countyscore
46.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Soil Quality 79Health 62.8

County Report Card

About Tuscola County, Michigan

Holding Steady Near the Median

Tuscola County earns a composite score of 46.5, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that is very close to the typical American experience.

Matching the Michigan Average

Tuscola’s score of 46.5 nearly matches the Michigan state average of 47.1. This makes it a very representative example of a standard Michigan county, offering few surprises for residents.

Superior Water and Affordable Housing

The county shines with a water score of 86.0 and a strong cost score of 59.8. With median home values of just $136,900, it is one of the more accessible real estate markets in the state.

Managing Taxes and Local Risks

The tax score of 21.8 and risk score of 26.9 are the primary areas where Tuscola underperforms. An effective tax rate of 1.280% requires residents to plan their budgets carefully despite lower housing costs.

Best for First-Time Homebuyers

Tuscola County is an excellent fit for first-time buyers looking for low entry prices and clean water. It provides a reliable, average-standard lifestyle for those focused on home ownership and affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax21.8Cost59.8Safety47.4Health62.8Schools31.9Income47.7Risk26.9Water86Weather51
🏛21.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡47.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓31.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.1
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

Lapeer County
Michigan
49.4
Saginaw County
Michigan
31.8
Bay County
Michigan
39.4
Sanilac County
Michigan
51.8
Genesee County
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Huron County
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Arenac County
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Midland County
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Deep Dives

Tuscola County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tuscola County

via TaxByCounty

Tuscola taxes above national median

Tuscola County's effective tax rate of 1.280% exceeds the national median of 1.0%, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax bill of $1,753 is $937 below the national median of $2,690 due to substantially lower home values. Tuscola homeowners pay a notably higher percentage of their home's value in taxes than the typical American.

10% higher than Michigan average

At 1.280%, Tuscola County's effective rate exceeds Michigan's state average of 1.166%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of Michigan counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,753 is $349 below the state median of $2,102 due to lower regional property values. Tuscola residents face above-average tax pressure relative to their home values.

Higher-taxed than most neighbors

Tuscola's 1.280% effective rate tops Sanilac County (0.917%), Schoolcraft County (1.091%), and St. Joseph County (1.114%), but falls short of Shiawassee County (1.345%) and Saginaw County (1.571%). Among the eight-county region, Tuscola ranks third-highest for tax burden. The county's rate is steeper than most surrounding communities.

Median home taxes: $1,753 annually

A typical $136,900 home in Tuscola County generates roughly $1,753 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. With mortgage, taxes rise to $1,841; without mortgage, they fall to $1,663. This amounts to approximately $146 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. Tuscola 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 Tuscola County

via CostByCounty

Tuscola's rents rank among America's most affordable

Tuscola County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% sits well below the national average, offering households substantial financial flexibility compared to typical U.S. markets. With median rent at $796 monthly and household income at $62,847, Tuscola delivers competitive affordability nationwide.

Well above Michigan's affordability average

Tuscola County significantly outperforms Michigan's state average, with a 15.2% rent-to-income ratio below the state's 16.3% and median rent at $796—$77 cheaper than Michigan's $873 median. The county ranks among Michigan's most affordable housing markets.

Cheapest ownership, competitive rental costs

Tuscola's $796 rent ranks among the lowest regionally, beaten only by Schoolcraft ($654) and comparable to Sanilac ($814). At 15.2%, its rent-to-income ratio ties Van Buren for the third-best in the comparison, trailing only Schoolcraft (13.6%) and St. Joseph (15.3%).

Low costs across both rental and ownership

Tuscola renters allocate just 15.2% of a $62,847 income to $796 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 15.2% on $793 monthly mortgages—a rare occurrence where rental and ownership costs align perfectly. This balance reflects the county's overall affordability strength.

Tuscola excels for budget-conscious movers

If affordability drives your relocation decision, Tuscola delivers excellent value at a 15.2% rent-to-income ratio and sub-$800 monthly housing costs. The county's rental-ownership cost parity makes it easy to compare options without surprise premium for homeownership.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tuscola County

via IncomeByCounty

Tuscola income lags national benchmark

Tuscola County's median household income of $62,847 is 16% below the national median of $74,755, indicating below-average earning power nationally. The gap reflects Tuscola's position as a rural county with limited high-wage employment.

Tuscola near Michigan's county average

At $62,847, Tuscola's median household income is $1,457 below Michigan's county average of $64,304, placing it slightly below the state's mid-tier. The county ranks in the lower-middle range of Michigan's 83 counties.

Tuscola sits mid-range among peers

Tuscola ($62,847) surpasses Saginaw ($58,347), Sanilac ($59,074), and Schoolcraft ($57,708), but trails Shiawassee ($64,464), St. Joseph ($64,707), Van Buren ($66,902), and St. Clair ($69,349). It occupies the lower-middle position in this regional group.

Housing costs very reasonable in Tuscola

Tuscola's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% is among the lowest in this group, meaning housing is highly affordable relative to earnings. The median home value of $136,900 is accessible on a $62,847 income, supporting stable homeownership for most families.

