Otsego County, Michigan Property Taxes
Median Otsego County effective property tax rate: 0.90%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Otsego County home value: $166,800
Median annual Otsego County tax bill: $1,490, $910 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Otsego County calculated?
Property taxes in Otsego County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Gaylord or another part of Otsego County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Otsego County, Michigan Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
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Median Effective Tax Rate
0.9%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,501
$1,393
Property Tax Rates Across Otsego County, Michigan
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and laws are involved in setting tax rates and budgets, this is the annual process in a nutshell.
Below, you can compare Otsego County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Michigan or the U.S. median property tax rate. Otsego County boasts a median property tax rate that is below the national median. This means homeowners in Otsego County generally pay less compared to the national average. However, within Michigan, property tax rates can vary significantly, with some areas like Grayling having higher rates, while others, such as Gaylord, enjoy the lowest rates in the region. This variation highlights the importance of understanding local tax rates and how they can impact property owners differently. Property owners in Otsego County can benefit from appealing their property taxes to ensure they are not overpaying compared to their property's assessed value.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Otsego County Tax Rate
0.90%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Michigan Tax Rate
1.07%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Otsego County, Michigan
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmira | 0.64% | 0.74% | 0.88% | 1.30% | 1.62% |
| Frederic | 0.62% | 0.70% | 1.05% | 1.39% | 1.66% |
| Gaylord | 0.52% | 0.66% | 0.86% | 1.34% | 1.70% |
| Grayling | 0.61% | 0.66% | 1.18% | 1.25% | 1.59% |
| Johannesburg | 0.67% | 0.77% | 1.09% | 1.43% | 1.76% |
| Lewiston | 0.68% | 0.83% | 1.09% | 1.45% | 1.84% |
| Vanderbilt | 0.58% | 0.65% | 0.88% | 1.22% | 1.69% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Otsego County, Michigan
When examining property taxes in Otsego County, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial.
The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Otsego County Equalization Department estimates the market value for tax purposes.
The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
Assessment notices:
In Otsego County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March.
Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Otsego County.
For example, the median tax bill in Otsego County is $2,203, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Lewiston has the highest median home price at $198,200.
Median Otsego County Market Value
$166,800
Median Michigan Market Value
$177,800
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Otsego County, Michigan
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmira | $81,620 | $130,700 | $183,500 | $259,650 | $336,500 |
| Frederic | $49,000 | $105,800 | $151,600 | $251,300 | $356,960 |
| Gaylord | $51,800 | $115,200 | $175,000 | $255,000 | $367,600 |
| Grayling | $25,100 | $58,700 | $77,300 | $93,000 | $134,500 |
| Johannesburg | $31,740 | $78,950 | $144,200 | $217,450 | $312,780 |
| Lewiston | $80,880 | $126,400 | $198,200 | $316,800 | $425,280 |
| Vanderbilt | $32,480 | $69,400 | $125,000 | $193,200 | $290,080 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Otsego County, Michigan
In Otsego County, MI, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is typically a percentage of its market value. With a median home price of $166,800, homeowners in Otsego County can expect their property tax bills to vary significantly. The tax bill at the 25th percentile is $900, while at the 75th percentile, it rises to $2,337, and at the 90th percentile, it reaches $3,520. These figures illustrate the range of property tax obligations homeowners might face, depending on their property's assessed value and applicable tax rates.
The tax burden in Otsego County can be contrasted with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. For instance, in Lewiston, the highest median tax bill is $2,203, whereas Grayling has the lowest at $630. This variance in tax bills can impact homeowners' financial planning and housing affordability. Understanding these factors is crucial for homeowners looking to manage their expenses effectively and make informed decisions about buying or maintaining property in Otsego County.
Median Otsego County Tax Bill
$1,490
Median Michigan Tax Bill
$1,795
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Otsego County, Michigan
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmira | $716 | $1,184 | $1,737 | $2,478 | $3,520 |
| Frederic | $525 | $952 | $1,468 | $2,607 | $3,975 |
| Gaylord | $499 | $953 | $1,542 | $2,377 | $3,550 |
| Grayling | $360 | $466 | $630 | $849 | $1,235 |
| Johannesburg | $387 | $810 | $1,410 | $2,268 | $3,541 |
| Lewiston | $893 | $1,264 | $2,203 | $3,505 | $4,544 |
| Vanderbilt | $329 | $611 | $1,033 | $1,724 | $2,751 |
Source: Ownwell