Leelanau County Public RecordsMichigan

Leelanau County, MI, features 8 public schools, including 2 high schools, serving about 1,400 students. Around 94% of adults are high school graduates, and 36% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school test score is 58% (above the national average). School safety is strong, with low incident rates reported. Adult education options are available through nearby community colleges. The county offers diverse educational programs, including STEM and arts integration. Overall, Leelanau County maintains a supportive and high-performing educational environment.

Leelanau County, MI, had an employment rate of approximately 58.7% in 2022. Top industries include healthcare & social assistance (18.3%), accommodation & food services (15.8%), and retail trade (11.5%). Leading occupation types are management (12.9%), food preparation (11.2%), and sales (10.7%). Roughly 75% of workers commute by car, with a median travel time of 25 minutes; about 59% work outside the county, often in Traverse City.

Leelanau County, MI, features a homeownership rate of about 85%, with median home values around $430,000 in 2024, rising steadily over the past five years. Rentals are scarce, with median rents at $1,350/month. The area mainly offers single-family homes, cottages, and lakefront properties. Popular neighborhoods include Suttons Bay, Leland, and Glen Arbor. Property taxes average 1.2% of assessed value. The market is competitive due to limited inventory, attracting retirees and seasonal residents seeking waterfront or rural homes.

Leelanau County, MI, has a 2023 estimated population of about 22,500. The median age is 53.5 years, indicating an older population. Approximately 50% are female and 50% male. Racially, the county is 93% White, 3% Native American, 2% Hispanic or Latino, 1% two or more races, and less than 1% African American or Asian. The population is largely non-Hispanic, with small but significant Native American and Hispanic communities.

Leelanau County, MI, had approximately 19,000 registered voters in 2022. Residents participate in federal, state, and local elections, including primaries, general, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential race, 54% voted Republican, 44% Democrat. There are 10 polling locations, managed by the Leelanau County Clerk’s office. Recent local issues include housing affordability and water quality. The county sees strong participation from both Republican and Democratic parties. Voter turnout often exceeds 75% in general elections. Election administration emphasizes transparency and security, complying with Michigan state regulations.

Leelanau County, MI, is considered a safe community with low crime rates. In 2022, the county reported a total of 85 crimes, including just 6 violent offenses (such as assault) and 79 property crimes (mainly larceny and burglary), resulting in a crime rate of approximately 2.9 per 1,000 residents—significantly below Michigan’s average. The Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office provides timely incident reporting and community safety updates, contributing to a strong sense of security among residents and visitors.