countyscore
42.7
County Score
Health 74.5Lawn Care 73.9Soil Quality 65.5

County Report Card

About Shiawassee County, Michigan

Competitive with the National Average

Shiawassee County posts a composite score of 42.7, sitting just below the national median of 50.0. It remains a viable mid-range option for residents looking for a typical American county experience.

Nearing the Michigan Average

The county's 42.7 score is slightly below the Michigan state average of 47.1. It offers a balanced lifestyle that mirrors much of the state's central corridor.

Top-Tier Health and Reliable Income

Shiawassee excels with a high health score of 74.5 and a solid income score of 52.0. A median household income of $64,464 provides residents with more spending power than many neighboring rural counties.

Struggles with Taxes and Water Quality

A tax score of 19.1 and a water score of 23.0 are the county's most significant hurdles. The effective tax rate of 1.345% puts a larger dent in household budgets compared to other Michigan locales.

A Solid Hub for Working Professionals

Shiawassee is best suited for healthcare-conscious professionals who earn enough to offset higher local taxes. Its strong income-to-cost ratio makes it a practical home base for those working in nearby regional centers.

Score breakdown

Tax19.1Cost41Safety37.9Health74.5Schools43.4Income52Risk37.8Water23Weather51.8
🏛19.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡37.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧23
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.9
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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Compare Shiawassee County with Cass County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Genesee County
Michigan
31.5
Clinton County
Michigan
33.8
Ingham County
Michigan
37.9
Livingston County
Michigan
54.6
Saginaw County
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Gratiot County
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Eaton County
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Oakland County
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Deep Dives

Shiawassee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Shiawassee County

via TaxByCounty

Shiawassee taxes above national median

Shiawassee County's effective tax rate of 1.345% exceeds the national median of 1.0%, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax bill of $2,214 remains below the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values. Shiawassee homeowners pay a notably higher percentage of their home's value in taxes than the typical American.

15% higher than Michigan average

At 1.345%, Shiawassee County's effective rate significantly exceeds Michigan's state average of 1.166%, ranking it in the upper half of Michigan counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $2,214 surpasses the state median of $2,102 by $112 annually. Shiawassee residents face above-average property tax pressure within the state.

Higher-taxed than most neighbors

Shiawassee's 1.345% effective rate tops Sanilac County (0.917%), Schoolcraft County (1.091%), and St. Joseph County (1.114%), though it falls short of Saginaw County (1.571%). Among the eight-county region, Shiawassee ranks second-highest for tax burden. The county's rate is meaningfully steeper than the majority of surrounding communities.

Median home taxes: $2,214 annually

A typical $164,600 home in Shiawassee County generates roughly $2,214 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. With mortgage, the total rises to $2,231; without mortgage, it drops to $2,192. This translates to approximately $185 per month in property taxes for a median-valued home.

Many homeowners can appeal assessments

Across Michigan, thousands of homeowners discover their properties are overassessed, leading to inflated tax bills. Shiawassee County residents paying above-average effective rates should review their assessment notices and consider filing an appeal if values seem high relative to recent comparable sales. A successful challenge can reduce your tax burden meaningfully.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Shiawassee County

via CostByCounty

Shiawassee aligns with national affordability norms

Shiawassee County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% matches the national trend perfectly, while its median household income of $64,464 narrows the gap with the U.S. median to $10,291. At $876 monthly rent—only $3 above Michigan's state average—Shiawassee delivers balanced housing costs.

Right at Michigan's affordability baseline

Shiawassee County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio precisely matches Michigan's state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's housing market. Its $876 median rent runs just $3 above the state's $873 median, confirming Shiawassee's alignment with statewide norms.

Mid-range costs among regional peers

Shiawassee's $876 rent ranks in the middle of the comparison region—higher than Sanilac ($814) and Tuscola ($796) but lower than St. Clair ($999). Its 16.3% ratio ties with the state average but trails the affordability of Schoolcraft (13.6%) and Sanilac (16.5%).