Use Tuscola's low costs to build wealth

With housing consuming only 15% of income, Tuscola residents have significant room to save and invest. Automatic 401(k) contributions paired with a diversified investment strategy can accumulate substantial retirement assets over 25–35 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tuscola County

via CrimeByCounty

Tuscola County's High Safety Rating

Tuscola County earns a high safety score of 98.1, backed by a crime rate of 1,180.0 per 100K. This figure is about half the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K. It stands out as a very safe community on a national level.

Exceeding Michigan Safety Averages

The county is safer than the state average, outperforming Michigan's 97.8 safety score. Its total crime rate of 1,180.0 is also lower than the statewide average of 1,371.8. Ten reporting agencies provide detailed data that reflects this positive safety trend.

Safety Comparison With Neighbors

Tuscola is safer than its neighbor Saginaw County (2,136.7) but reports more activity than rural Sanilac (687.0). This central position in the region makes it a relatively secure place to live. These statistics highlight a consistent level of safety across the county line.

Low Rates for Violent and Property Crime

Property crime stands at 922.6 per 100K, which is far lower than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also low at 257.4 per 100K, compared to the U.S. norm of 369.8. Residents are significantly less likely to be victims of crime here.

Simple Steps for Home Protection

Maintaining visibility through proper landscaping and exterior lighting is an effective way to deter crime. Residents should also ensure that secondary buildings like sheds are properly secured. These basic actions help maintain the county's excellent safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Tuscola County

via HealthByCounty

Tuscola Life Expectancy Below U.S. Average

At 75.3 years, Tuscola County residents live about 3.7 years less than the U.S. average of 79 years. The 18.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 15% but remains below the highest-stress counties in this dataset. Tuscola faces moderate health challenges relative to national peers.

Tuscola Slightly Below State Health Average

Tuscola's life expectancy of 75.3 years is 1.0 year below Michigan's state average of 76.3 years. The 18.7% poor/fair health rate is also above state norms but better than several peers. Tuscola performs in the mid-range among Michigan counties—neither exceptional nor critically stressed.

Tuscola's Provider Shortage Limits Care

With only 30 primary care providers per 100K, Tuscola has among the fewest primary care resources in this dataset, barely ahead of St. Joseph (28). Mental health providers at 286 per 100K are solid but don't offset the primary care gap. Rural isolation and limited provider density make routine care access difficult.

Moderate Uninsured Rate, Tight Provider Network

Tuscola's 5.9% uninsured rate is close to Michigan's 6.4% average and better than high-uninsurance counties like St. Joseph (7.7%). Yet with only 30 primary care providers per 100K, insured residents still struggle to schedule appointments. Many Tuscola residents must travel outside the county for timely specialist care.

Get Covered, Then Plan Ahead for Care

Tuscola's 5.9% uninsured rate suggests most residents have coverage, but if you don't, enrollment is available year-round through Medicaid or marketplace plans. Visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call 1-800-867-9272. Insured residents should book preventive appointments early and ask about telemedicine to work around local provider shortages.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Tuscola County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of 28 Public Schools

Tuscola County educates 6,738 students across 28 public schools and 9 districts. The system includes 9 elementary and 12 high schools, reflecting a commitment to ensuring secondary education is accessible across its rural geography.

Graduation Performance Beats State Levels

The county's 84.9% graduation rate exceeds the Michigan average of 82.5%, though it sits just below the national 87% mark. Per-pupil spending is $7,059, which is slightly lower than the state's average investment of $7,394.

Caro Community Schools Anchor the Region

Caro Community Schools is the largest district in the county, managing five schools and 1,479 students. No charter schools operate in Tuscola County, meaning local education is entirely provided by the established public districts.

Intimate Rural Schools and Small Class Sizes

With 21 of 28 schools in rural locales, the county offers a quiet, focused learning environment with an average school size of 270 students. Cass City Elementary is the largest school by enrollment, serving 485 students.

Build Your Life in a Reliable School System

Tuscola County offers a stable educational environment with graduation rates that outperform the state average. When looking for a home, consider the areas around Caro and Millington to secure a spot in the county's most popular districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tuscola County

via RiskByCounty

Tuscola faces above-average combined risk

Tuscola County scores 73.06 on the composite risk scale, placing it above Michigan's state average of 49.56 and in the "Relatively Low" risk category. This moderate-to-above-average rating reflects meaningful exposure to tornadoes and flooding that residents should understand and prepare for. The county's risk profile is manageable but demands targeted preparedness attention.

Upper-middle tier for Michigan risk

Tuscola County ranks in the upper-middle portion of Michigan counties for disaster risk, with a composite score about 47% above the state average. This positioning places Tuscola above roughly half of Michigan counties but well below the state's highest-risk areas like Saginaw. The county faces meaningful but not extreme hazard exposure compared to statewide peers.

