Gratiot County Public RecordsMichigan

Gratiot County, MI, has 8 public high schools and several elementary/middle schools, with about 87% of adults holding a high school diploma and 17% a bachelor’s degree or higher (U.S. Census, 2022). Average high school graduation rates are around 90%, while standardized test scores fall near state averages. Educational programs include career-technical education and adult literacy initiatives. School safety is prioritized, with most districts reporting low incident rates and SROs in some schools. Adult education centers serve over 200 learners annually.

As of 2023, Gratiot County, MI, reported an employment rate of approximately 56%. Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (18%), manufacturing (17%), and retail trade (13%). The most common occupation types are production (15%), office and administrative support (14%), and sales (10%). Around 80% of employed residents commute to work by car, with an average commute time of 22 minutes. Most residents work within the county, but about 30% commute to neighboring counties such as Isabella and Midland for employment opportunities.

Gratiot County, MI, has a homeownership rate of about 75%, with a median home value near $110,000 and typical monthly rents around $700. Recent years have seen home values rise about 5% annually. Housing includes single-family homes, some apartments, and mobile homes, particularly in Alma and St. Louis neighborhoods. County property tax rates average about 1.8% of a home's value. The market is generally affordable, with stable prices and modest growth, attracting both families and retirees seeking rural communities and small-town living.

As of 2022, Gratiot County, MI, has a population of approximately 41,700. The median age is 40.6 years. About 49.8% are male and 50.2% female. The racial composition is predominantly White (91.9%), followed by Black or African American (2.9%), Hispanic or Latino (3.9%), Asian (0.5%), and those of two or more races (2.5%). The county features a largely non-Hispanic population, with Hispanic or Latino residents making up a small but notable minority.

Gratiot County, MI has roughly 27,800 residents, with about 19,400 registered voters as of 2024. The county holds general, primary, and special elections, with results in 2020 showing 64% voter turnout and a consistent Republican majority—Trump received 66% of the vote. Polling locations include schools and township halls across Alma, Ithaca, and other communities. Election issues often focus on agriculture, education, and infrastructure. The County Clerk’s office oversees elections, ensuring compliance. Both major parties have active local committees, with Republicans typically outnumbering Democrats in county-level offices and election outcomes.

Gratiot County, MI, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported an overall crime rate of approximately 1,150 incidents per 100,000 residents, with property crimes (burglary, theft) comprising about 80% of reported cases. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, accounted for roughly 5% of incidents. The county utilizes centralized reporting through the Michigan Incident Crime Reporting (MICR) system. Local law enforcement emphasizes community engagement and rapid response, contributing to a clearance rate of nearly 40% for reported crimes and ongoing efforts to further enhance public safety.