Montmorency County
MI · Pop. 9,372 · Rural County
Montmorency County is a rural county in Michigan, spanning 547 square miles with 9,372 residents at a density of 17.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, soybeans, corn. The median home price is $142,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.92%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 133-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.3°F and average winter lows of 9.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 31.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital is 26.6 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 66.4% of homes. On the hazard side, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.92% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $142,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- At 17.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- A 133-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Broadband reaches only 66.4% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital, is 26.6 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Average winter lows of 9.3°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Montmorency County, MI is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 44/100
- Median home price
- $142k
- Property tax
- 0.92%
- Growing season
- 133 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 31.5"
- Broadband
- 66.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital, 26.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Montmorency County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Montmorency County?
- Montmorency County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 133-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.3°F, and average winter lows of 9.3°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $142,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.92%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 66.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital is 26.6 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Michigan Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in Michigan
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The closest counties to Montmorency 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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