countyscore
47.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 72.3Soil Quality 66.7

County Report Card

About Roscommon County, Michigan

Roscommon County Sits Near National Median

Roscommon County earns a composite score of 47.4, which is just below the national median of 50.0. This indicates a fairly standard rural American profile.

Aligning With the Michigan State Average

The county's 47.4 score is almost exactly aligned with the Michigan state average of 47.1. It provides a lifestyle that is representative of the typical Michigan experience.

Excellent Water and High Affordability

Roscommon features a strong water score of 86.0 and a cost score of 72.3. With median rents at $789, it remains a very accessible place to live for those on a budget.

Education and Risk Scores Face Headwinds

The school score of 18.0 and a risk score of 43.3 represent the county's primary challenges. These figures suggest a need for infrastructure investment and climate resilience planning.

A Comfortable Choice for Outdoor Living

Roscommon County is best for those who prioritize water access and low living costs over educational prestige. It is a solid option for retirees or individuals looking for a simple, affordable home base.

2040608010034.672.347.857.11823.143.38650.1Tax34.6Cost72.3Safety47.8Health57.1Schools18Income23.1Risk43.3Water86Weather50.147.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Roscommon County DNA

Foverall

How Roscommon County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Roscommon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Schools (18/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
34.6-17.4
Cost
72.3+24.299999999999997
Safety
47.8
Health
57.1
Schools
18-36
Income
23.1-27.9
Risk
43.3
Water
86+28
Weather
50.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$148,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$789/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$148,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,106/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.4

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

Clare County
Michigan
43.1
Ogemaw County
Michigan
41.7
Missaukee County
Michigan
50.2
Crawford County
Michigan
49.5
Gladwin County
Michigan
49.4
Kalkaska County
Michigan
46.2
Oscoda County
Michigan
54.3
Osceola County
Michigan
51.2

Deep Dives

Roscommon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Roscommon County

via TaxByCounty

Roscommon below national property tax median

Roscommon County's effective tax rate of 1.049% sits below the national median of 1.1%, offering a relatively favorable tax position nationally. The median tax bill of $1,552 represents 58% of the national median of $2,690.

Below-average Michigan property tax rate

Roscommon's 1.049% effective rate beats Michigan's state average of 1.166%, placing it among the more tax-friendly counties in the state. The median tax of $1,552 is approximately 74% of Michigan's median of $2,102.

Moderate rate within northern Michigan region

Roscommon's 1.049% rate falls between higher-taxed Ontonagon (1.232%) and lower-taxed Oscoda (0.938%) and Otsego (0.891%), positioning it near the regional middle. The county offers competitive tax rates compared to surrounding counties.

A $148,000 home costs about $1,552 yearly

Roscommon's median home value of $148,000 multiplied by its 1.049% rate yields a median annual tax of $1,552. Homeowners with mortgages typically face assessments near $1,679 per year.

Challenge overassessed properties through appeals

Roscommon homeowners should verify that their property's assessed value matches recent comparable sales in their area. Filing a property tax appeal can reduce bills if your assessment exceeds fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Roscommon County

via CostByCounty

Roscommon rents stretch income uncomfortably tight

Roscommon County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio, the region's highest, still beats the national affordability threshold but leaves less cushion than most other counties here. Median income of $54,106 runs 28% below the national average, making housing affordability relatively strained.

Most expensive rental burden in this eight-county cluster

Roscommon's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Michigan's state average of 16.3%, making it the least affordable county in this northern Michigan grouping. Median rent of $789 ranks fifth among these eight counties, but income pressure is highest here.

Roscommon's renters most income-stressed locally

Though Roscommon's $789 median rent falls between Osceola ($764) and Ogemaw ($828), its lower median income of $54,106 creates the region's highest rent burden. Renters here have less financial flexibility than neighbors in comparable-priced counties.

Renters squeezed more than homeowners

Monthly gross rent of $789 consumes 17.5% of household income—substantially higher than the 14% burden for owner-occupied homes costing $634 monthly. This disparity makes homeownership significantly more attractive financially in Roscommon.

Roscommon offers less financial breathing room

Job seekers considering Roscommon should carefully compare expected salary against the $54,106 median income; renters face the region's tightest budget pressure. If you're relocating, prioritize finding stable employment at or above the county median to ensure housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Roscommon County

via IncomeByCounty

Roscommon significantly trails national income

Roscommon County's median household income of $54,106 falls $20,649 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower quartile of U.S. counties. This gap reflects economic challenges common to rural counties transitioning away from forestry and manufacturing toward tourism and service employment. Households here earn roughly 72% of the national median.

Roscommon ranks low within Michigan

At $54,106, Roscommon's median household income trails Michigan's state median of $64,304 by about $10,200, placing it clearly in the lower half of the state's counties. Per capita income of $37,099 exceeds the state average of $35,451 by about 5%, a modest bright spot suggesting some concentrated wealth among retirees. Overall economic conditions remain challenging for working-age residents.

