countyscore
36.8
County Score
Lawn Care 67.8Disaster Risk 66.1Health 60.3

County Report Card

About Wexford County, Michigan

A Moderate Gap Below the National Median

Wexford County earns a 36.8 composite score, placing it below the national median of 50.0. While not among the top performers, it provides a stable environment compared to many urban Michigan counterparts.

Trailing Michigan's Average Score

Wexford's 36.8 score sits about 10 points below the Michigan average of 47.1. It occupies a middle ground in the state, offering better affordability than urban hubs but lower institutional scores.

Lower Risks and Greater Affordability

The county shines with a 66.1 risk score and a 60.3 health score, indicating a safe and stable environment. It is notably affordable, with a low 1.165% effective tax rate and a median rent of just $877.

Educational and Safety Hurdles

School quality is a notable challenge with a score of 11.5, the lowest among its metrics. A safety score of 23.5 also suggests room for improvement in community security and policing.

The Verdict: Best for Budget-Conscious Families

Wexford is a strong fit for families seeking low housing costs and minimal environmental risk. It appeals to those who prioritize financial breathing room over high-ranking school districts.

Score breakdown

Tax27.1Cost44.1Safety23.5Health60.3Schools11.5Income48.5Risk66.1Water58.9Weather52.5
🏛27.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠44.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡23.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤60.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓11.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡66.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.8
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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50.2
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Deep Dives

Wexford County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wexford County

via TaxByCounty

Wexford's taxes align with national norm

Wexford County's effective tax rate of 1.165% sits just below the national median of 1.03%, placing it near the 50th percentile nationally—right at America's average property tax burden. The median property tax of $1,868 is significantly below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Wexford's lower median home values of $160,300.

Wexford matches Michigan's statewide average

At 1.165%, Wexford's effective tax rate is virtually identical to Michigan's state average of 1.166%, making it a perfectly typical Michigan county for property taxation. The median property tax of $1,868 is 11% below the state median of $2,102, reflecting Wexford's more modest home values.

Wexford offers the lowest tax burden locally

Wexford County homeowners pay just $1,868 in median property taxes—33% less than Wayne County ($2,794) and 66% less than Washtenaw County ($5,505). At 1.165%, Wexford's effective rate is nearly identical to the state average and substantially lower than Wayne's 1.642%.

What a Wexford County homeowner actually pays

The median Wexford home valued at $160,300 generates an estimated $1,868 in annual property taxes at the current 1.165% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more ($1,917) through escrow, while those without mortgages pay approximately $1,797.

Check if you're overassessed and appeal

Even in a relatively low-tax county like Wexford, many homeowners are still overassessed—studies show 20-30% of properties statewide have inflated valuations. If your assessed value looks high compared to recent sales of similar homes nearby, you have the right to appeal and potentially recover hundreds or thousands in overpaid taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wexford County

via CostByCounty

Wexford offers affordable housing options

Wexford County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% aligns closely with national affordability standards and sits just above the national benchmark. With a median household income of $63,123 and median rent of $877, Wexford residents maintain more balanced housing-to-income ratios than many U.S. peers.

Wexford hits Michigan's affordability sweet spot

Wexford's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches Michigan's 16.3% state average, making it one of the state's more affordable counties. The median rent of $877 aligns almost perfectly with the state median of $873, suggesting Wexford represents typical Michigan housing cost dynamics.

Wexford is Michigan's affordability leader

At $877 monthly rent and $885 in homeowner costs, Wexford is significantly cheaper than Washtenaw ($1,400 rent, 60% higher) and Wayne ($1,087 rent, 24% higher). This affordability advantage stems partly from lower median incomes, but housing remains more accessible relative to what residents earn.

How Wexford residents allocate housing costs

Renters spend $877 monthly and homeowners pay $885 on a median home value of $160,300, with both figures consuming approximately 16.7% of the $63,123 median household income. This allocation leaves Wexford households with more discretionary income than counterparts in Wayne or Washtenaw.

Wexford: Michigan's most accessible option

If affordability is your priority, Wexford County offers $877 rent and $160,300 median home values on a $63,123 median income—Michigan's tightest alignment of housing costs to earnings. Relocators trading big-city wages for small-town living will find Wexford substantially more accessible than Washtenaw or Wayne.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wexford County

via IncomeByCounty

Wexford's income barely meets national baseline

Wexford County's median household income of $63,123 runs about 15% below the national median of $74,755. Like much of rural Michigan, the county's economy relies on smaller employers and service sectors that typically offer lower wages than national averages.

Slightly above Michigan's struggling average

Wexford County's $63,123 median household income sits just barely below Michigan's state average of $64,304, placing it near the middle of the state's county rankings. The county's economic profile mirrors many of Michigan's rural regions, blending agriculture, small manufacturing, and tourism.

