countyscore
52.1
County Score
Health 94.8Income & Jobs 90.2Lawn Care 64.3

County Report Card

About Ottawa County, Michigan

Ottawa County Excels Beyond National Median

Ottawa County earns a 52.1 composite score, beating the national median of 50.0. This performance is driven by exceptional wealth and health metrics.

A High-Income Leader in Michigan

The county's 52.1 score sits well above the Michigan average of 47.1. It is a standout performer in the state for economic opportunity and public health.

Elite Incomes and Health Outcomes

Ottawa boasts a stellar health score of 94.8 and an income score of 90.2. The median household income is a robust $87,144, supporting a high standard of living.

High Costs and Environmental Risks

Rapid growth has led to a low cost score of 17.6, with median home values reaching $291,200. The risk score of 17.1 also indicates significant vulnerability to natural or climate-related hazards.

The Premier Choice for Career Growth

Ottawa County is the top pick for high-earning professionals and families who prioritize health and education. While expensive, the economic rewards and community wellness scores are hard to beat.

Score breakdown

Tax34Cost17.6Safety57.5Health94.8Schools60.5Income90.2Risk17.1Water60.1Weather57.3
🏛34
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼90.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤94.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡17.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧60.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱64.3
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

Muskegon County
Michigan
33.8
Kent County
Michigan
36.8
Allegan County
Michigan
40.2
Newaygo County
Michigan
50
Montcalm County
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Barry County
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Oceana County
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Ionia County
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Deep Dives

Ottawa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Ottawa County

via CrimeByCounty

Ottawa County: A Model of Public Safety

Ottawa County boasts a total crime rate of 977.8 per 100,000, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a high safety score of 98.5. Even as a more populated county, it maintains safety levels that rival much smaller rural areas.

Leading Michigan’s Most Populous Regions

Ottawa's safety score of 98.5 exceeds the Michigan state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 977.8 is roughly 29% lower than the state average of 1371.8. It serves as a benchmark for how larger counties can manage public safety effectively.

Consistently Safer Than Local Peers

Ottawa County is significantly safer than neighboring Osceola, which has a rate of 1350.9. It also maintains lower crime levels than Roscommon’s 1171.6 per 100K. Residents benefit from a robust local law enforcement presence across the county.

Low Violent Crime Defines the Area

The violent crime rate in Ottawa is just 223.2 per 100K, nearly 40% lower than the national average. Property crime stands at 754.6 per 100K, making up the vast majority of local police reports. This means residents are statistically unlikely to encounter violent criminal activity.

Protecting Your Assets in Ottawa

To prevent property crime, residents should focus on securing vehicles and residential entry points. Implementing smart home technology like cameras can further decrease the chance of opportunistic theft. Active participation in community safety programs keeps these rates trending downward.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Ottawa County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Powerhouse Education System of 100+ Schools

Ottawa County maintains an expansive network of 101 public schools, including 56 elementary and 22 high schools. This massive infrastructure serves 43,696 students across 17 different districts. It is one of the most comprehensive and diverse educational landscapes in the state of Michigan.

Exceptional Graduation and High Academic Scores

The county boasts a 91.8% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average of 82.5% and the national 87.0%. With per-pupil spending of $7,746 and a school score of 56.1, the county is a clear leader in academic performance. These results reflect a highly successful and well-funded public education environment.

Hudsonville and West Ottawa Lead the Way

The Hudsonville and West Ottawa districts are the county's largest, serving over 6,500 students each. Ten charter schools also operate here, providing diverse educational choices for roughly 10% of the school population. The sheer number of districts ensures local control and specialized programming for residents.

Suburban Success with Diverse Learning Environments

Over 60% of schools are in suburban locales, though the county also features 20 rural and 10 city campuses. Average school size is 437 students, but West Ottawa High is a major hub with over 2,100 students. This variety allows families to choose between massive, resource-rich high schools and smaller rural elementary programs.

Join One of Michigan's Top School Counties

For families where school quality is the primary factor, Ottawa County is a top-tier destination in West Michigan. Explore homes in Hudsonville, Jenison, or Grand Haven to tap into these high-performing districts. The combination of exceptional graduation rates and suburban amenities makes this a prime real estate market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Ottawa County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate lakeside climate follows national patterns

Ottawa County averages 48.1°F annually, providing a more temperate experience than many other Michigan locations. It receives 37.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly higher than the state average.

