Luce County Public RecordsMichigan

Luce County, MI, serves students with around 3 public schools, including Newberry High School. The high school graduation rate is approximately 85%, while only about 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, well below state averages. School test scores generally fall below the Michigan state average. The schools offer standard educational programs, limited advanced placement (AP) options, and basic adult education resources. School safety reports are average, with few major incidents annually. Luce County emphasizes small class sizes and community involvement due to its rural setting and low total student population (under 800 students districtwide).

As of 2022, Luce County, MI, had an employment rate of approximately 47%, with a labor force participation rate of around 48%. The leading industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (22%), Public Administration (16%), and Retail Trade (13%). Major occupational types are Office & Administrative Support (16%) and Management (12%). About 77% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 19 minutes; over 82% work within the county, while a minority commute to neighboring Chippewa and Mackinac counties.

Luce County, MI, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with a median property value of approximately $116,000 in 2022. Median gross rent is around $682 per month. The housing market has seen steady growth, with property values rising nearly 10% since 2020. Most homes are single-family houses, though seasonal cabins are also common. Popular neighborhoods include Newberry and McMillan. The county property tax rate is roughly 1.5% of assessed value, below the national average, making Luce County attractive for both buyers and renters seeking affordable housing options in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Luce County, MI, had 4,034 registered voters as of 2022. Residents participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general contests. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received 65% of votes, while Joe Biden received 32%. Voting occurs at four township polling locations. Key issues include economic development and natural resource management. Elections are managed by the Luce County Clerk’s office. The county leans Republican in recent cycles, with GOP candidates routinely winning by significant margins. Both Democratic and Republican parties maintain local organizations to engage and mobilize voters.

As of the 2020 Census, Luce County, MI, had a population of 5,339. The median age was 48.9 years, with 51.3% male and 48.7% female residents. Racially, the county was 77.6% White, 10.3% Native American, 7.1% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 4.7% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprised 1.6% of the population.

Luce County, MI, is among Michigan’s safer regions, with a 2022 crime rate of approximately 1,260 incidents per 100,000 residents—well below the national average. Violent crimes are rare, with reported figures under 30 per year, while property crimes, mostly theft and burglary, account for nearly 80% of offenses. Local law enforcement emphasizes proactive community policing, resulting in over 90% of incidents being reported and investigated. Overall, Luce County maintains lower crime rates compared to state and national levels, offering a relatively safe environment for its approximately 6,200 residents.