countyscore
70.1
County Score
Safety 86Water Quality 86Cost of Living 84

County Report Card

About Presque Isle County, Michigan

Presque Isle is a National Standout

Presque Isle County achieves a remarkable 70.1 composite score, far surpassing the national median of 50.0. It ranks as one of the most livable counties in the entire country.

Dominating Michigan's Livability Rankings

With a 70.1 score, Presque Isle dwarfs the Michigan state average of 47.1. It represents the gold standard for quality of life within the state.

Exceptional Safety, Water, and Value

The county hits an 86.0 for both safety and water quality. It remains incredibly affordable with a cost score of 84.0 and a median gross rent of only $625.

Wage Growth Remains a Secondary Focus

Despite the high quality of life, the income score of 29.5 is the county's lowest metric. The median household income of $56,713 suggests a slower-paced economy.

The Best All-Around Value in Michigan

Presque Isle is perfect for anyone seeking a high-quality, safe, and affordable lifestyle. It is a rare find that offers top-tier schools and health metrics at a fraction of the cost of urban areas.

Score breakdown

Tax36.5Cost84Safety86Health72.8Schools73.5Income29.5Risk78.3Water86Weather48.3
🏛36.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓73.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.9
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

Montmorency County
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52.5
Cheboygan County
Michigan
51
Alpena County
Michigan
52.2
Otsego County
Michigan
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Alcona County
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Deep Dives

Presque Isle County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Presque Isle County

via TaxByCounty

Presque Isle taxes below national average

Presque Isle County's effective tax rate of 1.022% falls below the national median of 1.1%, positioning it favorably relative to the rest of America. The median tax bill of $1,382 is just 51% of the national median of $2,690.

Among Michigan's lowest-taxed counties

Presque Isle's 1.022% effective rate matches Ogemaw County and beats Michigan's state average of 1.166%, ranking it among the most tax-friendly counties statewide. The median tax of $1,382 is about 66% of Michigan's median of $2,102.

Tied for lowest in northern Michigan cluster

Presque Isle's 1.022% rate matches Ogemaw and falls between lower-taxed Oscoda (0.938%) and Otsego (0.891%) and higher-taxed Osceola (1.059%). The county ranks solidly among the region's most affordable tax environments.

A $135,200 home costs about $1,382 yearly

Presque Isle's median home value of $135,200 paired with its 1.022% rate produces a median annual tax of $1,382. Homeowners with mortgages typically see bills around $1,413.

Verify assessments despite favorable rates

Even in low-tax Presque Isle, overassessments occur and can be contested through property tax appeals. Comparing your assessed value to recent comparable sales in your area may uncover additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Presque Isle County

via CostByCounty

Presque Isle delivers exceptional rental bargains

Presque Isle County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio matches Ontonagon's as the region's best affordability deal, far below the U.S. average of roughly 30%. At $625 monthly median rent, Presque Isle offers genuine savings compared to national housing costs.

Among Michigan's most affordable rental counties

Presque Isle's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly beats Michigan's state average of 16.3%, ranking it among the state's most affordable counties. The median rent of $625 ranks second-lowest among these eight northern Michigan counties.

Second-best rent value in the northern cluster

Presque Isle's $625 monthly rent ranks just above Ontonagon ($571) and well below Osceola ($764), Oscoda ($675), and all others. Its 13.2% rent burden ties Ontonagon for the region's lowest, offering exceptional value.

Balanced affordability for renters and owners

Monthly gross rent of $625 and median owner costs of $676 each consume roughly 13% of household income, nearly identical to Ontonagon. This remarkable balance leaves substantial income available for other essential expenses.

Presque Isle rivals Ontonagon for value seekers

Remote workers and retirees comparing Presque Isle against Ontonagon will find both offer comparable rent affordability; Presque Isle's slightly higher median income of $56,713 may provide more financial cushion. Check local internet infrastructure and employment opportunities before committing to either county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Presque Isle County

via IncomeByCounty

Presque Isle trails national income modestly

Presque Isle County's median household income of $56,713 falls $18,042 short of the national median of $74,755, ranking it below average nationally but ahead of many rural peers. The income level reflects reliance on timber, tourism, and aging population demographics that limit wage growth. Residents earn roughly 76% of what typical American households make.

Presque Isle ranks low-middle within state

At $56,713, Presque Isle's median household income trails Michigan's state average of $64,304 by about $7,600, placing it in the lower half of Michigan's counties. Per capita income of $36,235 actually matches the state average of $35,451, suggesting older residents with accumulated savings partially offsetting lower working-age wages. This pattern is typical of aging rural communities.

Presque Isle mid-range among peers

Presque Isle's $56,713 income sits between Osceola ($57,050) and Roscommon ($54,106), positioning it in the middle of the regional income distribution. It outperforms Oscoda ($50,581), Ontonagon ($51,844), and Ogemaw ($51,983), but trails Otsego ($67,285) and Ottawa ($87,144). This moderate ranking reflects a somewhat more stable economy than the poorest counties but less dynamism than the leaders.

