Arenac County, Michigan
7 ZIP codes · Avg score 76/100 · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-03
In current tracking cycles, Arenac County — spanning 7 ZIP codes — records above-average water quality outcomes; the county's compliance history over recent years shows few departures from federal standards.
How Arenac County Compares
How Arenac County Compares
Arenac County scores 2 points above the Michigan state average (74/100) and 8 points above the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Arenac County, Michigan
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 16.2 (asthma 11.7%, diabetes 14.8%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,146, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.389% avg pipe failure probability, 14% of ZIPs at high risk
67.3% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,146
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
11,427 housing units in Arenac County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Arenac County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Arenac County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Arenac County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Arenac County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | City of Standish, | 1,509 | 12 |
| 2 | Northern Pines | 13 | 12 |
| 3 | City of Omer, | 279 | 4 |
| 4 | City of Au Gres, | 945 | 1 |
| 5 | SIMS-WHITNEY UTILITIES AUTH. | 5,815 | 1 |
7 total water systems serve Arenac County.
All ZIP Codes in Arenac County
7 ZIP codes tracked in Arenac County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 48703 | Au Gres | 90 | A | 1 | $159K |
| 2 | 48749 | Omer | 83 | B | 4 | $117K |
| 3 | 48658 | Standish | 81 | B | 12 (1 health) | $112K |
| 4 | 48756 | Prescott | 73 | B | 0 | $85K |
| 5 | 48765 | Turner | 73 | B | 0 | $143K |
| 6 | 48766 | Twining | 66 | C | 0 | $94K |
| 7 | 48659 | Sterling | 65 | C | 0 | $119K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Arenac County
Where county records show a lead exceedance or pre-1978 housing concentration, lead-specific filters and test kits move toward the top of the list.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 67.3% of homes built before 1978
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Arenac County, Michigan
Overview
Arenac County in Michigan covers 7 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of B (76/100).
3 of 7 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation have been documented.
← Back to Michigan water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.