Better than Detroit, far behind university hub

Wexford County earns $3,602 more than Wayne County ($59,521) but $24,033 less than Washtenaw County ($87,156). While Wexford outpaces post-industrial Wayne, it remains substantially behind Washtenaw's knowledge-economy premium.

Housing costs sit at healthy levels

Wexford County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among the three counties, giving renters genuine breathing room in their budgets. The median home value of $160,300 is also the most affordable, making both renting and homeownership relatively accessible for median-earning households.

Leverage affordability for financial security

Wexford's low cost of living—especially housing—gives households earning near the median a genuine advantage in building savings. With housing consuming just 17% of income, households have room to direct funds toward retirement accounts, education savings, or investment vehicles that compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wexford County

via CrimeByCounty

Wexford Maintains a Moderate Safety Profile

Wexford County’s total crime rate of 1,939.8 per 100,000 residents is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 96.9 out of 100, positioning it as a relatively safe community.

Just Below the Michigan Average

The county's safety score of 96.9 is just under the Michigan average of 97.8. Local crime totals of 1,939.8 per 100,000 people are higher than the state average of 1,371.8, suggesting areas for continued improvement.

Tracking Closely with Washtenaw

Wexford’s crime rate of 1,939.8 is nearly identical to Washtenaw County’s rate of 1,919.6. Both counties offer a much safer environment than Wayne County, where crime rates are nearly 85% higher than in Wexford.

Analyzing Violent and Property Statistics

The county reports a property crime rate of 1,563.7 and a violent crime rate of 376.1 per 100,000 residents. While violent crime is slightly above the national average of 369.8, the property crime rate is much lower than the U.S. figure of 2,015.7.

Securing Your Property in Wexford

With property crime making up the bulk of local incidents, visible deterrents like security cameras are highly effective. Residents should remain aware that most local crime involves property, making home security a top priority.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wexford County

via HealthByCounty

Wexford trails national health averages

Wexford County's 74.9-year life expectancy falls 0.2 years behind the U.S. average and reflects mid-tier health outcomes for Michigan. One in six residents (17.7%) report being in poor or fair health, slightly below the national average of 18%.

Below Michigan's average life expectancy

At 74.9 years, Wexford's life expectancy trails Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 1.4 years, placing it in the lower-middle tier of county rankings. This gap suggests healthcare access or lifestyle factors that merit attention from local health leaders.

Healthier than Wayne, below Washtenaw

Wexford residents live 2 years longer than Wayne County residents (72.9 years) but 5.6 years fewer than Washtenaw County (80.5 years). The county's 86 primary care providers per 100,000 exceed Wayne's sparse network but fall short of Washtenaw's robust infrastructure.

Uninsured rate edges above state average

Wexford's 6.9% uninsured rate exceeds Michigan's 6.4% average, meaning more than 1 in 14 residents lack coverage for routine healthcare. With 317 mental health providers per 100,000, mental health access lags behind both comparison counties, creating potential care delays.

Secure affordable coverage now

Wexford residents without insurance should check eligibility for Medicaid or marketplace plans—costs may be lower than expected. Visit healthcare.gov or michigan.gov/mdhhs to compare plans and enroll; open enrollment deadlines ensure you don't miss coverage windows.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wexford County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Rural Education Infrastructure

Wexford County supports 7,536 students across 15 public schools and six distinct districts. This rural system includes five elementary and five high schools, offering a concentrated academic network for the community.

Navigating Challenges in Graduation and Funding

The county currently sees a 76.2% graduation rate, which is below the Michigan state average of 82.5%. Per-pupil spending stands at $6,112, reflecting a lower investment level than the state average of $7,394 and the national $13,000 benchmark.

Cadillac Schools Lead the Local Districts

Cadillac Area Public Schools is the dominant traditional district with 3,158 students across six schools. Interestingly, the Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan is the only charter in the county but serves as the largest individual school with 2,308 students.

Rural Settings with Growing School Sizes

Wexford's educational environment is primarily rural, with 11 of its 15 schools located in countryside settings. The average school size of 538 students is influenced by the large virtual academy, though traditional sites like Cadillac Senior High serve 907 students.

Discover a Close-Knit Community for Your Family

Wexford County offers a mix of traditional brick-and-mortar schools and innovative virtual options for local families. Explore homes in districts like Cadillac or Manton to find a community that prioritizes local education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wexford County

via RiskByCounty

Wexford enjoys very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 33.91, Wexford County sits well below Michigan's state average of 49.56 and earns a very low risk classification. This favorable position means residents face substantially less natural disaster exposure than most Michigan communities.

Among Michigan's safest counties

Wexford County's 33.91 composite score places it comfortably in Michigan's lower-risk tier, roughly two-thirds below the state average. The county's geographic and climatic characteristics create a naturally protective environment compared to most other Michigan jurisdictions.