Moderate risk amid similarly exposed areas

Tuscola's score of 73.06 sits in the middle of its regional cluster, falling between Sanilac County (70.32) and St. Clair County (82.00). Only Saginaw County (88.55) substantially exceeds Tuscola's risk in this geographic region, while most immediate neighbors carry comparable exposure. The three-county group shows consistent moderate-to-above-average disaster risk.

Flooding and tornadoes lead the profile

Tuscola County faces significant flood risk (79.23) and moderate-to-high tornado risk (74.43), making these two hazards the county's primary disaster concerns. Earthquake exposure (33.56) and hurricane risk (49.10) are modest, while wildfire risk remains minimal at 15.97. Residents should anchor preparedness efforts on flood awareness and tornado safety above other natural hazards.

Prioritize flood insurance and roof integrity

With flood risk at 79.23, residents in flood-prone areas of Tuscola County should obtain separate flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude water damage. Ensure homeowners insurance provides comprehensive wind and hail coverage appropriate for the county's 74.43 tornado risk. Regular roof inspections and basement waterproofing assessments offer cost-effective loss reduction.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tuscola County

via WeatherByCounty

Crisp Temperatures in the Thumb

Tuscola County averages 46.3°F annually, making it significantly cooler than the national median. The area experiences a true four-season climate with a relatively moderate 33.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Slightly Warmer Than the State Median

Despite its northern feel, Tuscola's 46.3°F average is slightly higher than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It occupies a middle-ground position compared to the freezing Upper Peninsula and the warmer southern border.

Cooler Than Coastal St. Clair

Tuscola is noticeably cooler than St. Clair County, which averages 47.9°F. It also sees fewer extreme heat days than its southern neighbors, averaging only 9 days per year above 90°F.

Moderate Summers and Brisk Winters

July averages a mild 69.6°F, providing relief from the intense heat seen further south. Winters are more demanding, featuring 42.0 inches of snow and a January average of just 21.3°F.

Equipping for Cold Winter Spells

With a winter average of 24.0°F, high-efficiency insulation is a primary concern for local homeowners. The 42 inches of snow requires reliable equipment for clearing driveways throughout the long winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tuscola County

via SoilByCounty

Developing Inceptisols of the Thumb

Tuscola County is home to Inceptisols with an average pH of 6.06, providing a less acidic environment than the state average of 5.30. These soils are relatively young in geologic terms and are among the most productive in the region. The dominant loam texture provides an excellent physical environment for diverse root systems.

Balanced and Heavy Loam

The soil composition consists of 54.3% sand, 26.5% silt, and 15.8% clay. This mixture has a higher clay content than many neighbors, giving it a 'heavy' feel that holds nutrients extremely well. This balance makes it a favorite for large-scale production of demanding crops.

Rich Organic Powerhouse

Tuscola boasts a high organic matter content of 14.35%, which is over seven times the national average. With an available water capacity of 0.195 in/in, it nearly hits the state average of 0.202 in/in. These metrics indicate a soil that is naturally resilient and highly fertile.

Challenging Natural Drainage

The county's soils are classified as very poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group B/D. This means the land naturally tends to stay wet, which was historically managed by extensive drainage networks to enable farming. Residents should be mindful of water management around home foundations and in low-lying garden plots.

Top-Tier Production in Zone 6a

Zone 6a and rich Inceptisols make Tuscola a leader in corn and dry bean production. Home gardeners can expect massive yields from tomatoes, corn, and heavy-feeding perennials. These soils are a true asset for anyone looking to grow their own food at scale.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tuscola County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Tougher Trends in Tuscola

Tuscola County has a lawn difficulty score of 55.1, making it slightly more challenging than the state average of 60.1. While still easier than the national median, local conditions require more hands-on management from homeowners.

Moderate Growth in a Cool Climate

Annual precipitation of 33.8 inches and 9 extreme heat days provide a standard Michigan growing environment. The 2,374 growing degree days are lower than southern neighbors, meaning grass may grow more slowly during the spring flush.

Poor Drainage in Loamy Landscapes

The soil texture is loam with a healthy 6.06 pH, but it is classified as very poorly drained. This can cause issues with root health, so aeration is a critical annual task to prevent soil compaction and waterlogging.

Persistent Drought Challenges in the Area

Tuscola has faced 53 weeks of drought over the last year, and 1.6% of the county remains in severe drought. With 45.6% of the area abnormally dry, consistent irrigation is currently essential to prevent permanent turf damage.

Maximize a Concentrated Growing Season

With a last frost on May 7 and a first frost on October 9, your primary growing window is somewhat compressed. Use cold-tolerant Kentucky bluegrass and ensure you finish any fall seeding early to allow for root development.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tuscola County's county score?
Tuscola County, Michigan has a composite county score of 46.5 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 Tuscola County rank among counties in Michigan?
Tuscola County ranks #45 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 Tuscola County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Tuscola County is $1,753, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Tuscola County a tax score of 21.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tuscola County?
The median household income in Tuscola County, Michigan is $62,847 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tuscola County earns an income score of 47.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tuscola County, Michigan a good place to live?
Tuscola County scores 46.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Tuscola 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 Tuscola 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.