CountyScore

Ottawa County

Michigan · MI

#60 in Michigan
66.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Ottawa County, Michigan

Ottawa meets national average threshold

Ottawa County's composite score of 66.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 33rd percentile nationally. While above the U.S. average, this score is the lowest in this Michigan group, reflecting trade-offs between income and affordability.

Slightly below Michigan average

At 66.6, Ottawa falls just below Michigan's state average of 68.7, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. The score reflects a county with mixed livability strengths and challenges.

Strong income and moderate taxes

Ottawa's income score of 40.3 and median household income of $87,144 significantly exceed all peer counties, reflecting robust economic opportunity. The tax score of 72.5 and effective rate of 1.057% maintain reasonable fiscal burden despite higher incomes.

Higher housing costs offset income gains

The cost score of 68.8 reflects median home values of $291,200 and monthly rents at $1,148—the highest in this group by far. Data on safety, health, schools, water, and environmental risk are not yet available for complete analysis.

For higher-income families and professionals

Ottawa suits established professionals, dual-income families, and those with strong earning power seeking a more affluent community. The higher housing costs are offset by significantly better incomes; it's the only county in this group where economic advancement takes priority over budget minimization.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72.5Cost68.8SafetyComing SoonHealth82.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.3Risk17.1WaterComing Soon
🏛72.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤82.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡17.1
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 Ottawa County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Columbia County
Florida
66.4
Median income: $55,070
Madison County
Florida
66.4
Median income: $48,176
Ben Hill County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $39,081
Jackson County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $85,012
Miller County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $58,407

Deep Dives

Ottawa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ottawa County

via TaxByCounty

Ottawa slightly above national property tax norm

Ottawa County's effective tax rate of 1.057% sits just below the national median of 1.1%, making it fairly typical across America. However, its median tax bill of $3,078 exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting Ottawa's higher median home values of $291,200.

Below-average Michigan tax rate, above-average homes

Ottawa's 1.057% effective rate beats Michigan's state average of 1.166%, but its median tax bill of $3,078 substantially exceeds the state median of $2,102. This reflects Ottawa's notably higher median home values compared to the rest of Michigan.

Higher home values drive higher taxes regionally

Ottawa's 1.057% rate is moderate among northern Michigan counties, but its median home value of $291,200 is significantly higher than nearby Osceola ($139,600) or Presque Isle ($135,200). This explains why Ottawa's median tax bill exceeds all regional neighbors.

A $291,200 home costs about $3,078 yearly

Ottawa County's median home value of $291,200 at a 1.057% rate yields a median annual tax of $3,078. Homeowners with mortgages typically face assessments closer to $3,196.

High-value properties warrant thorough assessments

With Ottawa's higher median property values, ensuring your assessed valuation aligns with current market conditions is especially important. Filing a property tax appeal can yield significant savings on high-value homes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ottawa County

via CostByCounty

Ottawa's high incomes make expensive housing work

Ottawa County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio achieves strong affordability despite the region's highest housing costs, thanks to a median income of $87,144—17% above the national average. Higher earners here can shoulder higher rents without financial strain.

Michigan's wealthiest county with balanced affordability

Ottawa's median income of $87,144 far exceeds all other Michigan counties in this comparison and the state average, while its 15.8% rent-to-income ratio beats Michigan's state average of 16.3%. This combination of high earnings and solid affordability makes Ottawa unique in the region.

Highest costs, but highest incomes too

Ottawa's median rent of $1,148 and median home value of $291,200 significantly top all neighboring counties, yet its median income is 30% higher than Otsego, the next-wealthiest county. Ottawa attracts and rewards higher-earning professionals.

Premium housing on premium incomes

Monthly gross rent of $1,148 and median owner costs of $1,227 each consume roughly 16% of the county's $87,144 median income. While costs are the region's highest in absolute terms, they remain proportionally manageable for Ottawa's above-average earners.

Ottawa for professionals with strong earning power

If your salary aligns with Ottawa's $87,144 median income or higher, the county offers the region's strongest housing affordability for premium properties. Verify your compensation package will support these higher rents before relocating, as Ottawa's economy rewards well-paid professionals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ottawa County

via IncomeByCounty

Ottawa far exceeds national income median

Ottawa County's median household income of $87,144 significantly surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $12,389, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects a diversified economy with significant manufacturing, healthcare, education, and service sectors. Households here earn roughly 117% of the national median—a powerful economic advantage.