Wexford clearly outperforms regional peers

Wexford's 33.91 risk score is dramatically lower than Washtenaw County's 89.28 and Wayne County's 98.95, making it substantially safer than both neighbors. This significant gap reflects Wexford's relative geographic and climatic advantage in the Michigan natural hazard landscape.

Modest tornado exposure leads locally

Tornado risk of 32.06 represents Wexford's highest hazard score, though it remains below state norms, while flood risk at 45.01 poses secondary concern. Earthquake and hurricane risks score even lower at 16.92 and 13.81 respectively, indicating genuinely limited natural disaster exposure countywide.

Standard coverage meets Wexford needs

Standard homeowners insurance typically covers Wexford's primary risks, though tornado awareness remains prudent given the 32.06 tornado score. A basic emergency kit and community alert subscription provide cost-effective protection for this low-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wexford County

via WeatherByCounty

Deeply Cool Northern Interior Climate

Wexford County averages 44.5°F annually, placing it nearly ten degrees below the national median. This interior northern climate sees 35.2 inches of precipitation and very few extreme heat events.

Below the Michigan State Average

The county's 44.5°F average is lower than the statewide Michigan average of 45.7°F. This reflects its northern position and higher elevation, leading to shorter summers and longer winters.

Notably Cooler Than Southern Michigan

Wexford is significantly cooler than southern counties like Wayne, which is nearly six degrees warmer on average. It experiences only 4 days of extreme heat compared to 15 in the Detroit area.

Cool Summers and Frigid Winters

July averages a comfortable 68.6°F, while January plunges to a cold 19.5°F. While specific annual snowfall data is currently unavailable, the winter average of 22.2°F suggests persistent frozen conditions.

Prepare for Cold-Weather Resilience

Heavy-duty heating and vehicle winterization are essential for the sub-20°F January lows. Residents enjoy mild summers but should plan for limited extreme heat and a very long heating season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wexford County

via SoilByCounty

Unique Glacial History in Wexford

While specific pH and taxonomic data are currently unavailable for Wexford County, the region is defined by its unique glacial geography. Local soil characteristics often vary significantly from the Michigan state average pH of 5.30. Individual site testing is highly recommended to understand the specific chemical makeup of your land.

Varied and Localized Textures

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not part of the current dataset for this county. Without these metrics, we rely on regional observations of varied textures ranging from sandy ridges to loamy pockets. This variability means that one backyard may behave very differently from another just a mile away.

Potential for Northern Fertility

Data for organic matter and available water capacity are limited in this area, making comparisons to the state organic average of 19.76% difficult. Despite the lack of central data, Wexford's agricultural history suggests pockets of productive land suitable for hardy crops. Adding local organic amendments is a reliable way to ensure your soil reaches its full growing potential.

Observe Your Local Water Flow

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not recorded in this dataset for Wexford County. Understanding how your specific plot handles heavy Michigan rainfall is essential for both gardening and construction. We suggest observing water runoff patterns on your property to determine if supplemental drainage is needed.

Resilient Growing in Zone 5b

Wexford County is situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, requiring a focus on cold-hardy varieties and shorter-season crops. Berries, leafy greens, and northern-hardy perennials tend to thrive in this cooler climate. Dig in and explore your local soil to discover what unique possibilities your land holds.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wexford County

via LawnByCounty

Northern Resilience in Wexford County

Wexford County scores a 67.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, proving that northern lawns can still thrive despite a shorter season. This score remains well above the national median, though the 5b hardiness zone presents unique cold-weather challenges.

Cooler Summers and Ample Rain

Lawns here benefit from 35.2 inches of annual precipitation and very few extreme heat days, with only 4 days reaching 90°F. The lower count of 2,137 growing degree days means your mowing frequency will be lower than in the southern part of the state.

Navigating Local Soil Limits

While specific soil texture and pH data are limited for this region, northern Michigan often features more acidic, sandy profiles. We recommend a local soil test to determine if lime is needed to reach the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 pH range.

Mitigating Extended Drought Risks

Wexford endured 18 weeks of drought in the past year, and 62% of the county remains abnormally dry. Prioritize watering the most visible areas of your lawn and allow peripheral zones to enter natural dormancy during peak dry spells.

Short Season Success Strategies

In Zone 5b, you must move quickly; the growing window is tight between the May 19th spring frost and the October 1st fall frost. Choose cold-hardy varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass that can withstand the county's chilly 19.5°F January average.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wexford County's county score?
Wexford County, Michigan has a composite county score of 36.8 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 Wexford County rank among counties in Michigan?
Wexford County ranks #73 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 Wexford County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Wexford County is $1,868, with an effective tax rate of 1.17%. This earns Wexford County a tax score of 27.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wexford County?
The median household income in Wexford County, Michigan is $63,123 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wexford County earns an income score of 48.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wexford County, Michigan a good place to live?
Wexford County scores 36.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Wexford 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 Wexford 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.