10 Counties with the Lowest Property Tax Rates in Michigan
If you are comparing property taxes across Michigan, these 10 counties have the lowest effective rates in the state. The lowest-rate county, Leelanau County, comes in at 0.70% — 0.58% lower than the Michigan average (1.28%). The statewide effective rate is 1.28%.
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| # | County | Effective Rate | Median Tax | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leelanau County | 0.70% | $2,856 | $406,900 |
| 2 | Benzie County | 0.83% | $2,119 | $254,400 |
| 3 | Alcona County | 0.84% | $1,322 | $157,500 |
| 4 | Kalkaska County | 0.89% | $1,545 | $174,300 |
| 5 | Otsego County | 0.89% | $1,751 | $196,500 |
| 6 | Emmet County | 0.91% | $2,492 | $275,300 |
| 7 | Antrim County | 0.91% | $2,033 | $222,500 |
| 8 | Sanilac County | 0.92% | $1,488 | $162,200 |
| 9 | Montmorency County | 0.92% | $1,309 | $142,000 |
| 10 | Cheboygan County | 0.93% | $1,625 | $175,200 |
How this ranking is calculated
The effective property tax rate is the median annual property tax paid divided by the median home value in each county, expressed as a percentage. It is the most practical way to compare property tax burden between counties because it neutralizes differences in home values.
Counties with the lowest rates in Michigan often share a few characteristics: higher home values that compress the percentage even when dollar taxes are high.
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