Baraga County
MI · Pop. 8,249 · Rural County
Baraga County, Michigan covers 898 square miles with a population of 8,249 and a density of 9.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, corn, oats. The median home price is $124,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.34%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 102-day growing season, average summer highs of 74°F and average winter lows of 5.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 37.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Baraga County Memorial Hospital is 3.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 75% of homes.
Pros
- A median home price of $124,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Baraga County Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 3.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 9.2 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- A 102-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.34% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Broadband reaches only 75% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- Average winter lows of 5.5°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Baraga County, MI is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 72/100
- Median home price
- $124k
- Property tax
- 1.34%
- Growing season
- 102 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 37.2"
- Broadband
- 75%
- Nearest hospital
- Baraga County Memorial Hospital, 3.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Baraga County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Baraga County?
- Baraga County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 102-day growing season, average summer highs of 74°F, and average winter lows of 5.5°F. The established crops are hay, corn, oats.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $124,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.34%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 75% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Baraga County Memorial Hospital is 3.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Michigan Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Michigan
All Michigan countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Baraga County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.