rent, Oscoda undercuts Ogemaw ($828) and Otsego ($880) significantly while running higher than bargain-priced Ontonagon ($571). Its 16.0% rent burden ranks among the region's best values.

Rent and ownership nearly equal in cost

Monthly gross rent of $675 and median owner costs of $684 hover within 1% of each other, both consuming roughly 16% of household income. This near-parity offers residents genuine flexibility between rental and ownership paths.

Oscoda: reliable affordability in rural Michigan

Job seekers considering northern Michigan should weigh Oscoda's solid affordability against local employment options—rents won't strain budgets, but wages may be limited. Compare salary expectations with the county's $50,581 median income to assess whether the move makes financial sense.

Income & Jobs in Oscoda County

via IncomeByCounty

Oscoda's income falls short nationally

Oscoda County's median household income of $50,581 lags the national median of $74,755 by $24,174, placing it firmly in the bottom quartile of U.S. counties. This significant gap reflects limited economic diversity and reliance on declining industries typical of rural northern Michigan. Oscoda households earn roughly 68% of what typical American families make.

Oscoda ranks among Michigan's lowest

At $50,581, Oscoda's median household income ranks among Michigan's poorest-performing counties, nearly $13,800 below the state median of $64,304. Per capita income of $27,858 severely trails the state average of $35,451 by about 21%, suggesting high poverty concentration. Both metrics point to persistent employment and wage challenges in the county.

Oscoda is the lowest earner regionally

Oscoda County's $50,581 income represents the bottom of its regional peer group, trailing even Ontonagon ($51,844) and Ogemaw ($51,983). The county sits more than $16,000 below Osceola ($57,050) and nearly $40,000 below Ottawa ($87,144), underscoring severe regional income inequality. This disparity suggests limited access to higher-wage sectors like technology or healthcare.

Tight margins despite low housing costs

Oscoda's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% is healthy, and median home values of $126,000 are affordable, providing some relief on housing costs. However, the overall income level leaves households vulnerable to unexpected expenses and limits savings potential. Residents must prioritize essential spending and avoid debt to maintain stability.

Start small, build big over decades

Despite tight budgets, Oscoda residents can build wealth by automating even small monthly savings—$50 or $100 invested consistently in low-cost funds compounds powerfully over 20+ years. Prioritize employer retirement match programs if available, and explore free financial literacy resources from nonprofits or libraries. Small disciplined actions create meaningful financial security over time.

Safety in Oscoda County

via CrimeByCounty

Oscoda County Offers Exceptional Security

Oscoda County features a total crime rate of 955.9 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of crime results in a high safety score of 98.5. It remains a standout destination for those prioritizing a safe environment.

A Safety Leader in Michigan

Oscoda County’s safety score of 98.5 is notably better than the Michigan state average of 97.8. With a crime rate of 955.9 per 100K, the county is far safer than the statewide average of 1371.8. It ranks among the more peaceful counties in the state.

Lower Crime Rates Than Surrounding Areas

Oscoda’s crime rate of 955.9 is more favorable than Ogemaw County's 1258.4 and Roscommon’s 1171.6. By maintaining these lower numbers, Oscoda establishes itself as a regional pocket of tranquility. It consistently outperforms its neighbors in crime prevention.

Property Crimes Occur Twice as Often as Violent Crimes

The county reports 653.4 property crimes per 100K compared to 302.5 violent crimes. While the violent crime rate is lower than the national average of 369.8, property security remains the primary focus for local law enforcement. Residents generally face very low risk in their daily lives.

Protect Your Home and Valuables

Locking windows and using smart doorbells can deter the opportunistic property crimes that make up the bulk of local reports. Oscoda is very safe, but maintaining simple security routines prevents you from becoming a statistic. Community awareness is key to keeping rates low.

Schools in Oscoda County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Rural Districts in Northern Michigan

Oscoda County manages three public schools across two districts, serving a total enrollment of 793 students. The infrastructure is simple, consisting of one elementary school, one high school, and one PK-12 facility. This lean system reflects the county's low population density and rural character.