Balanced burden across renters and owners

Shiawassee renters spend 16.3% of a $64,464 income on $876 monthly rent, while homeowners allocate 17.6% to a $947 monthly mortgage. The ownership cost runs slightly higher than the rental burden, reflecting the area's median home value of $164,600.

Shiawassee offers middle-ground housing stability

Relocating to Shiawassee means your housing costs will align with Michigan's average affordability profile, with no surprises in either direction. If you seek a county that mirrors statewide housing norms, Shiawassee delivers predictability and balanced market conditions.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shiawassee County

via IncomeByCounty

Shiawassee closes the national income gap

Shiawassee County's median household income of $64,464 is 14% below the national median of $74,755, making it closer to the U.S. average than most of its peers. The county performs better nationally than Saginaw, Sanilac, and Schoolcraft.

Shiawassee slightly exceeds Michigan average

At $64,464, Shiawassee's median household income is just above Michigan's county average of $64,304, placing it in the middle of the state's 83 counties. This represents solid economic footing for a mid-sized Michigan county.

Shiawassee outearns several regional counties

Shiawassee ($64,464) exceeds Saginaw ($58,347), Sanilac ($59,074), and Schoolcraft ($57,708), but lags behind St. Clair ($69,349) and Van Buren ($66,902). The county occupies the middle of this regional income spectrum.

Housing remains affordable in Shiawassee

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.3%, Shiawassee residents spend a healthy proportion of earnings on housing. The median home value of $164,600 is manageable on a $64,464 income, supporting both renters and homeowners.

Maximize Shiawassee's above-average earnings

Shiawassee households at $64,464 are positioned to build serious wealth through consistent saving and smart investing. A diversified portfolio mixing index funds, bonds, and employer 401(k) contributions can accumulate to six figures within 20–30 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Shiawassee County

via CrimeByCounty

Shiawassee County Beats National Averages

Shiawassee County reports a total crime rate of 1,425.4 per 100K, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a high safety score of 97.7. This makes the county a safer choice compared to the U.S. as a whole.

Matching the Michigan Safety Standard

The county's crime rate is just above the Michigan average of 1,371.8 per 100K. Its safety score of 97.7 nearly matches the state average of 97.8. Ten different reporting agencies contribute data to ensure accuracy for the community.

Shiawassee vs Neighboring Counties

Shiawassee has a slightly higher crime rate than Tuscola County (1,180.0) but stays much safer than national benchmarks. Local law enforcement maintains a steady presence across the county's various jurisdictions. These rates reflect a stable environment for the region.

Violent and Property Crime Facts

Violent crime in Shiawassee is 343.5 per 100K, which is slightly lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is notably low at 1,081.9, compared to the national rate of 2,015.7. Residents are roughly 50% less likely to experience property crime than the average American.

Practical Safety for Your Home

Because property crime makes up the majority of local incidents, securing windows and doors is essential. Consider installing a video doorbell to monitor your home's exterior remotely. These tools help maintain the county's strong safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Shiawassee County

via HealthByCounty

Shiawassee Outperforms National Health Metrics

At 76.0 years, Shiawassee County residents live nearly 3 years less than the U.S. average of 79 years, yet the county's 16.0% poor/fair health rate is among the lowest in this dataset and below the national average of 15%. Shiawassee stands out as the healthiest county in this group by both measures.

Shiawassee Ranks Among Michigan's Healthiest

Shiawassee's life expectancy of 76.0 years is just 0.3 years below Michigan's state average, and its 16.0% poor/fair health rate is notably better than the state profile. The county performs in the upper quartile for health outcomes across Michigan. This is one of Michigan's healthier communities.

Shiawassee Leads Peer Health Outcomes

Among its regional peers, Shiawassee's 16.0% poor/fair health rate is superior to Saginaw (20.8%), Sanilac (20.4%), and Tuscola (18.7%). With 37 primary care providers per 100K, Shiawassee has more than Sanilac (32) but fewer than Saginaw (87). Strong health outcomes here reflect both favorable demographics and moderate provider availability.

