Charlevoix
Michigan

What stands out

If you had to describe Charlevoix County in numbers, start here: natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 3% of American counties (3 of 100), high-school completion is in the top 8% of American counties (95%), and the average temperature is in the bottom 10% of American counties (45°F). Within Michigan it ranks 11th of 83 counties for natural-hazard risk, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Charlevoix County, Michigan. 26,174 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +125).

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 $69,764 a year, higher than 73% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $57,950. Unemployment runs 4.7%, higher than 85% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,965 a year.

Home

The median home costs $412K, pricier than 87% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $874 a month. Property tax is 1.02% of home value, roughly $2,251 a year on that median home, higher than 62% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.3 per 1,000 residents, lower than 79% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.4 years, longer than 79% of American counties. There are 53 active physicians in the county, about 20.2 per 10,000 people. 6.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.11 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 59% of American counties. 95% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 17 points. 81% 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 45°F, highs near 55 and lows near 36, colder than 90% of American counties. About 39 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 8 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 209 Mbps down, faster than 55% of American counties. There are 7 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 6 museums.