Lake County, Michigan
5 ZIP codes · Avg score 72/100 · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-03
Recent water monitoring in Lake County shows 5 ZIP codes with consistently safe results.
How Lake County Compares
How Lake County Compares
Lake County scores 2 points below the Michigan state average (74/100) and 4 points above the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Lake County, Michigan
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 16.6 (asthma 11.6%, diabetes 15.7%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $880, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.34% avg pipe failure probability
60% 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: $880
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
13,527 housing units in Lake 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 Lake County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Lake 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 Lake County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
All ZIP Codes in Lake County
5 ZIP codes tracked in Lake County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 49304 | Baldwin | 90 | A | 1 | $111K |
| 2 | 49402 | Branch | 73 | B | 0 | $162K |
| 3 | 49309 | Bitely | 66 | C | 0 | $125K |
| 4 | 49642 | Idlewild | 66 | C | 0 | $110K |
| 5 | 49644 | Irons | 66 | C | 0 | $178K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Lake County
Strictly editorial — no paid placements influence which guides appear; the selection draws on NSF certifications and EPA detection records for water systems serving this county.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 60% 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 Lake County, Michigan
Overview
Lake County in Michigan covers 5 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of B (72/100).
1 of 5 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
← 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.