Emmet County
MI · Pop. 34,159 · Suburban County
Emmet County is a suburban county in Michigan, spanning 468 square miles with 34,159 residents at a density of 73 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $275,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.91%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 142-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.5°F and average winter lows of 15.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 30.1 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Mclaren Northern Michigan is 15 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 89% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.91% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A low poverty rate of 9.3% signals a relatively stable local economy.
- A median household income of $73,724 anchors the local economy.
Cons
- A 142-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Emmet County, MI is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 58/100
- Median home price
- $275k
- Property tax
- 0.91%
- Growing season
- 142 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 30.1"
- Broadband
- 89%
- Nearest hospital
- Mclaren Northern Michigan, 15 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Emmet County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Emmet County?
- Emmet County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 142-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.5°F, and average winter lows of 15.6°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $275,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.91%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 89% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Mclaren Northern Michigan is 15 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Michigan Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Michigan
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The closest counties to Emmet 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.
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