Spending Above Average for Steady Results

The county spends $8,224 per pupil, notably higher than the Michigan average of $7,394. However, the graduation rate of 78.4% remains below the state and national benchmarks. Despite this gap, the school score of 50.1 aligns perfectly with the national median, showing solid baseline performance.

Mio-AuSable and Fairview Schools

Mio-AuSable Schools is the larger of the two districts, educating 495 students across two campuses. The Fairview Area School District serves the remaining 298 students in its single comprehensive PK-12 building. There are no charter schools in Oscoda County, focusing all resources on these traditional public districts.

Small Schools in a Wilderness Locale

All three schools in the county are classified as rural, with an average enrollment of 264 students. Fairview School is the largest single campus with 298 students, while Mio-AuSable Elementary is the smallest with 227. This small scale ensures that every student is well-known to teachers and staff alike.

Close-Knit Education in the Au Sable Valley

For families seeking a quiet lifestyle, Oscoda County offers small schools where individual attention is the norm. Homes near Mio or Fairview provide easy commutes to these community-centered educational hubs. The high per-pupil investment shows a local commitment to supporting student success.

Disaster Risk in Oscoda County

via RiskByCounty

Oscoda County: minimal national disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 15.14, Oscoda County ranks as Very Low compared to the national average. The county's remote location in northeast Michigan provides protection from most widespread hazard types.

Among Michigan's lowest-risk counties

Oscoda's score of 15.14 ranks well below Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it solidly in the state's safer tier. The county benefits from its isolated position and forest-dominated landscape.

One of safest in northeast Michigan region

Oscoda (15.14) is safer than neighboring Otsego (18.42) and significantly outpaces Roscommon County (56.68) to the south. Presque Isle County (21.76) is also well-protected, making this entire northeast region relatively secure.

Wildfire dominates Oscoda's risk profile

Wildfire risk (75.99) stands dramatically above all other hazards in Oscoda, reflecting the county's forest coverage and summer fire season vulnerability. All other disaster types—tornado (22.74), flood (25.54), earthquake (7.47)—remain well below state averages.

Wildfire preparedness is your priority

Oscoda residents should focus on wildfire defensibility: maintain 30 feet of cleared space around homes, trim overhanging branches, and remove dead wood. Standard homeowner's insurance covers wind and weather, but confirm your policy includes wildfire coverage before fire season arrives.

Water Quality in Oscoda County

via WaterByCounty

Safe Drinking Water in Oscoda

Oscoda County maintains a perfect A grade with no health violations reported in the last five years. Its 0.0 violation rate stands in sharp contrast to the statewide average of 35.7 per 100,000. Public water systems here are operating at high efficiency under federal safety guidelines.

Federal Watershed Health Data N/A

Oscoda County’s water bodies are not currently included in federal Section 303(d) impairment reporting. While local rivers appear healthy, they have not undergone the formal assessment process required to confirm they meet Clean Water Act standards. This data gap is common in less populated rural areas of the state.

Limited Surface Water Monitoring

There are only four monitoring sites in Oscoda County, having recorded 706 measurements over the past five years. The data collection is primarily focused on physical and microbiological indicators at these select locations. This narrow monitoring footprint provides only a snapshot of the county's overall water quality.

Au Sable River Flowing Strong

The Au Sable River at Mio currently records a discharge of 1,400 cfs, which is 141% of its historical mean. This robust flow suggests healthy recharge for the river system and plenty of available surface water. Consistent high flows help dilute potential pollutants but may also increase erosion along the banks.

Maintain Vigilance Over Clean Sources

Residents enjoy excellent drinking water compliance, but the limited number of monitoring sites suggests a need for caution regarding unmonitored local creeks. High flows in the Au Sable River are currently favorable for water supply but can carry more sediment than usual. Protecting these pristine sources requires continued support for watershed conservation.

Weather & Climate in Oscoda County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Inland Continental Climate

Oscoda County averages 44.6°F annually, which is nearly 9 degrees cooler than the national median. This inland region avoids the lake-effect extremes of the coast but remains quite chilly.

