Otsego
Michigan

What stands out

If you had to describe Otsego County in numbers, start here: unemployment is in the top 7% of American counties (5.4%), the average temperature is in the bottom 7% of American counties (44°F), and winter sunshine is in the bottom 8% of American counties (-1.2 on the USDA scale). Within Michigan it ranks 33rd of 83 counties for unemployment.

Where you are

You live in Otsego County, Michigan. 25,221 people live here with you. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +279).

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 $62,865 a year, higher than 57% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $53,154. Unemployment runs 5.4%, higher than 93% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 18 minutes each way.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,672 a year.

Home

The median home costs $259K, pricier than 59% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $915 a month. Property tax is 0.95% of home value, roughly $1,693 a year on that median home, higher than 56% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 65% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 10 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.6 years, longer than 60% of American counties. There are 49 active physicians in the county, about 19.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 6.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.88 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 75% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 34 points. 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 44°F, highs near 54 and lows near 34, colder than 93% of American counties. About 31 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 18 out of 100, safer than 82% of American counties; the county has had 7 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 189 Mbps down, slower than 55% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.2 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.