Clare County Public RecordsMichigan

Clare County, MI, has about 13 public schools, with Clare High School among the prominent ones. Around 84% of residents have a high school diploma, while roughly 11% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school rating is 5/10 (GreatSchools). Adult education programs are offered through Clare-Gladwin RESD. School safety measures include resource officers and anti-bullying initiatives. Educational programs cover CTE, STEM, and special needs support, ensuring diverse learning opportunities for students.

As of 2023, Clare County, MI, had an employment rate of approximately 53.2%. The largest industries are health care and social assistance (17%), retail trade (14%), and manufacturing (13%). Major occupation types include office and administrative support (14%), sales (11%), and production (10%). Over 78% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 27 minutes; about 30% are employed outside Clare County, mainly traveling to Midland and Isabella counties.

Clare County, MI features a homeownership rate of about 80%, with median home values around $125,000 as of 2023. The rental vacancy rate is high, and median rents hover near $800 per month. Housing stock mostly comprises single-family homes and mobile homes, with pockets of seasonal cottages near lakes. Popular neighborhoods include Clare city and Farwell. Property values have risen modestly by 5-7% year-over-year. Property taxes average 1.4% of assessed value. The area remains affordable compared to state averages, attracting retirees and families seeking a small-town atmosphere.

As of the 2020 Census, Clare County, MI, had a population of 30,856. The median age was 46.7 years, with 21.1% under 18 and 23.7% aged 65 or older. Females comprised 50.7% and males 49.3% of the population. The county is predominantly White (93.4%), followed by Native American (1.8%), Black or African American (0.9%), and Hispanic or Latino (2.4%). Other races and multiracial individuals made up the remainder.

Clare County, MI, has a crime rate of 22.74 per 1,000 residents, with violent crimes at 2.21 and property crimes at 20.53 (data via NeighborhoodScout, 2023). The area’s crime rate is higher than 75% of Michigan counties, with theft and burglary being the most reported. Local law enforcement and the Clare County Sheriff’s Office actively encourage community involvement in crime reporting. Recent statistics show a slight decrease in overall incidents, with about 450 total crimes reported annually. Public safety initiatives focus on neighborhood watch programs and rapid emergency response.

Clare County, MI had 21,430 registered voters as of November 2022. The county holds primary, general, and special elections, with 23 polling locations across townships and cities. In the 2020 presidential election, 66% voted for the Republican candidate and 32% for the Democrat. Local issues include road funding and school millages. Elections are administered by the Clare County Clerk’s office, overseeing both major parties—Republican and Democratic—plus minor parties and independents. Voter turnout in 2020 was 65%.