Slightly Below Michigan Norms

Oscoda is cooler than the state average of 45.7°F. It is also a bit drier than the rest of the state, receiving 32.0 inches of precipitation compared to the 34.5-inch average.

Similar to Its Neighbors

Oscoda's 44.6°F average is very close to Ogemaw's 44.0°F. It experiences slightly more snowfall than Ogemaw, averaging 57.0 inches per year.

Snowy Winters and Sunny Summers

Winter temperatures average 22.4°F, with 57.0 inches of snow falling annually. Summers are warm and pleasant, though 8 days per year reach 90°F or higher.

Winterize Early and Often

Prepare for 57.0 inches of snow and a 19.7°F January average with reliable heating and snow tires. Summer cooling needs are minimal, but have a plan for the 8 days of extreme heat.

Soil Quality in Oscoda County

via SoilByCounty

Extreme Acidity in Entisols

Oscoda County features some of the most acidic soil in the state with an average pH of 3.51. This is drastically lower than the national median of 6.5 and even the state average of 5.30. These Entisols represent young soils that are still developing their distinct layers and characteristics.

High Clay and Decomposed Matter

The soil is a complex mix of 42.4% sand and 23.2% clay, giving it more density than many neighboring counties. It is officially classified as moderately decomposed plant material, which indicates a thick layer of organic debris. This unique composition provides a heavy, rich texture that holds together well under pressure.

Vast Organic Reserves and High AWC

Oscoda boasts an impressive organic matter content of 42.69%, significantly higher than the state average of 19.76%. Its available water capacity of 0.272 in/in also beats the state benchmark of 0.202. This means the soil is highly fertile and can sustain plants through dry periods better than most sand-dominant regions.

Excessively Drained Hydrologic Group A

Despite its high water capacity, the soil is classified as excessively drained and falls into Hydrologic Group A. Water moves through the profile very rapidly, which helps prevent root rot but can lead to nutrient leaching. It is ideal for building sites but requires careful fertilization for agricultural success.

Zone 5a Acid-Loving Harvests

In USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, Oscoda is a haven for acid-loving crops like blueberries, rhododendrons, and conifers. The heavy organic matter provides a buffet of nutrients, provided you manage the extreme acidity. If you are starting a garden, focus on native Michigan species that evolved for these specific conditions.

Lawn Care in Oscoda County

via LawnByCounty

Oscoda County Lawn Difficulty Analysis

Oscoda County has a lawn difficulty score of 50.2, placing it right at the national median. This Hardiness Zone 5a region is more demanding for homeowners than the Michigan state average of 60.1.

Precipitation and Growing Days

Annual precipitation of 32.0 inches is lower than the state average, meaning supplemental irrigation is often necessary. The 2135 growing degree days and 8 heat days create a standard northern Michigan mowing schedule.

Navigating High Soil Drainage

At a 3.51 pH, this soil is exceptionally acidic and requires aggressive liming to reach the 6.0 target. The excessively drained soil texture means water and nutrients leach away quickly from the grass roots.

Managing Regional Water Stress

The county stayed in drought for 16 weeks over the past year, though current conditions are stable with 0.0% drought coverage. Using drought-tolerant seed blends can help your lawn survive future dry spells without constant watering.

Seeding During the Frost-Free Window

Fine fescues are excellent choices for these excessively drained, acidic conditions. Target your seeding projects between the May 20 last frost and the October 2 first frost for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oscoda County's county score?
Oscoda County, Michigan has a composite county score of 54.3 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 Oscoda County rank among counties in Michigan?
Oscoda County ranks #20 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 Oscoda County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Oscoda County is $1,182, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Oscoda County a tax score of 42.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oscoda County?
The median household income in Oscoda County, Michigan is $50,581 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oscoda County earns an income score of 15.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oscoda County, Michigan a good place to live?
Oscoda County scores 54.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Oscoda 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 Oscoda County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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