Luce
Michigan

What stands out

If you had to describe Luce County in numbers, start here: natural-hazard risk is among the safest in America (0 of 100), the average temperature is in the bottom 2% of American counties (41°F), and unemployment is in the top 3% of American counties (6.2%). Within Michigan it ranks 2nd of 83 counties for natural-hazard risk, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Luce County, Michigan. 5,442 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 2.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +186).

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 $51,015 a year, lower than 77% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,825. Unemployment runs 6.2%, higher than 97% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,168 a year.

Home

The median home costs $136K, cheaper than 89% of American counties, about 1.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $800 a month. Property tax is 1.00% of home value, roughly $1,048 a year on that median home, higher than 60% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 55% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 75.6 years, shorter than 53% of American counties. There are 9 active physicians in the county, about 16.5 per 10,000 people. 5.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.41 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 97% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 45 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 58% 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 41°F, highs near 50 and lows near 32, colder than 98% of American counties. About 38 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 0 out of 100, safer than almost every county in America; the county has had 5 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 184 Mbps down, slower than 57% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.