Barry County Public RecordsMichigan

Barry County, MI, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to FBI data, the county reported a violent crime rate of 140 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2022, below Michigan’s average of 478. Property crime was also low, at 900 incidents per 100,000, compared to the state average of 1,560. The Barry County Sheriff’s Office regularly updates crime statistics and encourages community reporting, contributing to a strong sense of safety. Overall, Barry County is considered safer than 70% of U.S. counties based on recent data.

Barry County, MI, has 14 public schools, including 5 high schools, with a graduation rate of 91%. Approximately 21% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average standardized test scores for K–12 students hover around the state average (SAT: 980). The county emphasizes school safety, with robust security protocols in place and a low incident rate (<2/1,000 students). Adult education and vocational programs are offered through Kellogg Community College. Notable educational initiatives include STEM and agricultural programs, fostering strong community-school partnerships.

As of 2022, Barry County, MI, had an employment rate of approximately 62.5%. Major industries include manufacturing (18%), health care and social assistance (15%), and retail trade (12%). The leading occupation types are production (11%), office and administrative support (11%), and management (10%). About 80% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 27 minutes. Nearly 52% of employed residents work outside Barry County, primarily commuting to Kent, Kalamazoo, and Eaton counties.

Barry County, MI, has a homeownership rate of approximately 84%, higher than the national average. Median home values are around $237,000, with property values rising about 7% in the past year. Monthly median rent is roughly $1,100. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes. Popular neighborhoods include Hastings, Middleville, and Delton. Property tax rates average 1.47% of assessed home value. The county offers a mix of rural and small-town living, with new development mainly near major roads and lakes.

Barry County, MI had approximately 47,000 registered voters as of 2024. Residents participate in primary, general, and local elections, with recent turnout exceeding 60% in presidential elections. In 2020, the county favored the Republican candidate with 67% of votes. Polling locations number over 20 across its townships and cities. Election administration is overseen by the County Clerk’s office. Key issues include infrastructure, education, and rural development. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active, although the GOP dominates local offices. Voter registration can be completed online, by mail, or at the clerk’s office.

As of the 2020 Census, Barry County, MI had a population of 62,423. The median age was 43 years. The gender distribution was about 50.1% male and 49.9% female. Racially, the county was 93.6% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.5% Native American, and 2.3% identifying as two or more races; 3.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino.