Leelanau
Michigan

What stands out

Against every county in America, Leelanau County is unusual in three ways: homeownership is among the highest in America (90%), high-school completion is in the top 2% of American counties (96%), and the median home price is in the top 3% of American counties ($650K). Within Michigan it ranks 2nd of 83 counties for homeownership.

Where you are

You live in Leelanau County, Michigan. 22,426 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +232).

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 $82,345 a year, higher than 89% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,322. Unemployment runs 4.3%, higher than 76% of American counties. 15% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 21 minutes each way.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,500 a year.

Home

The median home costs $650K, pricier than 97% of American counties, about 3.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,163 a month. Property tax is 0.71% of home value, roughly $2,636 a year on that median home, lower than 64% of American counties. 90% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.0 per 1,000 residents, lower than 93% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 10 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 81.7 years, longer than 97% of American counties. There are 39 active physicians in the county, about 17.4 per 10,000 people. 5.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.91 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 72% of American counties. 96% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 6 points. 94% 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 54 and lows near 38, colder than 88% of American counties. About 35 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 4 out of 100, safer than 96% of American counties; the county has had 5 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 219 Mbps down, faster than 59% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries, 8 museums, 1 National Park Service site.