countyscore
50.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 81.6Soil Quality 65.5

County Report Card

About Otsego County, Michigan

Otsego County Meets the National Mark

Otsego County matches the national median with a composite score of 50.8. It offers a standard quality of life that mirrors the broader American experience.

Outpacing the Michigan State Average

With a score of 50.8, Otsego ranks higher than the Michigan average of 47.1. It serves as a stable anchor for the northern part of the state.

High Salaries and Natural Safety

The county excels with an income score of 59.6, backed by a median household income of $67,285. It also secures an 86.0 for water quality and an 81.6 for environmental risk resilience.

Housing Costs and Schools Trail Behind

Housing affordability is a challenge, with a cost score of 39.3 and a median home value near $196,500. The school score of 42.4 suggests educational systems are average but have room to improve.

A Solid Hub for Working Professionals

Otsego County is best for professionals seeking higher northern Michigan wages without sacrificing safety. It offers a strong balance of income and natural reliability for established families.

2040608010045.639.352.559.742.459.681.68650Tax45.6Cost39.3Safety52.5Health59.7Schools42.4Income59.6Risk81.6Water86Weather5050.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average1 below average

Otsego County DNA

Foverall

How Otsego County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Otsego County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (81.6/100) but notably weak in Schools (42.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
45.6
Cost
39.3-8.700000000000003
Safety
52.5
Health
59.7+9.700000000000003
Schools
42.4-11.600000000000001
Income
59.6+8.600000000000001
Risk
81.6+34.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
50
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$196,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$880/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$196,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,285/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

51.3

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Crawford County
Michigan
49.5
Montmorency County
Michigan
52.5
Antrim County
Michigan
54.7
Cheboygan County
Michigan
51
Kalkaska County
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46.2
Emmet County
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Oscoda County
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Charlevoix County
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Deep Dives

Otsego County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Otsego County

via TaxByCounty

Otsego among lowest-tax regions in America

Otsego County's effective tax rate of 0.891% is among the lowest in the nation, falling well below the national median of 1.1% and placing it in the bottom 25% nationally. The median tax bill of $1,751 is 65% of the national median of $2,690, despite higher home values.

Michigan's absolute lowest effective tax rate

Otsego County holds the lowest effective property tax rate among Michigan's 83 counties at 0.891%, significantly beating the state average of 1.166%. The median tax of $1,751 remains below the state median of $2,102.

Clear winner among nearby counties

Otsego's 0.891% rate is the lowest in the region, edging out Oscoda (0.938%), Presque Isle (1.022%), and Osceola (1.059%). Compared to higher-taxed neighbors like Ontonagon (1.232%), Otsego offers substantially lower effective rates.

A $196,500 home costs about $1,751 yearly

Otsego's median home value of $196,500 combined with its lowest-in-state rate of 0.891% results in a median tax of $1,751. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay around $1,785 annually.

Contest inflated assessments to keep savings growing

Even in low-tax Otsego, overassessed properties exist and benefit from appeal filings. Verifying your assessed value against recent comparable sales ensures you're truly getting the county's tax advantage.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Otsego County

via CostByCounty

Otsego balances higher costs with solid income

Otsego County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio outperforms national affordability benchmarks, supported by a median income of $67,285—just 10% below the U.S. average. Higher earnings here offset higher rents, creating genuine affordability for middle-income households.

Strongest incomes in this northern Michigan cluster

Otsego's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio beats Michigan's state average of 16.3%, and at $67,285, its median income substantially exceeds the other seven counties in this comparison. This income advantage translates to more housing choices and financial security.

Higher rents but higher incomes too

Otsego's median rent of $880 ranks second-highest in the region, but its median income of $67,285 is also the region's strongest—enabling residents to afford premium housing. The county offers the best income-to-cost balance for families seeking more expensive homes.

Ownership more costly than renting here

Median monthly owner costs of $971 exceed median gross rent of $880 by $91, consuming roughly 17% of household income for homeowners versus 16% for renters. This gap makes renting relatively more attractive in Otsego despite higher overall price levels.

Otsego for higher earners seeking space

Professionals relocating to northern Michigan with above-average salaries will find Otsego's higher incomes and stronger job market attractive, despite premium rents. If your expected income aligns with the county's $67,285 median, housing affordability remains solid.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Otsego County

via IncomeByCounty

Otsego approaches national income level

Otsego County's median household income of $67,285 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $7,500, placing it solidly above many rural counties and closer to national norms. This performance reflects a more diversified economic base with stronger healthcare, education, and tourism sectors. Households here earn roughly 90% of the national median—the strongest performance in this county cohort.

Otsego ranks above Michigan average

At $67,285, Otsego's median household income exceeds Michigan's state average of $64,304, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Michigan's counties. Per capita income of $36,269 also tops the state average of $35,451, suggesting relatively balanced income distribution and strong earning potential. These metrics indicate a healthier economy than most of its regional neighbors.

