Kalkaska County Public RecordsMichigan

Kalkaska County, MI, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported 75 property crimes and 16 violent crimes, with a total crime rate of approximately 10.4 per 1,000 residents. The Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office actively promotes community safety, with prompt crime reporting and public safety initiatives. While occasional thefts and burglaries occur, incidents of violent crime remain rare, contributing to a generally safe environment for residents and visitors.

Kalkaska County, MI, has 7 public schools, including Kalkaska High School, and no local colleges; about 86% of adults have a high school diploma, while around 13% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average student-teacher ratio is approximately 18:1, with school safety rated above the state average in recent surveys. Educational programs include career and technical education, early college options, and adult education services. State report card scores rate most schools in the county at or slightly below the Michigan state average, reflecting ongoing efforts for academic improvement.

As of 2022, Kalkaska County, MI, had an employment rate of approximately 55.7%. The leading industries include health care and social assistance (13.5%), retail trade (12.9%), and manufacturing (12.3%). Most residents work in management, sales, and office occupations. About 80% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 29 minutes. The majority of employed residents (over 65%) work outside the county, primarily commuting to Grand Traverse and Antrim counties for work, reflecting the region's largely rural and interconnected local economy.

Kalkaska County, MI, features a homeownership rate of around 80%, with median home values near $175,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $850 per month. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, with some seasonal cabins and manufactured homes. Property values have risen over 30% since 2020, reflecting increased demand. Notable neighborhoods include Kalkaska Village and Rapid City. The average property tax rate is about 1.3%, translating to annual taxes near $2,275 for a median-priced home. The county’s blend of rural charm and affordability attracts both residents and seasonal homeowners.

As of the 2020 Census, Kalkaska County, MI, had a population of 17,939. The median age is 44.4 years, with 49.8% male and 50.2% female. Racially, the county is predominantly White (94.1%), with smaller proportions of Native American (1.5%), Black or African American (0.4%), Asian (0.4%), and those identifying as two or more races (3.1%). Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.6% of the population, reflecting limited ethnic diversity in the county.

Kalkaska County, Michigan, has approximately 13,300 registered voters as of 2022. Residents participate in federal, state, and local elections, including primaries and general elections; in the 2020 Presidential election, 68% voted Republican and 30% Democrat. Polling locations include township halls across 12 townships. Key issues often include forestry management and road funding. Elections are administered by the Kalkaska County Clerk’s office. The area is predominantly Republican, with the GOP holding most local offices. In-person and absentee voting options are available, and recent turnout was around 65%.