Kent County Public RecordsMichigan

Kent County, MI, has a 2023 estimated population of about 661,000. The median age is around 36 years; 24% are under 18 and 14% are over 65. The population is roughly 50.5% female and 49.5% male. Racially, the county is 70% White, 11% Black or African American, 11% Hispanic or Latino, 3% Asian, and 5% mixed or other races.

Kent County, MI, had over 460,000 registered voters for the 2020 general election. Key elections include local, state, and federal races, with turnout reaching 75% in major cycles. Elections are overseen by the Kent County Clerk’s Office, administering 231 polling locations. In 2022, Republicans won countywide offices, while Democrats gained ground in Grand Rapids precincts. Key issues include education funding and public safety. The county is politically mixed, with both major parties active. Recent ballots included millage renewals and school board seats. Election results and polling sites are published at accesskent.com.

Kent County, MI, has over 130 public schools, including 25+ high schools, with an average graduation rate of 87%. About 36% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county is home to major institutions like Grand Valley State University and Davenport University. Average standardized test scores align with state averages, and numerous adult education and specialized STEM programs are offered. School safety initiatives include regular drills and partnerships with law enforcement; incidents remain below the state average per 1,000 students. Kent ISD further supports students through career readiness and alternative education programs.

As of 2023, Kent County, MI, boasts an employment rate of approximately 97%, with major industries including health care and social assistance (15%), manufacturing (20%), and retail trade (10%). The predominant occupation types are management, business, science, and arts (33%), followed by sales and office occupations (22%). Around 81% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes; 71% of employees work within the county. Grand Rapids serves as the primary employment hub, hosting much of the county’s workforce.

Kent County, MI, boasts a homeownership rate of around 72%, with a median home value of approximately $256,000 as of 2024. Rental rates average $1,300 per month. The housing market has seen 6% annual growth, driven by desirable neighborhoods like East Grand Rapids, Cascade, and Ada. Housing types range from historic homes in Heritage Hill to new suburban developments. Property taxes average 1.57% of a home’s value. The county’s mix of urban Grand Rapids and suburban areas offers diverse living options and rising property values.

Kent County, MI, reported a crime rate of approximately 2,215 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2022, below the national average. Violent crimes, including aggravated assault and robbery, accounted for about 375 cases per 100,000, while property crimes—such as burglary and theft—were near 1,840 per 100,000. Local law enforcement emphasizes community policing and encourages residents to report suspicious activities, contributing to a steady crime decrease of around 8% since 2019. Overall, Kent County remains relatively safe, with crime rates gradually improving year over year.