Clear economic leader among peers

Otsego's $67,285 income significantly outperforms all comparable counties—exceeding Osceola ($57,050) by $10,235 and nearly doubling Oscoda ($50,581). Only Ottawa County ($87,144) surpasses Otsego regionally, but Otsego demonstrates that northern Michigan communities can achieve above-state-average incomes through economic development. This success reflects strategic investment in healthcare and education employment.

Solid income supports comfortable lifestyle

Otsego's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% sits in the healthy range, and median home values of $196,500 remain reasonable for the income level. The higher income provides genuine breathing room for savings, investments, and unexpected expenses compared to poorer neighboring counties. Households can plan beyond immediate survival and build long-term financial security.

Strong position for retirement and growth

Otsego residents are well-positioned to build substantial retirement savings and investment portfolios—aim to save 15–20% of household income in diversified assets. Maximize employer retirement plans, consider Roth IRAs, and explore brokerage accounts for additional wealth accumulation. The county's above-average income provides genuine opportunity to achieve financial independence within 20–30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Otsego County

via CrimeByCounty

Otsego County Maintains Strong Safety Record

Otsego County reports a total crime rate of 1066.5 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 98.3. These statistics reflect a community where public safety is a visible priority.

Outperforming Michigan Average Safety Scores

Otsego’s safety score of 98.3 sits comfortably above the Michigan average of 97.8. Furthermore, its total crime rate of 1066.5 is roughly 22% lower than the state average of 1371.8. This makes it one of the safer places to live and work in the state.

Otsego vs. Nearby Michigan Counties

Otsego County is safer than Roscommon County, which has a rate of 1171.6 per 100K. However, it sees slightly more activity than Oscoda County at 955.9. Overall, Otsego provides a very secure environment compared to the broader regional trend.

Violent Crime Rates Remain Low

With only 245.8 violent crimes per 100K, Otsego is much safer than the national violent crime average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 820.7 incidents per 100K, illustrating that most local crimes are non-confrontational. These numbers point toward a very stable social climate.

Vigilance Enhances Local Safety

The majority of local crime involves property, so residents should secure sheds and outbuildings where tools are stored. Simple measures like high-quality locks and motion sensors can effectively discourage theft. Home security awareness helps keep Otsego's safety score among the best in Michigan.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Otsego County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Hub with Gaylord at the Center

Otsego County operates eight public schools serving 3,455 students across three districts. The network includes three elementary, two middle, and two high schools, along with a specialized facility. This structure provides a complete K-12 pipeline for the county's residents.

Strong Outcomes and High Local Investment

The county achieves an 84.9% graduation rate, which is higher than the Michigan average. Per-pupil spending is healthy at $7,890, well above the state's $7,394 baseline. These investments contribute to a school score of 52.8, exceeding both state and national median scores.

Gaylord Community Schools Drives Excellence

Gaylord Community Schools is the primary district, serving 2,793 students across five specialized campuses. Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools and Vanderbilt Area Schools provide smaller alternatives for rural residents. The county does not currently utilize charter schools, relying instead on its established district system.

Town and Rural Mix with Large Campuses

While seven schools are rural, the Gaylord town setting hosts larger facilities like Gaylord High, which enrolls 961 students. The average school size is 432, significantly larger than many neighboring counties. Students experience a range of environments, from the nearly 1,000-student high school to the 98-student Vanderbilt campus.

Settle in Otsego’s Vibrant School Communities

Otsego County is a premier choice for families looking for higher-than-average school scores in Northern Michigan. Homes in Gaylord offer proximity to the county’s largest and most diverse educational facilities. Whether you prefer the energy of Gaylord High or a rural schoolhouse, there is a right fit here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Otsego County

via RiskByCounty

Otsego ranks among nation's safest counties

Otsego County's composite risk score of 18.42 earns it a Very Low rating, well below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's central Michigan location provides natural protection from major hazard corridors.

Significantly below Michigan state average

At 18.42, Otsego's score is more than one-third lower than Michigan's state average of 49.56, ranking it among the state's safest counties. The rural character and inland location contribute to this protective position.

Safest among central-northern Michigan peers

Otsego (18.42) is safer than neighboring Osceola (23.92) and Oscoda (15.14), ranking it as the safest in its cluster. The county far outperforms Roscommon (56.68) and Ottawa (82.89) to the south, which face substantially higher composite risks.

Wildfire and flood are modest concerns

Wildfire risk (44.97) is Otsego's highest hazard, though still below state average, while flood risk (28.98) and tornado risk (27.86) remain minimal. Earthquake risk (10.05) poses virtually no threat to the county.

Basic insurance and wildfire awareness suffice

Otsego residents should maintain standard homeowner's insurance and keep properties defensible against wildfire with basic clearing and maintenance. Flood insurance is advisable only for properties in mapped flood zones near lakes and streams.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Otsego County

via WaterByCounty

Top Marks for Otsego Compliance

Otsego County maintains a perfect A grade for drinking water, with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This performance is significantly better than the Michigan average violation rate of 35.7 per 100,000 residents. The county's utilities are successfully meeting all federal safety standards.

Unassessed Watershed Status

The water bodies within Otsego County have not yet been evaluated for the federal Section 303(d) list. Without this formal assessment, there is no official record of impaired or attaining waters in the county. This lack of data represents a significant unknown for long-term watershed health planning.