Low Uninsured Rate, Adequate Provider Access

Shiawassee's 5.5% uninsured rate matches Saginaw's and is well below Michigan's 6.4% average. With 37 primary care providers and 207 mental health providers per 100K, residents have reasonable access to care. This combination of coverage and provider availability supports the county's above-average health outcomes.

Maintain Your Coverage Advantage

Shiawassee residents enjoy strong health insurance penetration, but it's worth reviewing your plan annually to ensure it covers preventive care, prescriptions, and specialists you need. Visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance to compare options. If uninsured, the 5.5% gap can close quickly—call 1-800-867-9272 to explore plans today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Shiawassee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Balanced Mix of 30 Public Schools

Shiawassee County supports 10,424 students through a network of 30 public schools across 10 districts. The system is well-distributed between 13 elementary, 6 middle, and 10 high schools, ensuring consistent coverage for all age groups.

Academic Excellence Above the State Average

The county's 88.9% graduation rate exceeds both the Michigan average of 82.5% and the national average of 87%. Investment in students is steady at $7,181 per pupil, aligning closely with Michigan's statewide spending levels.

Owosso Public Schools Leads the County

Owosso Public Schools is the dominant district, managing six schools and serving 2,911 students. Unlike many urban areas, Shiawassee County does not host any charter schools, focusing its resources entirely on traditional districts.

Small-Town Feel with Rural Roots

The county's schools are split evenly between town and rural settings, offering a quintessential Michigan educational experience. Owosso High School is the largest school with 843 students, while the county average remains intimate at 347 students.

Secure Your Child's Academic Future

With graduation rates outperforming the state, Shiawassee County is a smart choice for home buyers with children. Focus your home search near top districts like Owosso or Corunna to benefit from these established learning communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shiawassee County

via RiskByCounty

Shiawassee carries moderate tornado risk

Shiawassee County scores 62.18 on the composite risk scale, placing it above Michigan's state average of 49.56 and in the "Relatively Low" risk category overall. Despite this moderate rating, the county's 86.16 tornado score indicates serious exposure to severe weather events. This mixed profile requires targeted preparedness focused on specific hazards rather than universal disaster protection.

Above-average risk primarily from tornadoes

Shiawassee County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Michigan counties for disaster risk, driven overwhelmingly by above-average tornado exposure. The county's composite score reflects hazard concentration rather than broad exposure—tornado risk dominates the profile while most other hazards remain modest. This specialized risk profile means targeted preparation yields better safety results than generalized approaches.

Tornado-heavy compared to nearby areas

Shiawassee's score of 62.18 sits between lower-risk neighbors Van Buren County (60.46) and St. Joseph County (58.59), making it comparable in overall exposure. However, Shiawassee's tornado risk of 86.16 substantially exceeds both neighbors, while their flood and earthquake risks are somewhat higher. The region shows important variations in hazard type even across similar overall risk scores.

Tornadoes vastly outweigh other threats

Shiawassee County's tornado risk (86.16) is exceptionally high and dominates the disaster risk landscape, while flood risk (55.15) and earthquake exposure (39.41) are moderate. Wildfire risk remains minimal at 8.59, and hurricane exposure is low at 39.51. Residents should anchor disaster preparation around tornado safety—shelter access, warning systems, and wind-resistant construction—above all other concerns.

Tornado shelters and wind coverage first

Given Shiawassee's 86.16 tornado risk, a home safe room or basement shelter is the single most important protective investment residents can make. Verify that homeowners insurance includes comprehensive wind and hail coverage, as tornado damage represents the primary insured loss risk. Regular roof inspections and impact-resistant roofing materials provide cost-effective tornado loss reduction.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Shiawassee County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Michigan climate with typical rainfall

Shiawassee County averages 47.7°F annually, placing it closer to national norms than northern Michigan. It receives 33.8 inches of annual precipitation, nearly matching the state average.

