Saint Joseph County Public RecordsMichigan

As of the 2020 Census, Saint Joseph County, MI had a population of about 60,939. The median age was 39.2 years. Approximately 49.5% were male and 50.5% female. Racially, the county was 89% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, 0.5% Native American, and 4.5% identifying as two or more races; Hispanic or Latino individuals made up 6.8% of the population.

Saint Joseph County, MI, has 11 public high schools and a total of 22 public schools serving around 6,900 students. About 85% graduate high school, but only approximately 16% of adults age 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average district score on Michigan’s M-STEP test is around 40%. School safety is a focus, with resource officers in several schools. The county offers adult education and career/technical programs, including those at the St. Joseph County ISD, supporting workforce readiness and lifelong learning.

As of 2022, Saint Joseph County, MI had an employment rate of 57.1%. Major industries include manufacturing (28.5% of jobs), health care and social assistance (12.4%), and retail trade (10.1%). The most common occupation types are production (17.6%), office and administrative support (11.8%), and management (8.9%). Around 80% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 22 minutes; 61.7% work within the county, while others commute to nearby counties like Kalamazoo and Elkhart.

Saint Joseph County, MI has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $180,000 as of 2023, reflecting steady growth over recent years. Median gross rent is approximately $900 monthly. Housing types predominantly include single-family homes, with some multi-family units in towns like Three Rivers and Sturgis. Notable neighborhoods offer a mix of rural and suburban settings. Property taxes average 1.4% of assessed value, or about $2,500 annually for a median-priced home. The market remains affordable compared to state and national averages, attracting both families and retirees.

Saint Joseph County, MI, reported a total crime rate of approximately 1,850 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2022, below the Michigan state average. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, accounted for about 390 cases per 100,000, while property crime—burglary and theft mainly—reached around 1,460 per 100,000. Law enforcement actively encourages public reporting via local hotlines and online portals, aiding in resolving over 60% of reported cases. Despite slight year-over-year fluctuations, the county maintains a moderate safety level compared to neighboring regions.

Saint Joseph County, MI had approximately 39,000 registered voters in 2022. Elections include local, state, and federal contests, with polling at 18 precinct locations. In the 2020 presidential election, 59% voted Republican, 39% Democrat. Elections are overseen by the St. Joseph County Clerk’s office, ensuring compliance and ballot integrity. Key issues include economic development and infrastructure. The county is politically competitive, with both major parties actively campaigning. Voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Absentee ballots have increased, with over 10,000 requested in recent elections, reflecting statewide trends.