Charlevoix County Public RecordsMichigan

As of 2023, Charlevoix County, Michigan, has a population of approximately 26,100. The median age is 48.2 years, with 21% under 18 and 24% over 65. Females comprise 50.6% of the population, males 49.4%. Racially, the county is 94% White, 2.3% Native American, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. The area remains predominantly non-Hispanic White, with modest diversity among other groups.

Charlevoix County, MI, had 20,789 registered voters for the 2020 general election, with a turnout of 16,980 (about 81.7%). The county conducts local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections. In 2020, Donald Trump received 58.5% of votes, while Joe Biden got 39.6%. The county has 18 polling locations across its townships and cities. Major issues include road funding and local millages. Election administration is overseen by the County Clerk’s office, with active participation by both Republican and Democratic parties in local governance and election activities.

Charlevoix County, MI, hosts around 15 public schools, including 4 high schools like Charlevoix High and Boyne City High. About 92.4% of adults have a high school diploma, while 29.8% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (U.S. Census, 2022). Average public school test scores are near the Michigan state average. The region offers adult education through Northwest Michigan Works! and career tech programs. School safety measures meet state standards, and some districts report below-average incidents. Schools provide diverse extracurriculars, AP, and vocational courses to enhance student achievement and pathways.

Charlevoix County, MI had an unemployment rate of approximately 5.3% in early 2024. Leading employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance (16%), manufacturing (15%), retail trade (13%), and accommodation and food services (12%). About 24% of workers have management, business, science, and arts occupations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, with over 82% of residents driving alone to work. Significant employment locations are Charlevoix, Boyne City, and East Jordan, though over 21% of workers commute outside the county for jobs, mostly to Emmet and Otsego counties.

Charlevoix County, MI, has a homeownership rate of about 78%, with median home values around $255,000 in 2023. Rental vacancy is near 12%, and median gross rent is roughly $950 per month. Housing types range from historic Victorian homes to modern lakefront properties, especially in towns like Charlevoix and Boyne City. Neighborhoods along Lake Charlevoix and in Petoskey are particularly sought after. Property values have risen about 7% year-over-year. Property tax rates average 1.4%, lower than the national average, making the area appealing for both families and retirees seeking scenic, community-oriented living.

Charlevoix County, MI maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 280 total crimes, including 22 violent crimes (rate of 1.4 per 1,000 residents) and 258 property crimes (rate of 16.7 per 1,000 residents). The sheriff’s office provides regular updates and encourages community reporting. With effective law enforcement and active neighborhood watch programs, Charlevoix ranks among Michigan’s safer counties, experiencing less than half the U.S. average crime rate.