Warmer than the average Michigan county

At 48.1°F, the county is 2.4 degrees warmer than the statewide average of 45.7°F. Lake Michigan helps moderate the extreme cold found further inland or to the north.

Milder winters than neighboring central counties

Ottawa is warmer than Saginaw County, which sits at 47.7°F. The proximity to the lake provides a thermal buffer that keeps January averages at a relatively manageable 24.9°F.

Warm summers with consistent lake breezes

July temperatures average 70.8°F, and the county typically sees 7 days per year above 90°F. While specific snowfall data is unavailable, the winter average of 27.3°F reflects the moderating influence of the Great Lakes.

Prepare for humidity and lakeside moisture

The high annual precipitation of 37.9 inches suggests residents should invest in quality drainage and roof maintenance. Moderate summer heat makes air conditioning useful for about a week of extreme days, but lakeside breezes often provide natural cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ottawa County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols and Moderate Acidity

Ottawa County features the Alfisols soil order, which is known for being naturally productive and moderately weathered. The average pH of 5.85 is the closest to the national median of 6.5 among this group and is higher than the state average of 5.30. This makes it one of the most chemically balanced soils for general agriculture in the region.

Workable Sandy Loam Texture

The composition is 59.6% sand, 24.2% silt, and 12.8% clay, forming a versatile sandy loam. This texture offers excellent workability and drainage, which is why Ottawa is a hub for Michigan's nursery and greenhouse industry. The balanced silt and clay content provide a stable structure that resists erosion better than pure sand.

Lower Organic Matter and Water Storage

Unlike its northern neighbors, Ottawa has a lower organic matter content of 6.52% and an available water capacity of 0.166 in/in. Both figures are below the Michigan state averages of 19.76% and 0.202 respectively. Gardeners here should focus on adding compost to increase the soil's ability to hold onto moisture and nutrients.

Well Drained Hydrologic Group B

The soil is classified as well-drained and falls into Hydrologic Group B, indicating a moderate infiltration rate. This makes it an ideal middle-ground for diverse uses, from residential landscaping to intensive farming. It drains well enough to prevent swampy conditions while retaining enough water to keep plants healthy.

Diverse Potential in Zone 6a

Being in USDA Zone 6a, Ottawa County enjoys a milder climate that supports a vast range of perennials, vegetables, and fruit. The sandy loam is particularly famous for blueberry production and ornamental nurseries. With a little organic supplementation, your Ottawa County garden can be incredibly productive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ottawa County

via LawnByCounty

Ottawa County Lawn Difficulty Analysis

Ottawa County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 64.3, significantly easier than the national and state averages. This Hardiness Zone 6a region offers one of the most favorable climates for Michigan lawns.

Ample Water and Long Seasons

A robust 37.9 inches of rain and 2547 growing degree days fuel a long, productive growing season. Only 7 extreme heat days keep the turf from scorching, even though the 30 weeks of drought last year required vigilance.

Superior Sandy Loam Drainage

The well-drained sandy loam features a 5.85 pH, which is very close to the ideal range for grass. This solid foundation requires fewer amendments than neighboring counties to produce a thick, green carpet.

Maintaining Health After Drought

Despite 30 weeks in drought over the past year, the county currently shows 0.0% area affected by dry conditions. Focus on efficient irrigation during the peak summer months to maintain the high quality of your turf.

A Wide Range of Options

Hardiness Zone 6a allows for a wide variety of cool-season grasses and a longer window for establishment. Aim to seed between the April 30 last frost and the October 25 first frost for maximum growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ottawa County's county score?
Ottawa County, Michigan has a composite county score of 52.1 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 Ottawa County rank among counties in Michigan?
Ottawa County ranks #26 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 Ottawa County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Ottawa County is $3,078, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Ottawa County a tax score of 34/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ottawa County?
The median household income in Ottawa County, Michigan is $87,144 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ottawa County earns an income score of 90.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ottawa County, Michigan a good place to live?
Ottawa County scores 52.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Ottawa 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 Ottawa County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.