County Crime & Safety

Ingham County, MI, reported a crime rate of approximately 33.8 per 1,000 residents in 2023. Violent crime, including robbery and assault, accounted for roughly 4.5 per 1,000 people, while property crimes stood at 29.3 per 1,000. Compared to national averages, Ingham County’s crime rate is somewhat higher, particularly for property-related offenses. The county’s law enforcement agencies encourage prompt crime reporting and community participation to improve safety. Recent trends show a slight decrease in violent crime rates but a steady level of property crime incidents in the region.

Demographics

As of 2023, Ingham County, MI has an estimated population of about 292,000. The median age is 33. Females make up 51%, while males account for 49%. Racially, the county is approximately 67% White, 12% Black or African American, 8% Asian, and 7% Hispanic or Latino, with multiracial and other groups comprising the remainder. This diverse population reflects the presence of Michigan State University and urban centers like Lansing.

Elections

Ingham County, MI, had approximately 210,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts general, primary, and local elections, with major parties including Democrats and Republicans. In the 2020 presidential election, 65% voted Democratic, 33% Republican. Voters cast ballots at over 60 polling locations. Key issues include education funding and infrastructure. Elections are administered by the Ingham County Clerk’s Office, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. Recent registration efforts have aimed to increase participation in student-heavy East Lansing. Notably, turnout exceeded 70% in recent general elections.

Education, Employment and Housing

Ingham County, MI has approximately 40 public high schools and several private institutions, with a high school graduation rate of 83%. About 34.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district features robust adult education programs and career-technical centers. Average standardized test proficiency scores for public schools hover around 46% in reading and 37% in math. School safety initiatives are widely implemented, with over 90% of schools reporting comprehensive safety plans. Educational enrichment programs, including STEM and arts, are offered in most schools, supporting diverse student interests.

Ingham County, MI, had an employment rate of approximately 96% in 2023. Key industries include education and health services (30%), government (20%), and retail trade (10%). Occupation types are led by management, business, science, and arts (38%), followed by service occupations (18%). About 81% of workers commute by car, and 16% work outside the county, primarily in Lansing and East Lansing. The mean commute time is around 21 minutes.

Ingham County, MI, features a homeownership rate of around 57% and a median home value near $186,000 as of 2023. Median rent is about $1,100 monthly. The housing market has seen a 5% home price increase year-over-year. Popular neighborhoods include East Lansing, Holt, and Okemos, offering a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Property taxes average 1.96% of assessed value, slightly above the national average. Diverse housing accommodates students, families, and professionals, and proximity to Michigan State University shapes local demand and pricing trends.