Benzie County
MI · Pop. 18,177 · Suburban County
Benzie County, Michigan covers 320 square miles with a population of 18,177 and a density of 56.8 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on corn, hay, haylage. The median home price is $254,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.83%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 167-day growing season, average summer highs of 75°F and average winter lows of 20.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 35 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital is 0.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 87.3% of homes.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.83% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 0.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low poverty rate of 10.2% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Benzie County, MI is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 86/100
- Median home price
- $254k
- Property tax
- 0.83%
- Growing season
- 167 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 35"
- Broadband
- 87.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital, 0.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Benzie County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Benzie County?
- Benzie County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 167-day growing season, average summer highs of 75°F, and average winter lows of 20.1°F. The established crops are corn, hay, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $254,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.83%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 87.3% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital is 0.5 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 Benzie 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.