Warmer than the average Michigan county

The county's 47.7°F average temperature is 2 degrees higher than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. This reflects its position in the more temperate southern half of the state.

Warmer summer spikes than nearby counties

While sharing a 47.7°F average with Saginaw, Shiawassee experiences more extreme heat with 11 days above 90°F. This is the highest heat count among all analyzed neighboring counties.

Hot summers and manageable snow totals

July averages 71.2°F, and the 11 days of extreme heat define the summer experience. Winters are milder than the north, with only 38.3 inches of snow and January averages of 22.9°F.

Plan for summer cooling and moderate snow

With 11 days of extreme heat, reliable air conditioning is more important here than in most Michigan counties. The 38.3 inches of snow is light by regional standards, making standard clearing tools sufficient.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Shiawassee County

via SoilByCounty

Forest-Derived Spodosols

Shiawassee County features Spodosols with an average pH of 6.14, staying close to the national median of 6.5. This pH level is significantly more hospitable to general agriculture than the more acidic state average of 5.30. The dominant sandy loam texture reflects the county's glacial history and forest heritage.

Sandy Loam for Ease of Use

The soil is composed of 59.4% sand, 24.5% silt, and 12.2% clay. This sandy loam mix is highly valued by farmers for its ease of tillage and rapid warming in the spring. While it drains quickly, the silt and clay components provide enough structure to prevent total nutrient loss.

Reliable and Resourceful Soils

The county's organic matter sits at 6.83%, more than triple the national average but lower than the state's peat-heavy average of 19.76%. An available water capacity of 0.164 in/in indicates that irrigation might be necessary during dry July weeks. These soils respond exceptionally well to compost and organic amendments.

Naturally Well-Drained Terrain

Shiawassee's soils are classified as well drained and belong to hydrologic group B. This means water moves through the profile at a moderate rate, reducing the risk of root rot for crops. Gardeners find these soils easy to work even after heavy rains because they do not stay muddy for long.

Flourishing in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone allows for a long growing season that suits everything from soybeans to apple orchards. The well-drained sandy loam is particularly excellent for root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. It is an ideal environment for anyone looking to establish a productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Shiawassee County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Growing Conditions for Shiawassee

Shiawassee County features an impressive lawn difficulty score of 73.9, making it much easier to maintain than the state average of 60.1. This high score suggests that the local climate and soil are exceptionally well-suited for residential turf.

Balanced Heat and Growing Degrees

The county sees 11 extreme heat days, which is higher than the state average of 7, but balanced by 2,613 growing degree days. This energy-rich climate allows for rapid grass recovery and growth throughout the late spring and summer months.

Well-Drained Sandy Loam Foundations

A sandy loam texture with 59.4% sand ensures excellent drainage, preventing the root rot common in heavier soils. The 6.14 pH is within the healthy threshold, though a light application of lime can help push it toward the ideal center.

Abundant Moisture and Low Drought Stress

With only 6 weeks in drought over the last year and 0.0% of the area currently dry, Shiawassee is remarkably resilient. Homeowners here can rely on natural 33.8-inch rainfall, requiring only supplemental watering during peak summer heat.

Take Advantage of Excellent Conditions

Standard cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass thrive in this 6a zone after the May 3 frost date. The long growing window extends until mid-October, providing ample time for new sod or seed to take root.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shiawassee County's county score?
Shiawassee County, Michigan has a composite county score of 42.7 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 Shiawassee County rank among counties in Michigan?
Shiawassee County ranks #55 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 Shiawassee County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Shiawassee County is $2,214, with an effective tax rate of 1.35%. This earns Shiawassee County a tax score of 19.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shiawassee County?
The median household income in Shiawassee County, Michigan is $64,464 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shiawassee County earns an income score of 52/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shiawassee County, Michigan a good place to live?
Shiawassee County scores 42.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Shiawassee 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 Shiawassee County with other counties side by side.

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