Elections

Roscommon County, MI, had roughly 19,400 registered voters in 2022. Elections include local, state, and federal contests, plus millages and school board votes. In the 2020 presidential race, turnout was 69% with 61% voting Republican and 38% Democrat. The county operates 20 polling locations across 20 townships and villages; absentee ballots are common, with over 6,000 submitted in 2020. Key issues include property taxes, community services, and environmental regulations. Election administration is overseen by the Roscommon County Clerk, working with both Democratic and Republican party officials to ensure secure and transparent election processes.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Roscommon County, MI, had a population of 23,459. The median age was 54.7 years, reflecting a sizable older population. About 50.4% of residents were female and 49.6% male. Racially, the county was predominantly White (95.2%), with small percentages of Black or African American (0.6%), Native American (1.3%), Asian (0.3%), and those identifying as Hispanic or Latino (1.6%).

Education, Employment and Housing

Roscommon County, MI, has about 7 public schools, including Roscommon High School, serving roughly 2,000 students. High school graduation rates are around 86%, while only about 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school rankings fall near the state median, with schools scoring about 6/10 according to GreatSchools. The county offers vocational and adult education programs, focusing on workforce skills. School safety is emphasized, with incidents below the state average. Special education and extracurricular programs are available, supporting diverse learning needs.

Roscommon County, MI, had an unemployment rate of 6.1% in 2023. Key employment sectors include health care and social assistance (19%), retail trade (16%), and accommodation and food services (11%). Most workers are employed in office/administrative support (13%), sales (11%), and management occupations (10%). About 74% of residents commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 25 minutes. Major employment locations include Houghton Lake and Roscommon. Only 5% work from home, reflecting the rural nature of the county’s workforce.

Roscommon County, MI, has a homeownership rate of about 85%, with median home values around $135,000 in 2023, up 7% year-over-year. Rentals are less common, with average rents near $900/month. Housing mainly consists of single-family homes, cottages, and lakefront properties in neighborhoods like Houghton Lake, Prudenville, and Roscommon village. Property taxes average 1.4% of assessed value. The market is largely stable, with moderate demand for vacation and retirement homes.

County Crime & Safety

Roscommon County, MI, maintains a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported a violent crime rate of 188 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,235 per 100,000, both below Michigan’s average. The Roscommon County Sheriff’s Office promptly investigates incidents, while residents actively report suspicious activities through local hotlines. Regular community policing and neighborhood watch programs further enhance safety. Despite occasional theft and minor assaults, overall crime trends have remained steady, with a 2% decrease in total reported crimes compared to the previous year.