Comprehensive Biological Water Monitoring

Monitoring agencies operate 13 sites in Otsego, collecting 2,018 measurements over the last five years. Uniquely, these records include significant biological and algae counts alongside standard physical measurements. This diverse data set helps track the underlying ecological health of the county's aquatic systems.

Pigeon River Flowing at 185%

The Pigeon River near Vanderbilt is currently experiencing very high flow, with a discharge of 145 cfs. This is 185% of the long-term mean, indicating a significant surplus of water in the drainage area. Such high flows can lead to localized flooding and increased runoff from nearby land.

Manage High Flows and Runoff

While Otsego's drinking water is safe, the very high streamflow in the Pigeon River could lead to increased contaminants in surface water. Property owners should ensure that high water levels do not wash fertilizers or chemicals into local streams. The presence of algae monitoring suggests a local awareness of nutrient loads that all residents should help minimize.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Otsego County

via WeatherByCounty

Otsego County remains significantly cooler than national norms

With an annual average temperature of 42.5°F, Otsego County sits well below the national median for the United States. Its continental climate delivers a cold baseline compared to the 34.8 inches of precipitation it receives annually.

A cold outlier in the Michigan landscape

The county's average temperature of 42.5°F is 3.2 degrees colder than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. This gap places it among the chillier regions of the Lower Peninsula.

Colder and snowier than its southern neighbors

Otsego County is notably colder than Roscommon County, which averages 44.0°F. While both regions face northern winters, Otsego deals with more intense lake-effect patterns that drive its climate downward.

Brutal winters define the local seasonal cycle

Winter dominates the calendar with an average of 124.3 inches of snow and January lows of 17.3°F. Summers are mild and brief, averaging 64.4°F with only 4 days reaching 90°F or higher.

Heavy snow equipment is a local necessity

Residents prioritize high-capacity snow removal tools and extreme cold-weather gear to manage the 124-inch annual snowfall. Heating systems require significant winter maintenance, while air conditioning is rarely used given the low count of extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Otsego County

via SoilByCounty

Fine Sandy Loams and Entisols

Otsego County is primarily composed of fine sandy loam belonging to the Entisols soil order. With an average pH of 4.53, it is considerably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This young, acidic soil profile is common in the northern Lower Peninsula and supports a variety of forest and agricultural uses.

Gritty Loam with High Sand

The soil is 54.5% sand, 19.9% silt, and 14.3% clay, creating a classic fine sandy loam texture. This allows for excellent aeration and ease of tillage, making it a favorite for local farmers who need to get into the fields early. The presence of clay and silt provides just enough structure to keep the soil from becoming pure sand.

Superior Water Capacity and Organic Wealth

The organic matter content of 32.93% is well above the Michigan average of 19.76%, indicating a very rich biological profile. The available water capacity of 0.215 in/in also exceeds the state average of 0.202. These metrics suggest a fertile ground that holds both nutrients and moisture effectively for growing seasons.

Well Drained Hydrologic Group A

Classified as well-drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group A, Otsego’s soil manages water efficiently without staying overly saturated. This is the gold standard for most gardening and farming because it balances moisture access with necessary drainage. It also makes for stable building foundations with few drainage-related concerns.

Vibrant Growing in Zone 5a

Otsego’s Zone 5a climate and fine sandy loam are perfect for high-value crops like potatoes and fruit trees. The high organic matter means you can grow a lush garden with fewer synthetic fertilizers than in other counties. Pick up a shovel and take advantage of these well-balanced, fertile Michigan soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Otsego County

via LawnByCounty

Otsego County Lawn Difficulty Analysis

Otsego County scores a 55.3 for lawn difficulty, outperforming the national average of 50.0. Homeowners in this 5a zone face more challenges than the typical Michigan resident, who enjoys a 60.1 score.

Ideal Northern Growing Climate

Precipitation is healthy at 34.8 inches, which aligns perfectly with the state average. With 1859 growing degree days and only 4 extreme heat days, the cool summers are ideal for northern turf varieties.

The Sandy Loam Foundation

The soil foundation is a well-drained fine sandy loam with a 4.53 pH level. You should prioritize lime applications to raise the pH from its current acidic state toward the 6.0 ideal.

Resilient Summer Moisture

Lawns here endured 12 weeks of drought over the last year, but the county is currently free of any drought designations. This lack of current moisture stress provides a great opportunity to strengthen root systems.

Growing Window and Grass Types

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in this climate, especially when planted within the window between the May 22 and September 30 frosts. The well-drained soil makes late summer an excellent time for successful sodding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Otsego County's county score?
Otsego County, Michigan has a composite county score of 50.8 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 Otsego County rank among counties in Michigan?
Otsego County ranks #33 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 Otsego County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Otsego County is $1,751, with an effective tax rate of 0.89%. This earns Otsego County a tax score of 45.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Otsego County?
The median household income in Otsego County, Michigan is $67,285 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Otsego County earns an income score of 59.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Otsego County, Michigan a good place to live?
Otsego County scores 50.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Otsego 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 Otsego County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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