Leelanau County
MI · Pop. 22,607 · Suburban County
Leelanau County is a suburban county in Michigan, spanning 347 square miles with 22,607 residents at a density of 65.1 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, corn, haylage. The median home price is $407,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.7%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 140-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.5°F and average winter lows of 18.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 32.3 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Munson Medical Center is 33.3 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 92.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.7% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Broadband reaches 92.2% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- A low poverty rate of 7.1% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- A 140-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- A median home price of $407,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- The nearest hospital, Munson Medical Center, is 33.3 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Leelanau County, MI is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 47/100
- Median home price
- $407k
- Property tax
- 0.7%
- Growing season
- 140 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 32.3"
- Broadband
- 92.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Munson Medical Center, 33.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Leelanau County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Leelanau County?
- Leelanau County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 140-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.5°F, and average winter lows of 18.5°F. The established crops are hay, corn, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $407,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.7%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 92.2% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Munson Medical Center is 33.3 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Michigan Resources
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LandWatch
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More counties in Michigan
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The closest counties to Leelanau 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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