Newaygo County Public RecordsMichigan

Newaygo County, MI, has nine public school districts with approximately 16 schools, including five high schools. The high school graduation rate is around 85%, while about 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Standardized test scores are below the Michigan average, with proficiency rates in math and reading at around 35% and 45%, respectively. Adult education options include GED programs. School safety is a priority, with most schools reporting below-average incident rates. Educational programs such as career and technical education (CTE) are available across several schools.

As of 2022, Newaygo County, MI had an employment rate of approximately 57%. The leading industries are manufacturing (18%), health care and social assistance (17%), and retail trade (13%). Major occupation types include production (12%), office/administrative support (11%), and sales (10%). About 30% of residents work outside the county, with the median commute time being 27 minutes. Notably, Fremont and Newaygo serve as primary employment hubs within the county.

Newaygo County, MI, offers a rural housing market where about 80% of residents own homes and the rest rent. The median home value is around $181,000 (2023), reflecting a rise of nearly 5% year-over-year. Popular housing types include single-family homes, lakefront cottages, and manufactured houses, with neighborhoods like Fremont and Croton among the most sought-after. Median gross rent is about $925. Property taxes average 1.4% of assessed value, making them relatively affordable. The area remains appealing for both first-time buyers and retirees due to its mix of affordable housing and scenic surroundings.

As of the 2020 Census, Newaygo County, MI, had a population of approximately 49,978. The median age was 42.9 years. The gender distribution was about 50.1% male and 49.9% female. Racially, the county was 92.3% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 2.6% identifying with two or more races; 5.9% of residents were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Newaygo County, MI, had approximately 36,000 registered voters as of 2022. The county conducts local, state, and federal elections, with the 2020 presidential results favoring Donald Trump (70.7%) over Joe Biden (27.4%). Voters can cast ballots at 27 precinct polling locations across 24 townships and cities. Key issues locally include economic development and infrastructure. Elections are overseen by the County Clerk, assisted by bipartisan election boards. The Republican Party dominates local offices, though the Democratic Party remains active. Turnout in recent major elections often exceeds 60%, reflecting strong civic participation.

Newaygo County, MI, has a crime rate lower than the national average, with a violent crime rate of about 2.4 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 11.9 per 1,000. In 2022, the county reported 107 violent crimes and 541 property crimes, according to FBI data. The Sheriff's Department actively encourages community crime reporting through its online and anonymous tip lines, contributing to improved local safety and responsiveness. Overall, Newaygo County is considered a relatively safe area compared to both state and national statistics.