Benzie County

As of the 2020 Census, Benzie County, MI, has a population of approximately 17,000 people. The racial composition is about 96.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.6% African American. The median age is 49 years. The county has 7,281 households with an average household size of 2.28 people. Median household income is around $51,036, with 11.2% of the population living below the poverty line.

As of recent data, Benzie County, MI, has a median home value of approximately $210,000. The median rent is about $800 per month. The homeownership rate stands at 78%, and about 22% of residents are renters. The housing market has shown steady appreciation over recent years, with a 5% year-over-year increase in home values. The average household size is around 2.4 individuals. Note that these values may vary with new data.

In Benzie County, MI, elections typically feature races for various local, state, and federal offices. As of the most recent elections, specific positions included County Commissioners, Sheriff, Clerk, Treasurer, and various township offices. For state positions, residents vote in Michigan's gubernatorial, senatorial, and House of Representatives races, while federal elections include U.S. President, Senate, and House seats.

For example, in a recent county commission race, candidates might include John Smith (incumbent, 55% of the vote) and Jane Doe (challenger, 45%). Exact numbers will vary based on current data; always refer to the Benzie County Clerk's office or the Michigan Secretary of State's website for the most precise and up-to-date results. Election participation rates, demographic data, voting methods (including absentee ballots), and polling locations will also provide context for electoral engagement in Benzie County.

Benzie County, MI has a relatively educated population compared to national and state averages. As of 2023, approximately 91% of the county's adults age 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, which is comparable to the national average of around 88% and slightly above the Michigan state average of about 89%. When it comes to higher education, around 27% of Benzie County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is somewhat lower than the national average of 33% and the state average of 31%. Overall, while Benzie County performs well in terms of high school graduation rates, it slightly lags behind in higher education attainment compared to broader averages.

As of the latest data available, Benzie County, MI, has a labor force of approximately 7,000 individuals. The unemployment rate stands around 5%, somewhat higher than the national average of roughly 3.8% and Michigan's state average of about 4.6%.

Top industries in Benzie County include:

1. Tourism and Hospitality: driven by its picturesque landscapes and attractions like Sleeping Bear Dunes.
2. Agriculture: particularly fruit farming, with a focus on cherries and apples.
3. Manufacturing: often smaller-scale, locally-owned operations.
4. Healthcare and Social Assistance: reflecting the aging population and local healthcare needs.

Compared to national averages, Benzie County has a higher concentration of workers in agriculture and tourism but lower in high-tech industries. Michigan's state economy leans more heavily on manufacturing, especially automotive, compared to Benzie County's diversified but smaller-scale industrial base.

As of the most recent data, Benzie County, MI, has a median household income of approximately $53,000. This is lower than both the state and national averages. Michigan's median household income is around $59,500, while the national median household income stands at approximately $68,700.

In comparison, Benzie County's income is about 11% lower than the state average and 23% lower than the national average.

This income disparity highlights economic challenges faced by residents in Benzie County relative to broader state and national economic conditions.

As of 2021, Benzie County, MI, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The crime rate per 1,000 residents in Benzie County includes various categories of crimes:

These values indicate that Benzie County experiences relatively low incidents of both violent and property crimes, making it a generally safe place to live.