Benzie County Public RecordsMichigan

Benzie County, Michigan, has 7 public schools, including Benzie Central and Frankfort High Schools. The county’s high school graduation rate is about 89%, while 22% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average standardized test scores are near the state average. Schools offer programs in STEM, arts, and vocational education. Adult education is available through Northwest Education Services. School safety initiatives include security drills and resource officers. Overall, the county prioritizes well-rounded educational opportunities and maintains a safe learning environment.

As of 2023, Benzie County, MI has an employment rate of approximately 57%, with the largest industries being Health Care & Social Assistance (17%), Accommodation & Food Services (15%), and Retail Trade (13%). The most common occupations include Office & Administrative Support (12%) and Food Preparation & Serving (11%). About 75% of workers commute by car, with a mean travel time of 26 minutes; around 37% of residents commute outside the county for work, primarily to Grand Traverse and Manistee counties.

Benzie County, MI, has a homeownership rate of around 82%, with a median home value of approximately $243,000 in 2023, reflecting a steady increase over the past five years. Median gross rent is about $860 per month. Housing types range from single-family homes and lakefront cottages to seasonal cabins. Popular neighborhoods include Beulah, Frankfort, and Lake Ann. Property taxes average 1.43% of home value. The market trends upward due to demand for vacation and retirement homes, while new construction remains limited, keeping inventory relatively low.

As of the 2020 Census, Benzie County, MI, had a population of approximately 17,970. The median age is 52.1 years, reflecting an older demographic. Females make up about 50.7% of residents, males 49.3%. Racially, the county is predominantly White (93.5%), with smaller populations of two or more races (3.2%), Native American (0.9%), African American (0.4%), and Asian (0.4%). Hispanic or Latino residents comprise about 2.6% of the total population.

Benzie County, MI, had approximately 14,000 registered voters for the 2020 general election. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, including township and school board races. In 2020, Donald Trump received 58.2% of the county vote, while Joe Biden received 39.9%. The county has 11 polling locations. Issues often include local school funding and environmental concerns. Registered Republicans outnumber Democrats, reflecting a conservative trend. Elections are administered by the Benzie County Clerk’s Office, ensuring compliance with state law and voter accessibility. Third-party and independent candidates receive modest but notable support.

Benzie County, MI, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the overall crime rate was approximately 7.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, with property crimes (5.6 per 1,000) outnumbering violent crimes (1.9 per 1,000). Law enforcement reports indicate a downward trend in burglaries and thefts. The Benzie County Sheriff’s Office actively encourages community reporting, which contributes to prompt incident response and public safety.