Roscommon in lower-middle of peer group

Roscommon's $54,106 income ranks in the lower tier of regional peers, above only Oscoda ($50,581) and tied near Ogemaw ($51,983) and Ontonagon ($51,844). It trails Osceola ($57,050) by nearly $3,000 and significantly lags Otsego ($67,285) and Ottawa ($87,144). This positioning reflects Roscommon's continued dependence on declining resource-based industries.

Rising rents squeeze household budgets

Roscommon's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% exceeds the healthy 15% threshold, indicating renters spend a significant share of income on housing costs. Median home values of $148,000 are moderate but consume a larger percentage of income than in better-paying counties. Households must budget tightly to cover housing, healthcare, and other essentials.

Modest savings compound over decades

Despite tight budgets, Roscommon residents can build wealth through automated savings—even $75–100 monthly invested consistently in index funds creates meaningful wealth over 25+ years. Prioritize any employer retirement benefits and explore zero-fee investment accounts offered by nonprofits or libraries. Small, regular financial discipline transforms constrained current income into future security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Roscommon County

via CrimeByCounty

Roscommon County Surpasses National Safety

Roscommon County’s total crime rate of 1171.6 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a strong safety score of 98.2. Residents live in a community that is significantly more secure than the national norm.

Beating the Michigan State Average

Roscommon’s safety score of 98.2 is higher than the Michigan state average of 97.8. Additionally, its crime rate of 1171.6 is lower than the statewide average of 1371.8 per 100K. It is a reliable choice for those seeking safety in Central Michigan.

A Comparative Look at Regional Safety

Roscommon County is safer than Osceola at 1350.9, though it sees more crime than Oscoda at 955.9. Despite these differences, the county remains part of a very safe regional corridor. It maintains a steady and manageable crime profile year over year.

Violent Crime Stays Well Below Benchmarks

The violent crime rate of 237.7 is much lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 933.9 per 100K, indicating that most police activity involves non-violent incidents. Physical safety remains a hallmark of life in Roscommon.

Simple Habits for a Safer Home

Because property crime accounts for the majority of incidents, residents should secure all vehicles and outdoor equipment. Installing a simple home security system can provide peace of mind and deter potential theft. Community awareness is the best defense in keeping Roscommon safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Roscommon County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network Serving Central Michigan

Roscommon County manages eight public schools across four districts, supporting 2,785 students. The system includes two elementary, one middle, and three high schools, as well as specialized facilities. This infrastructure balances traditional districts with strong charter and alternative school presence.

Steady Academic Scores with Growth Opportunities

The county reports a graduation rate of 74.1%, which trails both the state average of 82.5% and the national 87.0%. Per-pupil spending is $6,813, slightly below Michigan's average of $7,394. Despite these challenges, the school score of 44.8 reflects a dedicated local effort to maintain core academic standards.

Houghton Lake and Charlton Heston Lead

Houghton Lake Community Schools is the largest traditional district, educating 1,161 students. The Charlton Heston Academy, a local charter school, is the largest single facility with 767 students. These institutions, alongside Roscommon Area Public Schools, provide the bulk of local education.

Rural Schooling with Growing Campus Sizes

Seven of the eight county schools are in rural locales, with an average school size of 348 students. Charlton Heston Academy is the largest campus at 767 students, while Roscommon Elementary offers a smaller setting with 266. This mix provides students with both large-scale charter experiences and smaller traditional elementary tracks.

Community-Centered Living Near Local Schools

Families moving to Roscommon County often settle near the Houghton Lake or Roscommon school clusters. The presence of the Charlton Heston Academy offers a significant alternative for those looking for charter education in a rural setting. Consider these diverse school options as you look for your next home in the heart of Michigan.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Roscommon County

via RiskByCounty

Roscommon faces elevated national disaster risk

Roscommon County's composite risk score of 56.68 ranks it as Relatively Low but still above the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county confronts a meaningful hazard profile driven by its forest landscape and geographic position.

Riskier than state average but manageable

Roscommon's score of 56.68 exceeds Michigan's state average of 49.56, positioning it in the higher half of the state's risk counties. The county's forest coverage and location in Michigan's central region account for this elevated profile.

Significantly riskier than nearby rural counties

Roscommon (56.68) faces substantially higher risk than neighboring Otsego (18.42), Oscoda (15.14), and Osceola (23.92). Only Ottawa County (82.89) to the east surpasses Roscommon's composite risk in this eight-county comparison.

Wildfire and flood are dual concerns

Wildfire risk (69.72) and flood risk (71.88) are nearly equal threats in Roscommon, both well above state averages. Tornado risk (47.07) is also elevated, while earthquake and hurricane risks remain modest in comparison.

Comprehensive protection addresses dual hazards

Roscommon residents should prioritize wildfire defensibility—clearing 30 feet around homes and removing dead vegetation—while also maintaining flood insurance for properties in mapped zones or near waterways. Ensure your homeowner's policy covers wind damage and confirm coverage limits match your home's replacement cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Roscommon County

via WaterByCounty

Excellent Compliance in Roscommon

Roscommon County earns an A grade for drinking water, with no health violations reported in the last five years. This 0.0 violation rate is much better than the statewide Michigan average of 35.7 per 100,000. Utilities here are successfully maintaining high standards for the local population.