Ottawa leads Michigan's income rankings

At $87,144, Ottawa's median household income ranks among the highest in Michigan, nearly $23,000 above the state median of $64,304. Per capita income of $40,682 also leads the state average of $35,451 by about 15%, indicating both high incomes and relatively balanced distribution. Ottawa demonstrates what robust regional economic development can achieve.

Clear economic powerhouse of the region

Ottawa County's $87,144 income dramatically outpaces all comparable counties—exceeding Otsego ($67,285) by $19,859 and more than doubling Oscoda ($50,581). The gap reflects Ottawa's proximity to major metros, stronger educational institutions, and more diverse industrial base. This economic dominance creates significant wealth-building advantages for Ottawa residents.

Strong income supports premium lifestyle

Ottawa's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% remains healthy despite higher median home values of $291,200, indicating well-matched incomes and housing costs. Households have genuine disposable income after covering housing, allowing robust savings and investment capacity. This financial cushion enables residents to weather emergencies and plan confidently for the future.

Prime opportunity for wealth acceleration

Ottawa residents should aggressively pursue wealth accumulation—save 20–30% of household income across diversified investment vehicles including 401(k)s, IRAs, and taxable brokerage accounts. Consider real estate investment, education in emerging skills, and business ownership as wealth multipliers. With disciplined financial management, Ottawa households can achieve substantial generational wealth within 15–25 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Ottawa County

via HealthByCounty

Ottawa leads Michigan in longevity

At 80.1 years, Ottawa County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 80.7 years—a remarkable achievement uncommon in rural Michigan. Just 12.9% report poor or fair health, nearly 3 percentage points below the national average.

Healthiest county in Michigan region

Ottawa's 80.1-year life expectancy exceeds Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 3.8 years, the widest gap in this eight-county group. At 4.6% uninsured, Ottawa also boasts the lowest uninsured rate among peers, nearly 2 points below the state average.

Setting the standard for region

Ottawa's 80.1-year life expectancy outpaces every neighboring county by more than 3 years, with Presque Isle second at 77.6 years. This premium reflects sustained investment in primary care (66 per 100K) and mental health (278 per 100K) infrastructure.

Healthcare access fuels longevity

Ottawa's 66 primary care providers and 278 mental health providers per 100,000 residents create a dense care network supporting preventive and ongoing treatment. Combined with the region's lowest uninsured rate at 4.6%, residents can afford to seek and maintain care.

Protect your health advantage

Even in thriving Ottawa County, gaps in coverage can derail health gains—review your plan annually to ensure it covers screenings and preventive care. Visit healthcare.gov or your employer's benefits portal to confirm you're getting maximum coverage value.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ottawa County

via RiskByCounty

Ottawa faces above-average national disaster risk

Ottawa County's composite risk score of 82.89 ranks it as Relatively Moderate—well above the national average and among the higher-risk counties in America. The county confronts a complex hazard landscape driven by geographic and climatic factors.

Michigan's highest-risk county examined here

Ottawa's score of 82.89 is 67% higher than Michigan's state average of 49.56, making it one of the state's riskier counties. This elevated profile reflects the county's location along the Lake Michigan shoreline and position in Michigan's tornado corridor.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Ottawa (82.89) dwarfs the risk profiles of neighboring Allegan and Kent counties and is dramatically higher than all nearby rural counties. Its Relatively Moderate rating stands alone among the eight-county cohort examined in this analysis.

Tornadoes and floods are primary threats

Tornado risk (87.72) and flood risk (88.04) dominate Ottawa's hazard profile, each ranking near the top of national comparisons. Earthquake risk (61.26) is also notably elevated, while wildfire risk (34.45) remains secondary.

Enhanced coverage essential for Ottawa residents

Ottawa homeowners must maintain comprehensive coverage including flood insurance (required in mapped zones; strongly advised everywhere) and ensure wind/hail protection for tornado season. Consider a safe room or basement shelter and review your policy annually—these investments directly address your county's primary hazards.

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.