Excellent rent affordability provides buffer

Presque Isle's rent-to-income ratio of 13.2% is among the healthiest in the cohort, well below the 15% threshold, with median home values of $135,200 remaining very affordable. This strong housing affordability provides households genuine breathing room in budgets for other essential and discretionary spending. The low housing burden is a distinct advantage for wealth building.

Leverage low housing costs for investing

Presque Isle's exceptional housing affordability creates a powerful wealth-building advantage—households can redirect savings typically consumed by housing toward retirement and investment accounts. Aim to save 12–15% of household income in diversified portfolios, maximizing employer retirement matches first. Over 25–30 years, this disciplined approach transforms modest incomes into meaningful retirement security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Presque Isle County

via CrimeByCounty

Presque Isle County: One of the Nation's Safest

Presque Isle County reports an incredibly low total crime rate of 313.4 per 100,000 residents. This is nearly eight times lower than the national average of 2,385.5, resulting in a safety score of 99.5. It is among the safest counties in the entire country.

Top-Tier Safety Ranking in Michigan

With a safety score of 99.5, Presque Isle far outpaces the Michigan average of 97.8. Its crime rate of 313.4 is over 75% lower than the statewide average of 1371.8. Very few places in the state offer this level of security and peace.

The Regional Leader in Peace and Quiet

Presque Isle is significantly safer than its neighbor Otsego, which has a rate of 1066.5. Even compared to the very safe Ontonagon at 460.6, Presque Isle remains the leader in low crime. It sets a difficult-to-match standard for the surrounding region.

Minimal Crime Across All Sectors

Violent crime is extremely rare at 107.0 per 100K, while property crime is also low at 206.4. These numbers represent some of the lowest crime figures in the Midwest. Crime is practically a non-issue for the vast majority of people living here.

Maintain Your Secure Environment

While crime is exceptionally rare, basic precautions like lighting and locking doors help keep these numbers low. Engaging with neighbors provides an extra layer of security that discourages outside criminal activity. Your proactive stance helps preserve Presque Isle's status as a safety leader.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Presque Isle County

via HealthByCounty

Above-average longevity in rural Michigan

Presque Isle County's 77.6-year life expectancy exceeds Michigan's state average of 76.3 years and ranks in the healthier half nationally. At 17.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county's health burden is lower than both state and national averages.

Outperforming state on longevity

At 77.6 years, Presque Isle surpasses Michigan's average by 1.3 years, an achievement relatively rare in this rural region. The 6.4% uninsured rate matches the state average exactly, suggesting equitable insurance access statewide.

Second strongest in peer group

Presque Isle's 77.6-year life expectancy ranks second only to Ottawa County (80.1 years) among its eight-county peer group. The county's relative health success contrasts sharply with nearby Oscoda (72.8 years), a 4.8-year gap suggesting vastly different healthcare investments.

Limited primary care, adequate mental health

Presque Isle has only 15 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a constraint that could limit preventive care—yet 60 mental health providers per 100,000. This imbalance suggests the county prioritizes behavioral health access while struggling with primary care staffing.

Sustain Presque Isle's health gains

With strong life expectancy outcomes, staying insured is essential to preventing backsliding—especially as you age and preventive screening becomes critical. Check healthcare.gov for plans covering annual physicals, screenings, and prescriptions at affordable rates.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Presque Isle County

via SchoolsByCounty

High Performance in a Small-Town Network

Presque Isle County operates eight public schools, including four high schools, serving 1,234 students. The education landscape is managed by four districts that provide focused attention to a small student body. This structure includes a mix of traditional public, charter, and alternative options.

Outstanding Graduation Rates Outpace the Nation

The county achieves a remarkable 94.2% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state (82.5%) and national (87.0%) averages. Per-pupil expenditure is strong at $8,030, contributing to a school score of 58.0. These metrics place Presque Isle among the top-performing rural counties in the region.

Onaway and Rogers City Anchor the County

Onaway Area Community Schools is the largest district with 541 students across three campuses. Rogers City Area Schools follows closely, educating 452 students in its elementary and high schools. One charter school adds variety to the local landscape, ensuring families have multiple academic paths.

Rural and Town Settings with Small Classes

Schools are split between rural and town locales, with an average enrollment of just 154 students. Rogers City High is the largest school at 268 students, while Onaway Middle is among the smallest with 124. This scale provides a personalized atmosphere where every student is a known member of the community.

Top-Tier Education in a Lakeside Setting

Presque Isle County offers some of the highest graduation rates in Michigan, making it an excellent choice for families. Homes in Rogers City or Onaway provide direct access to these high-performing, intimate school systems. It is the perfect location for buyers seeking elite academic outcomes in a quiet, small-town environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Presque Isle County

via RiskByCounty

Presque Isle: well below national risk average

Presque Isle County's composite risk score of 21.76 earns it a Very Low rating, placing it comfortably below the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county's Upper Peninsula location provides inherent protection from many widespread hazard types.

Safer than most Michigan counties

At 21.76, Presque Isle's score sits well below Michigan's state average of 49.56, ranking it among the state's lower-risk counties. The remote northern location and limited tornado activity contribute to this favorable profile.

