IncomeBy County

Oscoda County, Michigan

Income Data

-21% vs. Michigan average
$50,581
Median Household Income
$27,858
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$50,581
-21% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,858
-29% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
40.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in Michigan
#78 / 83
by median household income

How Oscoda County Compares

Oscoda County$50,581
Michigan Average$64,304
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$50,581
Median Household Income
$27,858
Per Capita Income
$126,000
Median Home Value
40.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Oscoda County, Michigan

Oscoda's income falls short nationally

Oscoda County's median household income of $50,581 lags the national median of $74,755 by $24,174, placing it firmly in the bottom quartile of U.S. counties. This significant gap reflects limited economic diversity and reliance on declining industries typical of rural northern Michigan. Oscoda households earn roughly 68% of what typical American families make.

Oscoda ranks among Michigan's lowest

At $50,581, Oscoda's median household income ranks among Michigan's poorest-performing counties, nearly $13,800 below the state median of $64,304. Per capita income of $27,858 severely trails the state average of $35,451 by about 21%, suggesting high poverty concentration. Both metrics point to persistent employment and wage challenges in the county.

Oscoda is the lowest earner regionally

Oscoda County's $50,581 income represents the bottom of its regional peer group, trailing even Ontonagon ($51,844) and Ogemaw ($51,983). The county sits more than $16,000 below Osceola ($57,050) and nearly $40,000 below Ottawa ($87,144), underscoring severe regional income inequality. This disparity suggests limited access to higher-wage sectors like technology or healthcare.

Tight margins despite low housing costs

Oscoda's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% is healthy, and median home values of $126,000 are affordable, providing some relief on housing costs. However, the overall income level leaves households vulnerable to unexpected expenses and limits savings potential. Residents must prioritize essential spending and avoid debt to maintain stability.

Start small, build big over decades

Despite tight budgets, Oscoda residents can build wealth by automating even small monthly savings—$50 or $100 invested consistently in low-cost funds compounds powerfully over 20+ years. Prioritize employer retirement match programs if available, and explore free financial literacy resources from nonprofits or libraries. Small disciplined actions create meaningful financial security over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Oscoda County, Michigan?
The median household income in Oscoda County, Michigan is $50,581, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Oscoda County?
The per capita income in Oscoda County is $27,858, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $50,581.
How does Oscoda County compare to the Michigan average?
Oscoda County's median household income of $50,581 is lower than the Michigan state average of $64,304. The per capita income is $27,858, compared to the state average of $35,451.
What is the per capita income in Oscoda County, Michigan?
The per capita income in Oscoda County, Michigan is $27,858, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Oscoda County a low-income area in Michigan?
Oscoda County's median household income of $50,581 is below the Michigan average of $64,304. The per capita income of $27,858 is also lower than the state average of $35,451. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Oscoda County rank for income in Michigan?
Oscoda County ranks #78 out of 83 counties in Michigan by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $50,581 and per capita income of $27,858, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Oscoda County

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Your income is above the Oscoda County median

County median: $50,581 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-21%

vs. National Median

-32%

vs. Oscoda County MedianAbout equal
vs. Michigan Average▼ 21% below
vs. National Median▼ 32% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.2x

Your monthly income ($4,215) vs. median rent ($675/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$50,576
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$50,545
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Greenwood County
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$50,635
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Russell County
Kentucky
$50,520
+0%
Tyler County
Texas
$50,647
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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