Kalkaska
Michigan

What stands out

Against every county in America, Kalkaska County is unusual in three ways: homeownership is in the top 2% of American counties (86%), unemployment is in the top 4% of American counties (6.0%), and the average temperature is in the bottom 8% of American counties (45°F). Within Michigan it ranks 10th of 83 counties for homeownership.

Where you are

You live in Kalkaska County, Michigan. 17,934 people live here with you. The population grew 1.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +294).

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 $56,380 a year, lower than 63% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $60,400. Unemployment runs 6.0%, higher than 96% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,396 a year.

Home

The median home costs $229K, cheaper than 52% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $781 a month. Property tax is 0.97% of home value, roughly $1,486 a year on that median home, higher than 58% of American counties. 86% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 64% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.4 years, shorter than 56% of American counties. There are 11 active physicians in the county, about 6.1 per 10,000 people. 7.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.66 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 83% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 41 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 76% 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 34, colder than 92% of American counties. About 32 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 9 out of 100, safer than 91% of American counties; the county has had 7 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 119 Mbps down, slower than 82% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.