Benzie
Michigan

What stands out

If you had to describe Benzie County in numbers, start here: homeownership is among the highest in America (88%), natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 3% of American counties (3 of 100), and unemployment is in the top 8% of American counties (5.3%). Within Michigan it ranks 6th of 83 counties for homeownership.

Where you are

You live in Benzie County, Michigan. 18,058 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +196).

Michigan has a flat income tax just over 4% and has never taxed Social Security. It restored a broad exemption for pension and retirement income in 2023, phasing in over four years. Home prices are below the national average nearly everywhere except the lakeshore counties and the Ann Arbor area. Detroit's population is growing again for the first time since the 1950s.

Money

The typical household here brings in $71,327 a year, higher than 77% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $45,619. Unemployment runs 5.3%, higher than 92% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,031 a year.

Home

The median home costs $412K, pricier than 87% of American counties, about 2.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $957 a month. Property tax is 0.84% of home value, roughly $2,053 a year on that median home, lower than 52% of American counties. 88% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.4 per 1,000 residents, lower than 76% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 10 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.6 years, longer than 71% of American counties. There are 29 active physicians in the county, about 16.1 per 10,000 people. 6.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 9 points. 85% of eligible voters turned out. Under Michigan law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 46°F, highs near 55 and lows near 37, colder than 88% of American counties. About 34 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 3 out of 100, safer than 97% of American counties; the county has had 6 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 164 Mbps down, slower than 65% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 5 museums.