Middle of the road for northeast Michigan

Presque Isle (21.76) sits between Oscoda (15.14) and Osceola (23.92), representing a typical risk level for the region's safe counties. All three are vastly safer than Roscommon (56.68) to the south or Ottawa (82.89) downstate.

Flood risk leads other modest hazards

Flood risk (43.96) is Presque Isle's highest hazard, while tornado risk (20.13) and hurricane risk (23.40) remain relatively low. Wildfire risk (14.06) and earthquake risk (9.13) pose minimal concern for county residents.

Standard insurance with flood awareness

Presque Isle residents should maintain standard homeowner's insurance and consider flood coverage if property lies in mapped flood zones or near inland water bodies. Basic storm preparedness and awareness of evacuation routes provide adequate protection for this low-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Presque Isle County

via WeatherByCounty

A northern climate with lower precipitation

Presque Isle County averages 44.6°F annually, placing it firmly in the cooler bracket of U.S. counties. Its 31.9 inches of annual precipitation is lower than the national median and the Michigan average.

Slightly cooler than the Michigan average

The county's 44.6°F average is about one degree cooler than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It represents the typical transition zone of the northern Lower Peninsula.

Comparable to nearby Roscommon County

With an average temperature of 44.6°F, Presque Isle is very similar to Roscommon’s 44.0°F. However, it experiences slightly more extreme heat days, totaling 8 per year compared to Roscommon's 6.

Significant snow and crisp summer nights

Winter delivers 85.8 inches of snow and January averages of 20.2°F. Summers are pleasant with a July average of 68.4°F, though the region still sees about 8 days of 90°F heat annually.

Winterize for nearly 86 inches of snow

Reliable snow tires and home insulation are critical for navigating the 85.8 inches of annual snowfall. Residents should also prepare for occasional summer spikes by ensuring fans or light cooling systems are available for the 8 extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Presque Isle County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Entisols of the Tip

Presque Isle County is dominated by Entisols, specifically sand-textured profiles with an average pH of 5.29. This pH level almost exactly mirrors the Michigan state average of 5.30 but remains below the national median of 6.5. These soils are relatively young and haven't developed the complex layering seen in older soil orders.

Gritty Mix with Minimal Clay

With 62.3% sand and only 10.5% clay, the soil is gritty and loose, offering very little resistance to roots or shovels. Silt makes up 18.9% of the mix, providing just enough fine material to prevent it from feeling like a beach. This high sand content means the ground warms up quickly in the spring, allowing for earlier planting.

Moderate Organic Matter and Lower AWC

The soil contains 15.82% organic matter, which is healthy compared to the national average of 2.0% but shy of the 19.76% state average. The available water capacity is 0.161 in/in, indicating that the soil does not hold onto water very well. Regular mulching is recommended to keep soil temperatures stable and moisture locked in.

Excessively Drained Hydrologic Group A

Classified as excessively drained and part of Hydrologic Group A, water moves through this soil with extreme speed. This prevents puddling even during heavy Lake Huron storms but can lead to thirsty plants during a dry week. It is a very stable soil for construction, though basement waterproofing remains a standard precaution.

Hardy Growing in Zone 5a

Presque Isle is in USDA Zone 5a, where short-season crops and cold-hardy perennials perform best. The sandy texture is perfect for asparagus and root crops that require loose soil to expand. Start your garden with native wildflowers or hardy vegetables to see the best results in this fast-draining landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Presque Isle County

via LawnByCounty

Presque Isle County Lawn Difficulty Analysis

Presque Isle County earns a lawn difficulty score of 59.9, placing it nearly even with the Michigan state average. This Hardiness Zone 5a location is significantly easier to manage than the national median of 50.0.

Precipitation and Mowing Pace

Annual precipitation of 31.9 inches is slightly below the state average of 34.4 inches. Combined with 2113 growing degree days and 8 heat days, you can expect a steady but manageable mowing pace.

Correcting Rapid Drainage

The soil consists of 62.3% sand and is categorized as excessively drained, meaning water passes through very quickly. With a pH of 5.29, your lawn will benefit from regular lime and organic matter to hold moisture.

Staying Green with Less Rain

This county is highly resilient, having spent only 4 weeks in drought over the past year. Current conditions are excellent with 0.0% drought coverage, giving your grass a stress-free start to the season.

Seeding in Sandy Conditions

Drought-resistant fescues are perfect for this sandy, excessively drained terrain. Plan your major lawn work between the May 22 spring frost and the October 14 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Presque Isle County's county score?
Presque Isle County, Michigan has a composite county score of 70.1 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 Presque Isle County rank among counties in Michigan?
Presque Isle County ranks #2 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 Presque Isle County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Presque Isle County is $1,382, with an effective tax rate of 1.02%. This earns Presque Isle County a tax score of 36.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Presque Isle County?
The median household income in Presque Isle County, Michigan is $56,713 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Presque Isle County earns an income score of 29.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Presque Isle County, Michigan a good place to live?
Presque Isle County scores 70.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Presque Isle 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 Presque Isle County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.