Van Buren County Public RecordsMichigan

Van Buren County, MI, had approximately 51,000 registered voters as of 2022. The county conducts general, primary, and special elections, with over 58% turnout in the 2020 presidential election. There are 27 polling locations across its townships and cities. Recent elections have shown a slight Republican majority; in 2020, Donald Trump received 53% of the county vote versus Joe Biden’s 45%. The County Clerk’s office administers elections, with voter concerns including absentee ballot access and redistricting. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active, with smaller third-party participation.

Van Buren County, MI, has 13 public high schools and several private institutions. About 89% of adults have a high school diploma, but only around 19% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school ratings fall near 5/10 (GreatSchools). The county emphasizes adult education, notably through Van Buren ISD’s programs. School safety meets state standards, and schools offer vocational, STEM, and agricultural programs. The region continues to invest in college and career readiness initiatives to improve graduation and post-secondary enrollment rates.

As of 2023, Van Buren County, MI has an employment rate of approximately 59%. Leading industries include manufacturing (20%), health care and social assistance (16%), and retail trade (12%). The most common occupations are production (13%), office and administrative support (12%), and sales (9%). About 83% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 22 minutes; over 40% work outside the county, mainly in Kalamazoo and Berrien counties. Remote work accounts for about 8% of the workforce.

Van Buren County, MI, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values near $180,000 and median rents around $900/month. Recent years have seen property values rise nearly 5% annually. Housing types range from rural single-family homes to lakeside cottages and small-town neighborhoods, particularly in areas like South Haven and Paw Paw. County property tax rates average 1.6% of assessed value. Rental options are more limited and typically centered around towns and lake-adjacent communities, while most rural areas consist of owner-occupied homes with larger lots.

As of 2022, Van Buren County, Michigan, has an estimated population of 75,587. The median age is 42.5 years. About 49.6% are male and 50.4% female. Racially, the county is 82.5% White, 4.2% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 9.8% from other races; 13.5% identify as Hispanic or Latino. The population under 18 makes up 21.8%, while those 65 and older comprise 19.3%.

Van Buren County, MI, has a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 1,220 total crimes, including 110 violent crimes and 1,110 property crimes, per Michigan State Police data. The overall crime rate stands at about 18.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. Most incidents involve theft and burglary, with limited but notable occurrences of assault. Crime reporting is managed by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, encouraging public cooperation. Safety measures and regular community patrols have contributed to a gradual decline in crime rates over recent years.