Ontonagon County Public RecordsMichigan

Ontonagon County, MI, has 4 public schools serving K-12 students, including one high school. About 88% of residents hold a high school diploma, but only around 17% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is above state average, with low reported incidents. Educational programs include career and technical options, though advanced placement opportunities are limited. Average test scores are close to the Michigan average, with recent SAT scores near 960. Adult education centers offer GED and vocational training to support lifelong learning in the community.

As of 2022, Ontonagon County, MI, had an employment rate of approximately 47.9%. The largest industries were Health Care & Social Assistance (18.5%), Manufacturing (14.8%), and Retail Trade (11.7%). The most common occupations included Office & Administrative Support (13.2%), Sales (12.7%), and Production (10.5%). About 77.6% of residents worked within the county, with an average commute time of 18.6 minutes. A smaller proportion, around 13.1%, commuted to nearby counties for employment.

Ontonagon County, MI, boasts a high homeownership rate of approximately 84%, with median home values near $90,000 as of 2023. Rental options are limited, and median rents hover around $600/month. Single-family homes predominate, with some seasonal cabins and few multi-unit properties. Popular neighborhoods include the village of Ontonagon and White Pine. Housing prices have remained steady, reflecting minimal market volatility. Property taxes are modest, averaging $1,000 annually for a median home. The area’s affordability and rural charm attract retirees and outdoor enthusiasts.

As of the 2020 Census, Ontonagon County, MI, had a population of 5,816. The median age was 56.6 years, reflecting a predominantly older population. Gender distribution was nearly balanced, with 50.1% male and 49.9% female. Racially, the county was 96.7% White, 0.5% Native American, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.7% identifying as two or more races; Hispanic or Latino residents comprised 0.7%.

Ontonagon County, MI, reports notably low crime rates compared to state and national averages. In 2023, the county had a violent crime rate of 68.2 per 100,000 residents, far below Michigan's average of 478. Property crime rates were also low at 210 per 100,000 people. Law enforcement agencies reported a total of 9 violent crimes and 28 property crimes. The county’s strong community ties and active local policing contribute to its reputation as a safe, rural area. Crime statistics are annually reported to the Michigan State Police and the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program.

Ontonagon County, MI, had 5,163 registered voters as of 2022. It holds elections for federal, state, and local offices, including ballots on millages and referendums. In the 2020 presidential election, 65% voted Republican and 33% Democrat. There are 9 polling locations across 9 townships and 1 village. Common issues include economic development and public services. The County Clerk administers elections, ensuring compliance with Michigan law. Major parties are Republican and Democrat, with Republicans generally prevailing. Voter turnout was 68% in 2020.