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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Keweenaw County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Keweenaw County, MI. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
~26.65 mills (2.665%) county-wide average for 2024, varies by township and district
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Keweenaw County, located on Michigan's scenic Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula, operates under Michigan's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county operations, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Keweenaw County are assessed annually based on the State Equalized Value (SEV), which represents 50% of the property's true cash value, with taxes calculated using a millage rate system where each mill equals $1 per $1,000 of taxable value.

For the 2024 tax year, Keweenaw County had an overall property tax rate of approximately 26.65 mills (2.665%) across all property classes, though this represents a county-wide average. Individual property owners will see variation in their actual tax rates depending on their specific location within the county and the special taxing districts that serve their property, such as school districts, fire departments, library districts, and other local governmental units. The effective tax rate can vary significantly between different areas of the county, making it important for property owners to understand their specific district assignments when calculating their expected property tax liability.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate Rate (Mills)Description
County Operating3.5-5.0General county services, courts, sheriff
School District15.0-22.0Local school operations (varies by district)
Intermediate School District1.0-2.0Regional education services
Township/Municipality2.0-4.0Local government services
Fire Protection1.0-3.0Fire department services (if applicable)
Library District0.5-1.5Public library services (where applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariableRoad improvements, drainage, etc.

Note: These rates apply to the 2024 levy year and are approximate ranges. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Keweenaw County based on which taxing jurisdictions serve each property. The 2025 levy year rates have not yet been finalized. Property owners should verify their specific millage rates through the Keweenaw County Assessor's office or their tax bill, as special districts and voter-approved millages create substantial variation throughout the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Keweenaw County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental property taxes in Keweenaw County are additional tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year, most commonly triggered by new construction, major improvements, or changes in property ownership that affect exemption status. These supplemental taxes are calculated on the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 addition to their home in July, and the county's total millage rate is 26.65 mills, the supplemental tax would be calculated as follows: the addition increases the taxable value by approximately $50,000 (50% assessment ratio), multiplied by 0.02665 (26.65 mills), equals $1,332.50 in additional annual taxes. Since the improvement was completed in July with 6 months remaining in the tax year, the supplemental tax bill would be $666.25 (50% of the annual increase). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued separately from regular tax bills and have their own due dates, usually 30 days from the date of mailing.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (50% of market): $150,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$18,000 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $132,000
  • Annual Tax (26.65 mills): $132,000 × 0.02665 = $3,517.80
  • Monthly Escrow: $293.15

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (50% of market): $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$18,000 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Annual Tax (26.65 mills): $282,000 × 0.02665 = $7,515.30
  • Monthly Escrow: $626.28

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (50% of market): $500,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$18,000 (if eligible and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $482,000
  • Annual Tax (26.65 mills): $482,000 × 0.02665 = $12,845.30
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,070.44

Note: These examples use the 2024 county average millage rate and assume eligibility for the Principal Residence Exemption (homestead exemption), which requires a separate application and reduces the school operating millage portion of taxes. Actual rates vary by specific location and taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Keweenaw County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though many homeowners choose to escrow even when not required for convenience. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of the estimated annual property tax bill, plus insurance premiums, and maintain these funds in a separate account. The servicer pays property taxes directly to Keweenaw County when bills are due, typically in summer and winter installments.

Property taxes in Michigan are generally due in two installments: summer taxes (school and some local millages) due by September 1st, and winter taxes (remaining millages) due by February 14th of the following year. Lenders typically pay these bills approximately 10-15 days before the due date to ensure timely payment. Homeowners should verify their escrow account annually when they receive their escrow analysis statement, as property tax increases, assessment changes, or exemption modifications can create escrow shortages or surpluses that require payment adjustments.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Keweenaw County for the 2024-2025 fiscal year? A: Summer taxes are typically due September 1, 2024, and winter taxes are due February 14, 2025. Check with your local treasurer for exact dates as they may vary by township.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The Principal Residence Exemption is the primary tax credit, which removes the 18-mill school operating tax for primary residences and must be applied for through the local assessor. Veterans' exemptions, senior citizen exemptions, and disability exemptions are also available but require separate applications and qualification verification.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The Principal Residence Exemption (homestead credit) doesn't reduce assessed value but eliminates the school operating millage (typically 18 mills) and caps annual assessment increases to 5% or inflation (whichever is less) while you own and occupy the home. You must file Form 2368 with your local assessor.

Q: When are properties assessed and how do I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually with notices mailed by March 1st. You can appeal to the local Board of Review in March, then to the Michigan Tax Tribunal if unsatisfied. Appeals must be filed by specific deadlines - contact your assessor immediately if you disagree with your assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest begins accruing on unpaid taxes after the due date, typically at 1% per month. Properties with delinquent taxes may face tax foreclosure proceedings if taxes remain unpaid for extended periods.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Many townships in Keweenaw County offer online payment options through their websites or the county treasurer. Contact your local treasurer to confirm available payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Properties may be subject to additional millages from fire departments, library districts, road commissions, or special assessment districts for improvements like street lights or sidewalks. These vary significantly by location within the county.

Q: How do I verify my exemptions are properly applied? A: Review your annual tax bill for listed exemptions and contact your local assessor if any appear missing. Most exemptions must be renewed annually or when property ownership changes, so maintain current applications with the assessor's office.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
2025 Ad Valorem Property Tax Reportmichigan.gov
02
Tax Doc
2024 Total Property Tax Rates in Michiganmichigan.gov
03
Tax Doc
Form 614/L-4029 Tax Rate Requestsmichigan.gov
04
County
Houghton Countyhoughtoncounty.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Forfeiture and Foreclosuremichigan.gov
06
Frequently Asked Questionsmichigan.gov
07
2022 Total Ratesmichigan.gov
08
2008 Michigan 1040CR-7 - Home Heating Credit Claimwatertownmi.gov
09
Michiganirs.gov
10
fy 2019-20 general government budget sb 138 (s-1) cr- ...legislature.mich.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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