Ogemaw County Public RecordsMichigan

Ogemaw County, MI has about 8 public schools, including 2 high schools. Around 87% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 13% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 4/10 by GreatSchools. Educational programs focus on career-tech and special education. Adult education is offered through the Ogemaw ISD. School safety incidents are below the state average, with proactive measures in place.

Ogemaw County, MI, has an unemployment rate of approximately 5.9% (as of 2023). The largest employment sectors are health care and social assistance (18%), retail trade (15%), and manufacturing (13%). Common occupations include office and administrative support (14%) and sales (11%). Around 82% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 28 minutes; about 31% work outside the county. Major employment hubs nearby include West Branch and neighboring counties.

Ogemaw County, MI has a homeownership rate of about 82%, with median home values around $135,000 in 2023. The median gross rent is approximately $760 per month. Property values have risen modestly over the past year, reflecting a stable, rural market. Housing mostly consists of single-family homes and cottages, with newer builds and older homes found in neighborhoods like West Branch and Rose City. Ogemaw County’s average effective property tax rate is about 1.41%, lower than the national average, making it an affordable location for both homeowners and renters.

Ogemaw County, MI, reports a crime rate lower than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 9.1 per 1,000, based on recent FBI data. The county’s total crime rate is approximately 11.5 per 1,000 people. Most incidents are property-related, such as theft and burglary. Law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, contributing to a steady decline in crime over recent years. Overall, Ogemaw County is considered a relatively safe area compared to other regions in Michigan.

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Ogemaw County, MI, had a population of approximately 20,770. The median age was 48.9 years, reflecting an older population. Around 49.3% were male and 50.7% female. The county is predominantly White (94.1%), with Native American (1.5%), African American (0.4%), Asian (0.3%), and those identifying as two or more races (3.1%). Hispanic or Latino individuals made up 1.9% of the population.

Ogemaw County, MI, has approximately 14,000 registered voters as of 2024. It conducts primary, general, and special elections, with the 2020 presidential turnout at 68% (about 9,500 votes). The county leans Republican—Donald Trump received 70% of the 2020 vote. Polling locations include 18 precincts spread across townships and West Branch. Key issues include local school funding and road maintenance, with voters divided along party lines—about 55% Republican, 40% Democrat, and 5% other. Elections are administered by the Ogemaw County Clerk’s office, ensuring compliance with Michigan and federal election laws.