Education, Employment and Housing
Delta County, MI, has 18 public schools, including 4 high schools, serving about 4,200 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 90%, while about 15% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools report average standardized test scores near the state mean. The county offers adult education and career training programs, and most schools prioritize safety, participating in the OK2SAY tip line. Educational offerings include Advanced Placement (AP), career technical education, and special education support, contributing to a well-rounded learning environment.
As of 2022, Delta County, MI, had an employment rate of approximately 57.8%. The largest industries are manufacturing (14.6%), healthcare and social assistance (21.7%), and retail trade (12.6%). Common occupations include production (11.8%), office/administrative support (13.5%), and sales (10.4%). The median commute time is about 18.7 minutes, with 78% commuting by car and over 75% working within fifteen miles of home. Major employment hubs include Escanaba and Gladstone.
Delta County, MI has a homeownership rate of about 81%, with median home values near $130,000 and typical monthly rents around $800. Property values have risen approximately 7% over the past year. Housing consists mainly of single-family homes, with some apartments in Escanaba and Gladstone neighborhoods. Property tax rates average 1.4% of assessed value. Rural and lakeshore areas offer larger lots, while city neighborhoods provide proximity to schools and amenities. The housing market remains affordable compared to state averages, attracting families and retirees alike.
County Crime & Safety
Delta County, MI, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 2.5 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes occurred at 12.3 per 1,000 residents. The sheriff’s department and Escanaba Police reported a total of about 224 criminal incidents, primarily property-related. Community policing and timely reporting contribute to effective crime management. The clearance rate for major offenses is estimated at 34%, reflecting ongoing efforts to solve crimes and maintain public safety.
Elections
Delta County, MI, had 27,842 registered voters as of 2022. The county conducts local, state, and federal elections, including recent 2022 gubernatorial and local school board races. In the 2020 presidential election, 61% voted Republican and 37% Democrat. Polling locations span 24 precincts, such as Escanaba High School. Key issues often include jobs, education, and infrastructure. Elections are overseen by the Delta County Clerk’s Office, under strict state and federal laws. The primary parties are Republican and Democratic, with occasional third-party candidates. Voter turnout averages 68% in presidential elections and 44% in midterms.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Delta County, MI, had a population of approximately 36,900. The median age was 47.6 years. Gender distribution was nearly even, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female. The racial makeup was 92.6% White, 2.2% Native American, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 4.6% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). This demographic highlights an older, predominantly White population with small but present minority groups.
Popular names
- David Johnson
- Mary Johnson
- James Johnson
- Daniel Johnson
- Deborah Johnson
- Robert Johnson
- Robert Robinson
- Jason Lofquist
- Jennifer Johnson
- Robert Anderson
- David King
- John Anderson
- Michael Johnson
- Robert Miller
- Robert Roberts
- Sarah Johnson
- Amanda Anderson
- Donald Cousineau
- John Miller
- Mary Anderson
- Mary Nelson
- Robert Robertson
- Robert Willis
- Sara Larson
- Scott Carlson
- Amanda Olson
- Barbara Nelson
- Brian Carlson
- Daniel Smith
- Daniel Young
- Darrel Hardwick
- David Williams
- Derek Germain
- Donald Carlson
- Dwaine Berbohm
- Gary Johnson
- Heather Johnson
- Holly Johnson
- Jack Smith
- James Anderson
- James Larson
- Jamie Lafave
- Jason Johnson
- Jeff Johnson
- John Johnson
- John King
- Joshua Johnson
- Julie Chouinard
- Kelly Smith
- Mary Carlson
- Mary Smith
- Matt Smith
- Michael Anderson
- Michael Casey
- Michael Hill
- Michael Nelson
- Michael Smith
- Patricia Anderson
- Rachelmary Palmer
- Richard Johnson
Other Counties in Michigan
- Alcona
- Alger
- Allegan
- Alpena
- Antrim
- Arenac
- Baraga
- Barry
- Bay
- Benzie
- Berrien
- Branch
- Calhoun
- Cass
- Charlevoix
- Cheboygan
- Chippewa
- Clare
- Clinton
- Crawford
- Dickinson
- Eaton
- Emmet
- Genesee
- Gladwin
- Gogebic
- Grand Traverse
- Gratiot
- Hillsdale
- Houghton
- Huron
- Ingham
- Ionia
- Iosco
- Iron
- Isabella
- Jackson
- Kalamazoo
- Kalkaska
- Kent
- Keweenaw
- Lake
- Lapeer
- Leelanau
- Lenawee
- Livingston
- Luce
- Mackinac
- Macomb
- Manistee