Watershed Assessments Currently Unavailable

Local water bodies in Roscommon County have not yet been evaluated for impairment under the federal Section 303(d) standard. As a result, there is no official record regarding whether local waters meet Clean Water Act goals. This is a common data gap for rural watersheds that have not yet entered the assessment cycle.

Reliable Water Quality Records

Environmental agencies maintain 9 monitoring sites in Roscommon, recording 3,156 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses on physical and microbiological indicators to ensure consistent water safety. This monitoring provides a critical baseline for one of Michigan's most popular recreational water regions.

No Representative Streamgage Data

Roscommon County does not currently have a representative USGS streamgage providing real-time discharge statistics. While this limits the ability to track live water flow against long-term means, drinking water remains consistently within federal safety limits. Local water management relies on historical data and the county's nine monitoring sites.

Protect Recreational Water Quality

Roscommon's A-rated drinking water is a major asset, but residents should remain aware that watershed health has not been formally assessed. With nine active monitoring sites, the community has a good starting point for tracking water quality trends. Preventing runoff is essential to maintaining both safe drinking water and the county's valuable recreational lakes.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Roscommon County

via WeatherByCounty

A dry and cool continental climate

Roscommon County averages 44.0°F annually, making it cooler than most of the United States. Its 31.0 inches of precipitation is notably lower than the Michigan state average of 34.5 inches.

Below average temperatures for the state

The county sits 1.7 degrees below the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. This cool profile is driven by its inland location in the northern part of the state.

Slightly warmer than northern neighbor Otsego

Roscommon’s 44.0°F average is significantly warmer than Otsego County’s 42.5°F. It also receives about 54 inches less snow annually than Otsego, making for a slightly milder winter experience.

Consistent winter snow and mild summers

The county receives 70.3 inches of snow annually, with January temperatures averaging 19.1°F. Summers remain comfortable with a July average of 67.8°F and only 6 days reaching above 90°F.

Manageable snow removal and heating needs

While 70.3 inches of snow requires a reliable blower, it is less extreme than neighboring snow belts. High-efficiency heating is the primary concern for residents, as January stays well below freezing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Roscommon County

via SoilByCounty

High Acid and Organic Richness

Roscommon County features acidic soil with an average pH of 4.70, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic classification data is not fully recorded for this area, the chemical profile suggests a landscape shaped by pine forests and wetlands. This acidity is a key factor in determining which native plants thrive here.

Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The soil composition is nearly balanced with 49.4% sand and 26.5% silt, complemented by 18.9% clay. This mix creates a more substantial texture than the sand-heavy counties to the north, offering better nutrient retention and physical stability. It is a versatile medium that provides a solid foundation for both roots and structures.

Thick Organic Layer and Strong AWC

Roscommon boasts a very high organic matter content of 36.95%, which is nearly double the Michigan state average of 19.76%. Its available water capacity of 0.229 in/in also beats the state average of 0.202. This combination makes the soil exceptionally fertile and resilient against short-term droughts.

Managing Unlisted Drainage Profiles

While official drainage classes are not currently available for Roscommon’s primary soil data, the high organic matter and silt/clay percentages suggest slower drainage. The soil is built to hold water, which is a boon for agriculture but may require attention for landscaping and drainage around homes. Check local conditions after a heavy rain to understand your specific plot.

Lush Potential in Zone 5a

In USDA Zone 5a, Roscommon County is an excellent place to grow berries, leafy greens, and moisture-loving perennials. The high fertility of the soil means you will see vigorous growth if you match your plant choices to the acidic pH. Dive into gardening by leveraging the natural richness of this organic-heavy soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Roscommon County

via LawnByCounty

Roscommon County Lawn Difficulty Analysis

Roscommon County ties for the most challenging spot on our list with a lawn difficulty score of 49.5. This Hardiness Zone 5a area is tougher for turf than both the national average and the Michigan state average.

Low Precipitation and Mowing

The county receives just 31.0 inches of precipitation annually, which is the lowest among its neighbors. Combined with 2043 growing degree days, your lawn will likely need supplemental watering to stay green.

Amending Clay and Acidity

Acidic soil with a 4.70 pH level and 18.9% clay content characterizes the local ground. While specific drainage data is unavailable, the high acidity suggests a need for significant soil buffering with lime.

Smart Watering in Dry Periods

Currently, 67.4% of the county is abnormally dry, following a year with 18 weeks of drought conditions. Conserving water by raising mower blades to 3 or 4 inches can help shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Hardy Species for Roscommon

Select hardy cool-season species that can handle the short growing season between May 20 and October 1. Seeding in the early fall allows the grass to establish before the first frost hits the region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Roscommon County's county score?
Roscommon County, Michigan has a composite county score of 47.4 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 Roscommon County rank among counties in Michigan?
Roscommon County ranks #44 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 Roscommon County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Roscommon County is $1,552, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Roscommon County a tax score of 34.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Roscommon County?
The median household income in Roscommon County, Michigan is $54,106 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Roscommon County earns an income score of 23.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Roscommon County, Michigan a good place to live?
Roscommon County scores 47.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Roscommon 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 Roscommon 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.