Hillsdale County Public RecordsMichigan

As of the 2020 Census, Hillsdale County, MI has a population of approximately 45,746. The median age is 41.9 years. About 49.3% are male and 50.7% female. Racially, the county is 94.5% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 2.1% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals make up 3.9% of the population.

Hillsdale County, MI, has approximately 34,000 residents, with around 26,000 registered voters as of 2022. The county conducts local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections; in 2020, 71% voted, with 71% supporting the Republican presidential candidate. Common polling sites include schools and township halls. Issues such as school funding and agriculture dominate ballots. Elections are managed by the Hillsdale County Clerk’s office, overseen by both Democratic and Republican parties. The GOP holds a majority on the county board, reflecting the area’s conservative lean.

Hillsdale County, MI, has around 13 public K-12 schools, including Hillsdale High School and Jonesville High School, serving approximately 5,000 students. The high school graduation rate is about 88%, while 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is above average, with incidents per 1,000 students below the state median. Hillsdale County also offers adult education and vocational programs. Schools commonly score between 50–60 on state assessments (out of 100), and Hillsdale College provides higher education locally, expanding post-secondary educational opportunities.

Hillsdale County, MI, had an unemployment rate of 4.6% in 2023. Key industries include manufacturing (22%), health care and social assistance (16%), and retail trade (12%). Major occupations involve production (17%), office and administrative support (13%), and sales (10%). About 77% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 23 minutes; 67% work within the county, while 33% commute to neighboring areas such as Jackson and Lenawee counties. Hillsdale's employment landscape is shaped by its strong manufacturing base and significant healthcare sector.

Hillsdale County, MI, has a homeownership rate of about 79%, with a median home value of around $142,000 and median gross rent near $820 (2022 data). The housing market has seen values rise about 8% year-over-year. Single-family homes predominate, with some apartments and mobile homes. Notable neighborhoods include Hillsdale City and Jonesville. Property taxes average 1.35% of home value. The area is largely rural, with affordable options compared to state and national averages.

Hillsdale County, MI, experiences a crime rate lower than the national average, with a reported total crime rate of 1,370 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, comprise approximately 80% of reported cases, while violent crimes account for about 20%. The Sheriff's Office and local police actively encourage community reporting, resulting in a clearance rate of around 45%. While the area is generally safe, residents are advised to remain vigilant and participate in neighborhood watch programs.