County Crime & Safety

Gladwin County, MI, reports a relatively moderate crime rate compared to state averages. According to FBI 2022 data, the violent crime rate stands at approximately 2.6 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is around 8.9 per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the Michigan average. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, resulting in high clearance rates for major incidents. Overall, Gladwin County is considered safer than 52% of U.S. counties, with ongoing public safety programs and regular statistical reviews to maintain transparency and improve community confidence.

Education, Employment and Housing

Gladwin County, MI, has 12 public schools, including 2 high schools, and a high school graduation rate of about 88%. Around 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below Michigan’s average. School safety incidents are low, with minimal reported violent events. Schools offer varied educational programs, including vocational training and dual-enrollment options for college credit. Adult education programs are available through local community centers. Average test scores are near the state median, reflecting steady academic performance.

As of 2022, Gladwin County, MI, had an unemployment rate of approximately 5.6%. The largest employment sectors are Health Care & Social Assistance (21%), Manufacturing (15%), and Retail Trade (14%). The most common occupations include Production (13%) and Office & Administrative Support (12%). About 79% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 25 minutes; only 31% work within the county while the rest commute to neighboring areas, primarily Midland County. This county’s labor force participation rate stands near 53%.

Gladwin County, MI, has a homeownership rate of about 83%, with a median home value around $128,000 (2022). Median gross rent is approximately $755 monthly. The market has seen a slight rise in home values—up nearly 5% year-over-year. Housing types are mainly single-family homes, with some seasonal cottages near lakes. Key neighborhoods include Gladwin city and Beaverton. Property tax rates average 1.56% of assessed value. The area offers a mix of rural and suburban living, appealing to retirees and families seeking affordability and natural surroundings.

Elections

Gladwin County, MI has approximately 17,000 registered voters as of 2024. Residents participate in federal, state, and local elections, including school boards and millage proposals. In the 2020 presidential election, about 65% turned out, with 67% voting Republican and 31% Democrat. The county has over a dozen polling locations, overseen by the Gladwin County Clerk’s office. Main election issues include infrastructure and property taxes. Major parties are Republican and Democrat, with some Libertarian presence. Election administration follows Michigan state guidelines, with efforts to maintain accurate voter rolls and enhance absentee voting.

Demographics

As of 2023, Gladwin County, MI has an estimated population of approximately 25,300. The median age is about 49 years, with 22% under 18 and 24% aged 65 or older. The gender split is roughly even, with 50.1% male and 49.9% female. Racially, the population is predominantly White (95.4%), with smaller percentages of two or more races (2.8%), Hispanic or Latino (2%), and African American, Native American, and Asian residents each under 1%.