Mackinac
Michigan

What stands out

Against every county in America, Mackinac County is unusual in three ways: unemployment is among the highest in America (9.1%), natural-hazard risk is among the safest in America (1 of 100), and the restaurant count per person is among the most in America (2.9 per 1,000). Within Michigan it ranks 1st of 83 counties for unemployment.

Where you are

You live in Mackinac County, Michigan. 10,843 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.0% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -53).

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 $60,620 a year, higher than 50% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,728. Unemployment runs 9.1%, higher than almost every county in America. 9% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 19 minutes each way.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,576 a year.

Home

The median home costs $229K, cheaper than 52% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $877 a month. Property tax is 1.06% of home value, roughly $1,671 a year on that median home, higher than 64% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 59% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 11 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.7 years, longer than 73% of American counties. There are 14 active physicians in the county, about 12.9 per 10,000 people. 9.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.82 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 82% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 24 points. 79% 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 42°F, highs near 51 and lows near 33, colder than 96% of American counties. About 36 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 1 out of 100, safer than almost every county in America; the county has had 7 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 175 Mbps down, slower than 60% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 2.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery, 5 museums.